I have a small home—three people in 900 square feet. We love entertaining despite the size. To have a spot for friends or relatives to crash for the night, we decided to put a daybed in our living room.
I have to say—I was a bit hesitant at first. A daybed in the living room? Wouldn’t that look odd?
But after doing some research and looking at lots of pictures, I realized it could be pretty stylish. And since we don’t have a guest room, it was the perfect solution.
Why Add a Daybed to Your Living Room?
You may wonder, what reasons are there to put a daybed in the living room?
You Have a Small Home and Need To Make the Most of Every Square Inch
Housing is scarce. Times are tough. Whatever reason you have for needing the extra sleeping area is yours. You don’t need to explain it. I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing wrong with utilizing every nook and cranny in your home to its fullest potential!
A daybed is a great way to do just that. It serves as a comfortable place to read, relax, or take a nap during the day. By night, it can help someone get a full night’s sleep.
They’re Not Just for Sleeping
Think of a daybed as a piece of furniture with multiple uses. Yes, you can sleep on it, but you can also use it as a sofa. It’s the perfect piece for a small home because it can serve two purposes in one.
You Entertain Often and Want To Have a Spot for Guests to Sleep
If you’re like me and love to entertain, a daybed is a great way to have a spot for guests to sleep. No more futons or air mattresses! It makes for great extra seating in the living room when not in use.
You Can Incorporate Them Into Any Design Style
A daybed can be a great addition to any room, no matter your design style. There are so many ways to style them. You can make them look cozy with lots of pillows and throws or keep them streamlined and straightforward.
How To Choose the Right Daybed for Your Space?
Now that you know all the reasons you should put a daybed in your living room, let’s talk about choosing the right one for your space.
Size Matters
The first thing you need to do is measure your space and figure out what size daybed will work best. You don’t want something too big or too small. A good rule of thumb is to leave about two feet of space on each side of the daybed.
Choose the Right Frame
Once you know what size of daybed you need, you need to decide on the frame. There are three main types of frames: wood, metal, and upholstered.
Wood Frames
These are classic and can give your space a warm, homey feel. I’d use this in my living room if it uses durable wood like oak or cherry.
Metal Frames
Metal frames are perfect if you want something a bit more modern. They’re also great if you need something lightweight and easy to move. I went with a metal frame for how much easier they are to move, and it feels more durable to me.
Upholstered Frames
I decided against this frame because I wanted something more sleek and streamlined. An upholstered frame is a great way to add extra comfort to your daybed. They’re also great for hiding storage underneath.
Style it Your Way
The great thing about daybeds is that they come in all different styles. You can get a traditional daybed, a futon, a sofa bed, or even a trundle bed. The sky’s the limit!
Think About the Function
When choosing a daybed for your living room, you also need to think about the function. What do you want it to be used for? Sleeping only?
Or sleeping and seating? If you want to use it as a sofa, you’ll need to get one with a backrest. And if you’re going to use it for sleeping, you’ll need to get one with a mattress.
Accessories That Can Complete the Look of Your Living Room Daybed
Now that you know how to choose a suitable daybed for your living room, let’s talk about some accessories that can complete the look.
Pillows and Throws
One of the best ways to make a daybed look cozy is to add pillows and throws. You can use them to create a variety of looks. For a more relaxed look, you can use soft, neutral-colored cushions.
Or, for a more stylish look, you can use colorful pillows and throws. I prefer the combination look, and it’s easy to switch around during the seasons.
Blankets
Another great way to make your daybed look cozy is to add a blanket or two. I love to have a couple of blankets on hand to always be ready for a movie night. You can drape them over the back of the daybed or keep them folded at the end.
Lighting
Lighting is vital in any room, but it’s essential in a living room. You want to make sure you have enough light for reading and relaxing. But you also don’t want it to be too bright.
I like to use a combination of floor lamps and table lamps to light my living room. I also have a light switch that’s easy to reach, so I can turn off all the lights when it’s bedtime.
Rug
A rug can help define your space and add some extra comfort. It’s also a great way to add color and pattern to your room. I like to use a big enough rug to fit under all the furniture in my living room.
Curtains
Curtains are another great way to add color and pattern to your room. They can also help with privacy and light control. I like to use light-colored curtains in my living room so they don’t block out too much light.
Now that you know how to choose the right daybed for your living room and what accessories to use, you’re one step closer to creating the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining. So go ahead and get started on your project! And don’t forget to enjoy the process.
