We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
These are our 15 favourite day beds for 2024
From understated to extra, make sure you check these out for the next time you have an unexpected guest
Whether you're in a rental space with limited room or are lucky enough to have a spare room that you're not sure how to decorate, a day bed can be one of the most useful interior purchases for saving space.
Not only can they be used as an everyday sofa, but they can also double up as a space for your guests to sleep. Some day beds even come with storage, so you can tick three boxes off in one go. It doesn’t matter if you’re after a simple, minimal style that slips into the background, or you’re in the market for a statement bed to make a focal point of, these day beds are bound to transform the place.
What are the different types of day beds?
Ok so before you dive straight into buying a day bed, here's the lowdown on the different styles. The most traditional type of day bed is one that often resembles a child's bed. It's got three sides to it and often a high head board that creates something for you to lean back on. These often include a pull out trundle bed, giving you another place for guests to sleep, or storage drawers underneath or enough space to store things underneath it.
The other style, which often takes up less room, is a day bed that is flat and has no extra sides or headboards, similar to a sun lounger, except you can't adjust the height, and it won't transport you to the beach. These often don't have storage options, and are more designed for lounging around, reading a good book, rather than being somewhere for guests to sleep. Either is a great option, it all just comes down to what you want the day bed to do.
What do you need to consider when buying a day bed?
Before you start buying, the first thing to consider is what you'll be using your day bed for, is it for storage, somewhere for people to sleep, or another seating option in your living area? You also need to consider how much you're willing to spend on a day bed. While you could easily spend thousands, there are plenty of affordable options too, including some under £100, which we've included below. You'll also need to consider the aesthetic of your room the day bed is going into. Thankfully, day beds are available in rattan, wood, fabric and metal frames, so you don't often need to compromise on style.
Do you need a mattress with a day bed?
Yes, often most day beds don't come with a mattress, so you'll need to purchase one separately. Often a single mattress will fit most day beds, but it's always worth checking the fine print for which size your day bed needs.
What is the difference between a day bed, a sofa bed and a futon?
It's fair to say they all offer fairly similar things, but have different pros and cons. A sofa bed usually folds up into itself, so is only a bed when you require it. Similarly, a futon sofa that doubles as a guest bed that is usually made up of a compressed mattress which folds into itself, and is then unfolded when required. Generally speaking, a day bed is always a day bed - while you can use it as a sofa, you're not required to change the shape or it in order to make it functional as a bed.
Our favourite day beds
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
So, WFH-ers who have had to switch up spare rooms to resemble offices, serial hosts who love to have people round, plus the rest of the day bed brigade, it’s the moment of the multipurpose furniture. Here are 12 of the best day beds available right now. Now, go and catch those zzz’s.
Urban Outfitters Rohini Day Bed Mustard Cushion
The ultimate boho aesthetic, Urban Outfitters has done it again with this *stunning* mustard day bed cushion. Whether you're hosting late-night afters after the pub, or you're looking for somewhere cosy to binge-watch Netflix on an evening, this is the most stylish-looking day bed like, ever.
| Dimensions | L188 x W68.5 x H15cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Single |
Made from all-natural mango wood and with four sturdy legs, this is the perfect minimal design to bring into any cosy space, whether you're looking for a day bed to push against the wall or use as a coffee table when you don't have a mattress on it.
| Dimensions | L 187cm x W 72cm x H 30cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | No |
| Mattress size | Single |
Is it a bed? Is it a sofa? Well, it's kind of like a hybrid of both, and we're big fans of the wrapped rattan style. Made from solid oak (with a touch of MDF), this design promises sleek, curved edges and a robust design that will last you years to come.
| Dimensions | H80 x W201 x D98.5cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Single |
| Mattress included? | No |
If you're after something with a bit more colour, why not check out this floral design day bed cushion? It can either be folded up and used as a sofa style floor cushion, or laid on top of a robust day bed frame, leaning into cottagecore.
| Dimensions | L188 x W68.5 x H15cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Single |
If you need a daybed to really maximise your space when friends or family come to stay, have you considered getting a two-in-one? Made from wood, this clever design has a second single bed stored under the first (and disguised as drawers) so you're able to create two single beds next to each other, at different heights.
| Dimensions | H 80cm x W 97.5cm x L 198cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Single |
| Mattress included? | No |
This trundle bed frame can into a double bed by pulling out an additional frame, making it perfect for maximising on space, while the beautiful oak design looks like a bench during the day. If you've got a hallway wide enough, this could even double up as somewhere to sit and put your shoes on.
| Dimensions | W200 cm x L104 cm x H79 cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Double |
| Is mattress included? | No |
This slender little furniture piece is great for when you have unexpected guests staying over. It's giving us glamping vibes and we are so here for it.
| Dimensions | L191 x W95 x H35cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | Yes |
If your home has an industrial feel to it, this day bed would work perfectly, with its metal frame. We also love that it comes out with a pull out trundle bed, ideal for multiple guests staying over.
| Dimensions | L200.5 x W100.5cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | No |
Trust Soho Home to make the coolest day bed on the block, from a boucle material with a curved pillow and ash-coloured wooden accents. This day bed would be perfect as a footstool or coffee table in an open living space or the corner of a room to create a cosy nook, however we'd be reluctant to suggest it for sleeping overnight, as it actually doesn't really look long enough.
| Dimensions | H50 x W75 x D163cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress size | Smaller than single |
| Is mattress inluded? | Yes |
This iron bed frame may be a more expensive option, but it's a quality buy that will last for years. Plus, it's a real focal point.
| Dimensions | H134 x W200 x D95cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | No |
This day bed from Dunelm comes in three different colours (black, white and grey) and with the sleek curved design will work well in any modern designed space. One feature we really like about this day bed is the pull out trundle bed beneath, which allows you to have space for two guests to stay over if needed.
| Dimensions | L194.5 x W 97 x H66cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | No |
As well as providing extra space for people to stay, day beds are also a great way to bring in some more storage space for your home. This day bed from Wayfair comprises of five drawers and a cubby hole to store all your extra bits and bobs. Just think how many books you could fit in there.
| Dimensions | L194 x W98 x H63cm |
|---|
Again, this is on the more expensive side, but it will definitely be a piece you'll use for years to come. It's made from mango wood and hemp, giving a real natural look, the just evokes a calming vibe for any space you put the day bed (dog unfortunately not included).
| Dimensions | H45 x W201 x D101cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | No |
The rattan trend isn't going anywhere, and we're snapping up this rattan day bed from La Redoute, which we can just picture reclining on with a coffee and a good book.
| Dimensions | L146 x W76 x H42cm |
|---|---|
| Is the mattress included? | No |
Available in both a single *and* double size, this day bed is made from mixed oak veneered wood panels with a beautiful natural finish. Perfect for a modern living room design, we love the simple raised sides and storage space underneath.
| Dimensions | W 99 x L 205 x H 74cm |
|---|---|
| Mattress included? | No |
| Mattress size | Single |
Dusty Baxter-Wright is an award-winning journalist and the Entertainment and Lifestyle Director at Cosmopolitan, having previously worked at Sugarscape. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work covering pop culture, careers, interiors and travel, and oversees the site’s Entertainment and Lifestyle strategy across print, digital and video. As a journalist for the best part of a decade, she has interviewed everyone from Louis Theroux and Channing Tatum to Margot Robbie and Ncuti Gatwa, while she has also spoken on Times Radio and BBC Radio. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram here.
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
Always cold? Shop the 6 best electric blankets
Cosy loungewear you’ll live in all season
The best on-trend bedding sets from £24
The best women's pyjamas for cosy season
