By: Abe Abbas
The top reason so many people buy a daybed is the functionality it offers. It is a sofa and a bed. The space underneath can house a storage drawer or an extra trundle bed for even more functionality. It sometimes even acts as a space filler when people don't know what to do with a spare room.
Since daybeds come in a variety of styles, configurations, materials, and price points, you may find it helpful to look at some of their different features and aspects before making a decision.
Uses for a DaybedThe most common use for a daybed is in a spare room or home office. While it can be used as a sofa or chaise loungers in these rooms, it is often added to accommodate guests. It can transform a home office or sewing room when there is no separate guest room.
Daybeds are also often used in a child's room for sleeping, and the trundle can be conveniently pulled out from under the bed for a sleepover. Thus it effectively hides an extra bed underneath, opening up space to be used for play.
MaterialDaybeds come in wood, metal, or a combination of wood and metal. You can also find daybeds in wicker or upholstered in leather, although these are not as common as wood or metal.
The material you choose has a lot to do with your own personal needs and preferences. Metal daybeds generally tend to be used more for sleeping, while wood daybeds are considered to look more like sofas and may also used for sitting and lounging.
Metal daybeds are also generally considered to be more traditional in look than wood ones which are often thought to be more contemporary.
However, it is possible to find contemporary looking metal daybeds and traditional wood ones as well. The important thing to consider is your own preference for a material or a style, and what feels comfortable to you.
Daybed StylesChoose a style that complements the rest of your home. Just to give you an idea, daybeds are available in the Mission style, sleigh style or even Victorian if that is your choice. And they are just as easily available in contemporary styles as traditional ones.
It is possible to find a daybed with very simple, smaller profiles, but you can also find one that is larger, more elaborate, or comes with intricate carving if you prefer a more traditional look.
Along with style you have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing color. Light, dark, or painted wood is available and there are color choices in metal too, from the obvious metal colors such as chrome, silver, or brass for example to other, more non-traditional colors for metal.
Paying Attention to QualityBecause daybeds are so popular, you will find them in all different qualities and price points. Needless to say, you should always go for the best quality you can afford. You may have to assemble the furniture yourself, but consider the quality of the material and look at the finish.
The material will give you some clues, too. For instance, an iron daybed will be superior in quality to many other metal daybeds. There is a difference in the quality of different woods, too. You may find this reflected in the pricing. However, it may be better in the long run to pay a higher price for a daybed that lasts you a long time.
Daybed Trundles?Trundles are pull-out beds on casters that can be stored under a day bed. Not all daybeds come with trundles, but it is a good option to explore because you get two beds that use the space of a single one most of the time. The hidden bed can be pulled out when needed, and put back when not in use.
A trundle can be left low to the ground or lifted up to the same level as the daybed. An advantage to this feature is that you can roll it up to the daybed so that the two together form a large bed that is only slightly smaller than a king sized bed.
MattressDaybeds usually come in a twin size, and use regular twin sized mattresses. The daybed mattresses are supported on wood slats or link spring.
Select a mattress type and firmness that you find comfortable. If the day bed will get heavy use then it makes sense to buy a good quality mattress.
BeddingWhile you can easily use regular twin sized sheets and pillows with your daybed, you may want to pay extra attention to the cover, and add extra pillows if it is to be used for sitting and lounging as well as sleeping.
You could opt for just a fitted cover for the mattress if the bed will primarily be used for sitting and you don't care for shifting or sliding covers. A cover with a tailored look is also good for this purpose.
Article Source:
http://furniture.about.com/
Topic: How to Buy a Daybed (Read 957 times)
