:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Carwile-metal-daybed-gray-Jay-Wilde-dac99ffd19964fadb96e118141636a5d.jpg)
The Spruce / Jay Wilde
Sofas by day and sleepers by night, daybeds are an ideal solution for multi-use spaces. Of course, they're not all created equal, so we consulted an expert for buying tips and researched the comfiest, most versatile models—including a few with built-in trundle beds.
"You will want a comfortable mattress that can be used for sitting as well as supporting your body when lying down," says sleep specialist Nicole Shallow. Other features to look for include mattress size and level of assembly. To help you find the best daybed for your home, we researched the top options on the market with these features in mind. Our favorite is the Room & Board Jasper Daybed because it has a customizable design with a hardwood frame and over 250 upholstery options.
Scroll down for the best daybeds, backed by our research.
Best Overall
Room & Board Jasper Daybed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/room--board-jasper-daybed-f8d5d1ee777e42ff9a05b57a2f0aa851.jpg)
Room & Board
Customizable
No mattress needed
Arrives fully assembled
Great for small spaces
Takes weeks to ship
Inexact sleeper size
No backrest
The elegant yet understated Jasper Daybed from Room & Board is a versatile, mid-century modern beauty. It has a sturdy hardwood frame, slender legs, two bolster cushions, and high-resiliency foam cushions wrapped in down and poly fibers. Shallow says a daybed like this "is perfect for a smaller space, someone who enjoys doing things laying down, or curling up when sleeping." And thanks to the comfy and supportive bench-style cushion, you don't need to buy a mattress separately.
There are two lengths available (71 and 86 inches). Though inexact, they're roughly the size of twin and twin XL sleepers. You can choose between five leg styles and over 250 upholstery options, including nearly 200 stain-resistant performance fabrics. The Jasper doesn't have a backrest, so you'll probably want to place it against a wall and get some large cushions to line it for daytime use. Another thing to note is that since this daybed is made-to-order, it'll take weeks to ship. But the Jasper arrives fully assembled and will be placed in your room of choice.
Price at time of publish: $1,599
Dimensions: 86 x 35 x 27 inches, 71 x 35 x 27 inches | Seat Height: 19 inches | Mattress Size: 64 x 35 inches | Materials: Fabric upholstery, foam and down/poly-fiber cushion, solid wood frame | Trundle Included: No
Best Budget
Vecelo Classic Metal Daybed Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vecelo-classic-metal-daybed-frame-dfc5741c07704f139bee0dea18824532.jpg)
Amazon
Comes in various colors
Versatile
Durable
Assembly required
Mattress not included
At under $200, Vecelo makes a great budget pick. The Classic Metal Daybed is made of metal and supports up to 300 pounds of weight. Available in your choice of black or white, the simple aesthetic is versatile enough to complement almost any decor scheme. Although there is no trundle function, the frame has a 13-inch under-bed clearance, is made from durable metal, and can last for years.
Since it's only a frame, you'll have to get your own mattress and backrest cushions. But unlike other daybeds that limit mattress thickness, this one accommodates any twin-size model. It calls for two-person assembly, but considering the wallet-friendly price, it’s worth the extra effort.
Price at time of publish: $131
Dimensions: 78 x 41 x 39 inches | Seat Height: 13 inches |Mattress Size: Twin | Materials: Metal | Trundle Included: No
Best Splurge
Interior Define Asher Leather Daybed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/interior-define-asher-leather-daybed-0196920a2c7b413b86ed5f479557ae0b.jpg)
Interior Define
Customizable
No mattress needed
White-glove delivery
No backrest
Takes weeks to ship
Inexact sleeper size
If you have a larger budget, consider the Asher Leather Daybed from Interior Define. This stunning piece has a wood frame and firm yet cushy foam cushioning wrapped in your choice of down or down-alternative fill. Available in three lengths and two depths, the customizable dimensions come out to about the size of a twin or full bed. Note that there are no back cushions, so you may need to buy extra for daytime use.
You can also choose from 11 leg styles and eight leather upholstery colors. This made-to-order daybed will take weeks to ship. However, you can buy it now, order a few leather swatches, then decide on your upholstery later without delaying your shipment. Also, Interior Define offers white-glove delivery, so it arrives fully assembled and placed in your room of choice.
Price at time of publish: $2,595
Dimensions: Customizable | Seat Height: 19 inches | Mattress Size: Varies | Materials: Wood frame, foam and down or down-alternative cushions, leather upholstery | Trundle Included: No
Best for Kids
Little Seeds Valentina Upholstered Daybed with Trundle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/little-seeds-valentina-upholstered-daybed-with-trundle-0d8ded41490d4935ae3c705ffc1fe4fa.jpg)
Amazon
Versatile
Has a backrest
Comes in various colors
Mattresses not included
Assembly required
For kids' bedrooms, we recommend the Little Seeds Valentina Daybed. It has a wood frame and soft velvet upholstery in blush, blue, or gray. The main sofa has a tufted backrest that wraps around the sides and space for a twin mattress of any thickness. Meanwhile, the base pulls out into a trundle bed that fits another twin mattress up to 6 inches thick. Casters make it easy to roll out, and it locks into place until you're ready to push it back in.
The daybed can support 400 pounds, and the trundle can support up to 250 pounds. We like that the design is kid-friendly but also versatile enough that it could transition into tween, teen, or even guest room furniture. It does require assembly, although it is available at some retailers that offer professional assembly for an extra cost.
Price at time of publish: $535
Dimensions: 83.5 x 45 x 32.5 inches | Seat Height: Not listed | Mattress Size: Twin | Materials: Wood frame, velvet upholstery | Trundle Included: Yes
Best for Teens
Pottery Barn Teen Bailey Daybed with Trundle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pottery-barn-teen-bailey-daybed-with-trundle-4289a871b2d04620a56990310c5650ea.jpg)
Pottery Barn
Versatile
Comes in various colors
White-glove delivery
Takes weeks to ship
Mattress not included
If you're furnishing a teen bedroom, go with the Bailey Daybed from PB Teen. It has a sustainably sourced wood frame and velvet linen upholstery in four neutral hues to match any bedroom decor. The clean-lined backrest and armrests offer support for sitting, and the base rolls out into a trundle bed for sleepovers.
We like that the Bailey is available in a twin or full size. You can add mattresses to your order or buy them separately, but make sure the trundle mattress is no thicker than 5 inches. While this made-to-order piece takes weeks to ship, Pottery Barn's white-glove delivery service includes in-home assembly. The price is steep for a teen's bed, but you can continue to use this high-quality, multi-use piece for several years to come during your empty-nester stage.
Price at time of publish: $2,399
Dimensions: 84 x 45 x 40 inches, 84 x 60 x 40 inches | Seat Height: 18.5 inches | Mattress Size: Twin or full | Materials: Plywood and rubberwood frame, velvet linen upholstery | Trundle Included: Yes
Best for Small Spaces
West Elm Shelter Daybed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/west-elm-shelter-daybed-1c882f376f05493288d876bad4f8ee09.jpg)
West Elm
Cushions double as a backrest
Customizable
White-glove delivery
No mattress needed
Inexact sleeper size
Takes weeks to ship
"A daybed may be good for small apartments/spaces, as it is multi-purpose," says Shallow. If you're short on square footage, West Elm's Shelter Petite Daybed might be your best bet. The smaller version is roughly the size of a twin bed, and the fiber-wrapped foam and spring bench cushion doubles as a mattress. (There's also an 86-inch option if you can fit something bigger.)
While it doesn't have a backrest, the reversible cushions can be moved to the back. This expertly-designed piece has a kiln-dried hardwood frame with reinforced joinery. You can choose from over 150 upholstery materials, including many performance fabrics. The Shelter Daybed will take weeks to ship, but we think the classy, long-lasting design is worth the wait.
Price at time of publish: $1,299
Dimensions: 71 x 32 x 28.5 inches, 86 x 39 x 31 inches| Seat Height: 17 inches | Mattress Size: Twin | Materials: Solid and engineered wood frame, spring and fiber-wrapped foam cushions, fabric upholstery | Trundle Included: No
Best for Multi-Use Spaces
Article Divan Left Daybed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/article-divan-left-daybed-8b1f8d70d6e941d6a518388c3e1fc04b.jpg)
Article
No mattress needed
Durable
Versatile
Assembly required
Inexact sleeper size
Designing a guest room/home office combo, bonus room, loft, studio, or another multi-use space? Check out Article's Divan Daybed. Don't let the pared-down aesthetic fool you. With reversible arm and back supports and two moveable cushions, this clever piece can transform into several configurations, including a couch, chaise, futon, and sleeper. "You can use it as a bed for yourself or guests without having to take up too much room," says Shallow. It also matches well with many decor styles.
The Divan is available in a left or right orientation. It has a kiln-dried pine wood frame and a foam bench with sinuous spring suspension, so you won't need to buy a mattress separately. Just know the sleeper dimensions are slightly smaller than a full-size mattress. Also, partial assembly is required, but it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Dimensions: 76 x 47 x 33 inches | Seat Height: 17 inches | Mattress Size: 76 x 47 inches | Materials: Solid wood frame, metal legs, spring and foam/feather cushions, fabric upholstery | Trundle Included: No
Best for Corners
Kelly Clarkson Home Landis Twin Daybed
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kelly-clarkson-home-landis-twin-daybed-fb405bc630e24f03b4a607832630cc7e.jpg)
Way Fair
Reasonably priced
Sleigh bed-inspired design
Fits thicker mattresses
Mattress not included
Assembly required
If you're looking for something to fill a corner, we suggest the Landis Daybed by Kelly Clarkson Home. This sleigh bed-inspired piece has a wood frame and a sloped back and armrest on one side. It comes in your choice of royal blue or dove gray velvet upholstery.
The Landis can accommodate a twin mattress up to 10 inches thick, which you'll have to buy separately. This chaise-sleeper combo has a traditional appeal and a subtle hint of glam. The price is more reasonable than other daybeds on our list, but we should note it calls for a two-person assembly and has a relatively low weight capacity of 250 pounds. However, the assembly should take no longer than 30 minutes.
Price at time of publish: $260
Dimensions: 80 x 40 x 36 inches | Seat Height: 11.5 inches | Mattress Size: Twin | Materials: Wood frame, velvet upholstery | Trundle Included: No
Best with Storage
South Shore Sweedi
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/south-shore-sweedi-816ca479d43142d6aabf5a85eea188ef.jpg)
WAY FAIR
Reasonably priced
Durable
Versatile
Assembly required
Mattress not included
If you’re looking for an option with extra storage, we recommend the South Shore Sweedi Daybed. It's made of solid pine wood and has two large drawers that slide out on smooth-rolling casters. You can use the built-in storage to stash bedding, extra pillows, books, toys, games, clothes—you name it.
This Scandinavian-style piece fits any twin mattress—no limit on the thickness and no box spring needed. It also lends itself to various decor styles, making it a versatile pick. It's reasonably priced and promises to last several years without creaking or getting rickety. Just a heads up, you'll need to recruit a buddy when assembling it. And since it doesn't have a backrest, we recommend placing it against a wall with a few large cushions.
Price at time of publish: $440
Dimensions: 77 x 42.5 x 26 inches | Seat Height: approximately 11 inches | Mattress Size: Twin | Materials: Solid pine wood | Trundle Included: No
Best with Trundle
Mr. Kate Daphne Upholstered Daybed With Trundle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mr-kate-daphne-upholstered-daybed-with-trundle-48592a3688fd44ca800c74ba665d88ce.jpg)
Amazon
Has a backrest and armrests
Casters lock in place
Durable
Assembly required
Mattresses not included
The Mr. Kate Daphne Daybed is an excellent mid-range option. It accommodates a twin mattress of any thickness and pulls out into a trundle bed that fits another twin mattress up to 6 inches thick (both sold separately). The smooth casters glide out with ease and lock into position.
This handsome daybed has a wood frame and an impressive 400-pound weight capacity. We also like that it has a proper backrest and armrests with tufted velvet upholstery. One thing to keep in mind is that putting it together will take about 90 minutes. But you can add an expert assembly to your order for an extra cost, depending on where you buy it. It also comes with a one-year warranty to protect your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $388
Dimensions: 81.5 x 44 x 35.5 inches | Seat Height: 7 inches | Mattress Size: Twin | Materials: Manufactured wood frame, velvet upholstery | Trundle Included: Yes
Our number one pick is the Room & Board Jasper Daybed. Made to order with your choice of over 250 upholstery options, this multi-functional piece is comfortable, supportive, and endlessly versatile. But if you want something with a proper backrest or a built-in trundle, go with the Mr. Kate Daphne Daybed with Trundle.
What to Consider When Buying a Daybed
Mattress Size
Daybeds come in at least two sizes to accommodate people of all ages and sizes. While often seen with a twin mattress, there are options with full-size mattresses that are an excellent choice for teen or adult sleepers. Of course, a larger mattress translates into a larger sleeper, so make sure you have the square footage for whichever size you're considering.
Trundle
A daybed for one overnight guest is nice to have, but a daybed with a trundle can provide accommodation for at least two visitors at a moment's notice. Simply pull out the trundle bed neatly stored under the upper mattress and support, and you have another sleeper ready to go. Just know not all daybeds with trundles come with a second mattress—you might need to purchase it separately.
Assembly
While some daybeds with metal frames and minimal components are quick to assemble, other versions will present a worthy challenge to DIY furniture builders. Daybeds with trundles, headboards, and additional storage or parts may be difficult and have you tracking washers, bolts, and nuts. Consider whether you're up for a more robust assembly—and if not, look for a day bed with a simple frame, a backless design, or something that arrives pre-assembled.
-
Can you use a daybed as a couch?
If you're cramped for space in a small studio apartment or college dorm room, a daybed can be used as a couch. However, we recommend being mindful of the above advice from Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, a sleep specialist, board-certified behavior analyst, and the founder of Your Behaviour Gal. If you find yourself not being able to fall asleep in your daybed, you might consider purchasing an additional accent chair or floor cushion to lounge in when you're not catching z's.
-
Do you use a box spring on a daybed?
Like most modern beds, the majority of daybeds don't require box springs. A box spring would most likely raise the height of the mattress too much for use as a couch. The space below the frame is usually used for storage or to accommodate a trundle. And typically, a link spring or wood slats are used on the frame to support the mattress from below.
-
What is the difference between a futon and a daybed?
A futon converts from a couch into a bed. Futons are also available as convertible chairs, if you're cramped for space. Daybeds, often available in both smaller sizes and standard twin or full sizes, do not have any mechanism to compress into a smaller form. In addition to having a head and footboard, daybeds also often have a railing on one length of the bed.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester specializing in home design and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, a sleep specialist, board-certified behavior analyst, and the founder of Your Behaviour Gal. With expert insight from Shallow in mind, she considered dozens of daybeds and narrowed the list down to durable, supportive, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing models. Holland covers furniture, bedding, decor, and organizational solutions at The Spruce. You can find more of her work on MyDomaine and People.