As someone who knows a lot about furniture, I’m often asked – are daybeds really that comfortable? Daybeds seem great. They change from a sofa to a bed easily. But are daybeds comfortable for sitting and sleeping?
I’m digging into the comfort factors of daybeds. I’ll share if daybeds can replace your main couch or guest bed. I’ll look at how they’re built, their mattresses, and their sizes.
By the end, you’ll know if a daybed is right for your home and if this hybrid piece means giving up comfort.
Are Daybeds Comfortable?
No, daybeds are not comfortable. The daybed is both a sofa and a bed, and it’s the worst-case scenario of all three. It’s too hard and firm to work well as a bed and too narrow to sit on comfortably.
I recommend getting a futon over a daybed if you’re limited on space. A futon may not look as nice as a daybed, but the comfort level is much higher.
TLDR? Daybeds are uncomfortable because:
- They’re too narrow
- They have a weird backside with minimal support
- They’re a strange shape
Too Narrow
Daybeds are too narrow to sit on and too narrow to sleep on.
Seriously. They are about as narrow as a couch, so you might as well be sleeping on sofas. Personally, I hate sleeping on a sofa, and a daybed is ten times worse.
To sleep on a daybed, you must lie perfectly still and not roll over. If you roll, you’ll be on the floor (I’d argue that the floor is more comfortable than a daybed).
Have a Weird Backside
Chesterfield sofas have a stiff upper backside, and so do daybeds. No seat that is stiff behind you is ever going to feel relaxing. Daybeds either have metal rods railing up in the back, or the back of the daybed is a stiff couch-type surface.
Either way, it is both confusing to see and difficult to feel on your body. If you are sleeping on this daybed, you will feel the sensation of sleeping on a couch when you roll over to the sofa-like backing. Why didn’t you just buy a couch then?
Source: Wayfair
Strangely Shaped
Daybeds can look like couches at times, but usually, they just look a little strange. Many are too low to the ground, like the daybeds I reviewed from IKEA.
Here is one example that shows a daybed featuring a trundle.
Source: Wayfair
With this, you have a slide-out second bed tucked up under the original daybed. What happens now though, unlike a standard bedding concept, is when you pull trundle beds out, they are about three feet lower than the daybed.
So, you can’t make a wider single bed – you just have two small beds next to one another at different heights. This could work fine if your kids are having a sleepover, but past that, there’s little practicality in this.
Plus, when it’s used as a sofa, you have a weird mattress underneath the top one.
Are Daybeds Comfortable to Sleep On?
No, daybeds are not comfortable to sleep on. Your best chance at a comfortable daybed is to make sure the mattress is really good quality. If you can get a thick memory foam mattress for your daybed, you can probably get a good night’s sleep.
However, if I’m investing in a plush memory foam mattress, I’d prefer that it be for an actual bed rather than a daybed. If you’re set on getting a daybed though, here are a few tips for making it comfortable to sleep on:
- Size: Make sure the daybed is at least the size of a twin bed. Anything narrower will be tough for an adult to sleep on
- Frame material: While wood may occasionally make creaking noises, it is often more durable than metal frames. A wooden frame is an excellent option if you want a daybed that looks and feels like a regular bed, though, with the frame, it is typically more expensive
- Upholstery: For a more luxurious sleeping experience, consider an upholstered daybed. These models frequently have the feel of a high-end bed, with plush and comfortable armrests that serve as soft headboards and footboards.
Are Daybeds Comfortable to Sit On?
Daybeds are uncomfortable and awkward to sit on. I think sitting on a daybed is worse than trying to sleep on it, and here’s why:
- Flat seating area: Normal couches have a natural slant in the cushions, allowing you to lean or sink slightly into them. With daybeds, everything is flat and straight, creating an awkward seating environment
- Lack of armrests: You’ll likely either have the metal frame or a thin upholstered side be your “armrests” on daybeds. These lack support and are hard
- Awkward seat length: Even though the mattress might be narrower than a twin mattress, it’s still an awkward sofa length. Depending on your height, your feet might not touch the ground if you’re leaning all the way back
Still trying to figure out if you should get a daybed for your living room? Here’s a pros and cons chart:
| Pros of Daybeds | Cons of Daybeds |
| Doubles as a bed and couch | Uncomfortable |
| Good for small spaces | Awkward to sit on |
| Narrow for sleeping | |
| Typically no armrests |
How to Make a Daybed More Comfortable
Several factors should be considered when attempting to improve the comfort of your daybed. Here is a list of key considerations:
Source: Wayfair
Get a Good Mattress
The mattress you choose is an important factor in daybed comfort. Choose versatile, dual-purpose mattresses that can be used for both sitting and sleeping. Good mattresses eliminate discomfort caused by bottoming out or developing divots, particularly around the buttocks.
Add Decorative Pillows or Cushions
When it comes to daybed comfort, cushions are your best friend. Unless your daybed is already plush and upholstered, ensure you have enough cushions at the back to create a supportive and comfortable backrest. This will shorten the seat, allowing your legs to fit comfortably.
You will also need cushions to pad the armrests and make them more comfortable to rest your arms on. Consider adding extra throw pillows for comfort and to give your daybed a designer look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Daybeds Worth It?
No, daybeds are not worth it. Get a futon instead. The price point for both is similar, and a futon is more comfortable. I still prefer having a separate couch and bed; however, if you’re in a smaller space or don’t want much furniture, then pick a futon.
Are Daybeds Comfortable for Adults?
Daybeds are not very comfortable for adults. Picking a quality mattress and a sturdy frame is crucial if adults will use the daybed frequently.
Additionally, confirming that the daybed is the proper size for you is essential. Select daybeds with longer mattresses if you are taller.
Can You Sit On a Daybed Like a Couch?
Yes, you can sit on a daybed like you would a couch, though they are a little awkward due to the length. Daybeds are intended to be multipurpose furniture pieces that can be used for sitting and sleeping. They are typically lower to the ground than a couch, so you might need a footstool to get comfortable.
Conclusion
Daybeds are meant to be functional and used for both sitting and sleeping. However, I find them to be uncomfortable, especially for adults.
