The Purpose of a Daybed

The multi-purpose functionality of a daybed is what makes it more appealing than other bedding options. People around the world, including ancient Greece and Egypt, where the earliest daybeds appeared, have been sleeping on these useful pieces of furniture for centuries.

Sitting

• Although sleep usually is acquired during the night, the daybed is aptly named because it can be used as a couch in addition to a bed, with sitting often done during the day. The daybed headboard doubles as the backrest when used as a couch.

Rest

• Daybeds use a traditional mattress (typically twin-sized) providing for a more comfortable sleeping experience than a night of rest on a futon or sleeper sofa, which usually use folding mattresses. Lounging or reclining while awake is another form of relaxation that can be achieved using a daybed.

Space

• In a room used primarily for another purpose, such as an office, adding a daybed essentially creates a guest bedroom when greater lodging capacity is needed. A daybed with a trundle (a second hidden mattress that fits under the top mattress) is an even more space-saving adaptation, because it can be pulled out to accommodate additional overnight guests.