Buying guide for best outdoor daybeds
Lounging about outdoors can be relaxing and stress-relieving — especially when you have comfortable furniture, but do you have outdoor furniture that allows you to truly kick back and maybe even doze off? You might have a matching patio set, but the chairs may lack ottomans to rest your feet on. You might have a wooden bench gracing your backyard, but it’s hard to recline on something so stiff and unforgiving.
A couch-like piece of outdoor furniture that offers enough room to stretch your legs would be ideal. Fortunately, there is such a piece of furniture: the outdoor daybed. On an outdoor daybed, you can stretch out and recuperate after a long day. When you’re not reclining, you can use the daybed as a seating area.
Key considerations
Main components
Frame: The frame of a daybed is similar to that of a regular bed, with one main difference: a daybed often has side rails in addition to the headboard or backboard of the bed. As for construction, the frame is usually made from wood, metal, or a combination of both. Daybed frames can also be made from wicker or upholstered leather, though these are used far less frequently.
Mattress support: Again, similar to a normal bed, a daybed must have some sort of support beneath the mattress to keep it from sagging. There is either a link spring system or a slat system.
The link spring system involves a grid-like structure (most often made from metal) that hooks to each side of the daybed. This produces a frame to set the mattress on.
The slat system features wooden slats that are inserted at regular intervals to compose the frame for the mattress. Slats can be added or removed to increase or decrease the durability of the frame. For instance, a heavier mattress may require more slats inserted to help support the weight.
Mattress: The mattress itself is similar to that of a regular bed’s mattress. There are different firmnesses and sizes to choose from, but the most common size is that of a twin bed.
Optional trundle: While it’s unlikely you will require a trundle bed for an outdoor daybed, it’s still an available option. A trundle is a smaller version of a bed that fits neatly underneath the mattress frame of the daybed. It can be pulled out for additional seating or resting space.
Styles
Mission: A mission-style daybed is usually constructed from wood. It has a wooden backrest with high wooden side rails, and the rails are slatted. This style of daybed is traditional and looks more like a large couch than a bed.
Sleigh: Sleigh-style daybeds are exactly how they sound. They are shaped like an old-fashioned sleigh, complete with curved side rails to mimic the sleigh. This style can be wood or metal, and it adds an element of class to the daybed. The backrest of the sleigh-style daybed can be carved, ornate, or uniquely shaped.
Victorian: A Victorian-style daybed embodies elegance: think intricate lace, delicate designs, and whimsical features. The frame design can be made from wood or metal, and the silhouette of the daybed may feature embellishments and curves. This style of daybed is the focal point of any backyard.
Contemporary: Straying from the traditional, a contemporary-style daybed may be a different shape than a rectangle. It could be oval, circular, or comprised of two crescent shapes. Another signifier of a contemporary daybed may be the lack of side rails or any place to rest your elbows. Think sleek and minimalistic when you consider this style.
Features
Types
Shaded: Some daybeds come with a matching canopy to provide shade during the hot summer months. The canopy may be a permanent one or it can be adjustable. Permanent ones need to be removed completely if you don’t want to be in the shade, and adjustable ones can be temporarily rolled back.
Hanging: Similar to a hanging porch swing, there are hanging daybeds available. This type of daybed creates a whimsical wonderland feel to the backyard, especially when outfitted with creative colors and designs. Be aware that the daybed may come with a frame to hang from, or it may be left up to you to find a place that can support its hanging weight.
Sectional: A sectional daybed is similar to a sectional sofa. There are pieces that can be added or removed to make the daybed larger or smaller. The sections that can be pulled away from the daybed can then be used as individual seating or as ottomans.
Outdoor daybed prices
Inexpensive
For the most affordable daybed, you can spend between $180 and $300. These daybeds are minimalistic and aren’t likely to include any decorative pillows or interchangeable mattress covers.
Mid-range
Between $300 and $600, you’re able to get a quality outdoor daybed made from reliable materials. You can choose from different shapes and whether or not you want an included canopy.
Expensive
The most expensive daybeds run for more than $600 up to as much as $1,000. These daybeds have all the bells and whistles available, including multiple pieces of furniture included like a matching table or ottoman.
Tips
- Make your daybed even more comfortable by adding a foam mattress pad or a memory foam pad.
- Colorful decorative pillows are a great way to add some flair to your daybed. Get a few sets and you can interchange them when you want a new style.
- Improve the look of an outdoor daybed by placing an accent rug underneath it. This gives the impression of a specific area outside designated for relaxing.
- Look for a location in your backyard for your outdoor daybed that is shaded part of the day and in the sun part of the day. That way you have the best of both worlds.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between a daybed and a futon?
A. A futon can be pulled out and reverted into a full bed. When it’s set up as a futon, half of the mattress acts as the backrest and half of it is used as seating. A daybed can’t be pulled out; rather it features the full size of the mattress as the seating area with a back and side rails like a couch.
Q. Am I able to get a replacement mattress for a daybed?
A. Yes, but most likely you will have to go through the manufacturer you bought the daybed from. There may be specific measurements associated with the daybed you have.
Q. How do I wash the mattress of my daybed?
A. Some daybeds come with removable mattress covers. That way, all you have to do is remove the outside cover and throw it in the washing machine. If your daybed doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean any stains with an appropriate cleaning solution, or you can vacuum the material if there are excessive crumbs or outdoor debris.
