5 Daybed Styles

While most people view daybeds as simple spare beds, these versatile pieces actually trace their origins to ancient Egyptian and Roman lounging furniture used by nobility. You’ll find today’s daybeds offer far more than just a place to sleep, with styles ranging from ornate traditional designs to sleek contemporary solutions. Whether you’re furnishing a guest room, home office, or cozy reading nook, discovering the perfect daybed style can transform your space into a multi-functional haven that reflects your unique taste.

Traditional Trundle Daybeds

Traditional trundle daybeds combine the elegance of classic furniture design with practical functionality, featuring ornate details like turned wood posts, curved arms, and decorative back panels. The dual-level sleeping arrangement creates a sophisticated silhouette during the day while concealing an additional mattress beneath, making it a perfect choice for guest rooms or multi-purpose spaces.

The graceful lines and timeless appeal of these pieces often incorporate rich wood finishes and detailed metalwork that complement both formal and casual interior styles. This versatile bed styling technique works particularly well in rooms that transition between different functions, from a polished sitting area by day to comfortable sleeping quarters at night.

Traditional trundle daybeds are especially suited for classic, Victorian, or colonial-style homes, though they can also add a touch of refinement to contemporary spaces. The style is ideal year-round but can be adapted seasonally through textile choices, from crisp linens in summer to plush velvets in winter.

Essential Components:

• Twin-size mattress for daybed
• Twin-size mattress for trundle
• Fitted sheets (2)
• Flat sheets (2)
• Tailored daybed cover
• Decorative pillow shams (3-5)
• Accent pillows (4-6)
• Bed skirt or dust ruffle
• Quilted mattress pads (2)
• Throw blanket
• Decorative bolsters (2)
• Pillow inserts
• Trundle frame
• Daybed frame

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by dressing both mattresses with high-quality fitted sheets, ensuring they’re pulled taut for a smooth foundation. The main daybed mattress should feature a quilted mattress pad and a tailored daybed cover that fits precisely over the frame, creating clean lines that highlight the bed’s architectural details.

Layer the daybed with a combination of functional and decorative pillows, starting with standard-size shams against the back, followed by Euro shams, and finally smaller accent pillows in complementary patterns and textures.

Traditional color schemes often include rich jewel tones, neutral metallics, or classic patterns like damask and toile, which enhance the bed’s formal character. For the trundle portion, maintain a simpler arrangement that allows for easy access and movement.

Choose bedding that coordinates with the upper daybed but remains understated. Popular color combinations include navy and cream, burgundy and gold, or sage green and ivory, all of which reflect the traditional aesthetic while maintaining versatility.

Pro Styling Tips

For maximum versatility, invest in reversible bedding and pillow covers that can be easily switched to create different looks. Keep the trundle portion lightweight with minimal bedding to ensure smooth operation, and consider using oversized Euro shams on the main daybed to conceal the trundle when it’s tucked away.

For daily maintenance, store extra pillows in an adjacent ottoman or chest, and use pillow forms one size larger than their covers to maintain a plump, luxurious appearance even with regular use.

Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Mid-century modern daybeds exemplify the perfect balance between form and function, characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and minimalist aesthetics. These pieces typically feature tufted upholstery, tapered wooden legs, and streamlined silhouettes that celebrate the design principles of the 1950s and 1960s.

The visual appeal comes from their floating appearance, architectural influence, and the seamless blend of comfort with sophisticated style. This daybed style works particularly well in contemporary spaces, creative studios, or multi-functional rooms where versatility is key. The design adapts beautifully to both small urban apartments and spacious modern homes, offering an ideal solution for guest accommodations or casual seating.

Mid-century modern daybeds shine year-round but especially complement the transitional seasons of spring and fall when their warm woods and neutral fabrics create an inviting atmosphere.

Essential Components:

• Platform base with tapered legs
• Tufted mattress or cushion
• Slim bolster pillows
• Geometric throw pillows
• Woven wool throw blanket
• Accent pillow in period-appropriate fabric
• Brass or walnut accessories
• Abstract art pieces
• Low-profile side table
• Task lamp with adjustable arm

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by positioning the daybed against a clean wall, ensuring the tapered legs are prominently visible to create that signature floating effect.

Select a mattress or cushion in a neutral tone like charcoal, ivory, or camel, preferably with grid-pattern tufting that echoes mid-century aesthetics. Layer the daybed with carefully chosen textiles that honor the period while maintaining contemporary appeal.

Start with two matching bolster pillows in a solid color, then add geometric patterned throw pillows featuring classic mid-century motifs. A single wool throw blanket draped casually across one corner adds texture without compromising the clean lines.

The color palette should stick to earthy tones with occasional pops of muted colors typical of the era – think mustard yellow, sage green, or burnt orange. Complement the daybed with period-appropriate accessories like a Noguchi-style table lamp or abstract wall art that reinforces the mid-century modern aesthetic without creating visual clutter.

Pro Styling Tips

For maximum impact, elevate the daybed on furniture risers to enhance the floating effect – a designer trick that makes the piece appear more authentic to the period. Adapt the look seasonally by switching throw pillow covers from heavy textured fabrics in winter to lightweight linens in summer, while maintaining the geometric patterns.

For daily use, keep the styling minimal and invest in high-quality, durable fabrics that can withstand regular sitting and sleeping while still maintaining their crisp appearance. Consider using Crypton or similar performance fabrics for upholstery to ensure longevity without sacrificing the mid-century aesthetic.

Coastal-Inspired Wicker Daybeds

Wicker daybeds epitomize casual coastal elegance, bringing the relaxed atmosphere of beachside living into any space. The natural texture of woven wicker, whether in classic honey tones or painted crisp white, creates an inviting focal point that instantly transports viewers to lazy summer afternoons by the shore.

The intricate weaving patterns add visual interest while maintaining an airy, lightweight appearance that doesn’t overwhelm the room. This styling technique works particularly well during spring and summer months, though it can create a year-round resort feel in any space.

Perfect for sunrooms, covered porches, or coastal-themed bedrooms, wicker daybeds offer versatility in both function and design. The style especially shines in rooms with abundant natural light and pairs beautifully with nautical or tropical décor elements.

Essential Components:

• White or natural wicker daybed frame
• Memory foam or standard daybed mattress
• Waterproof mattress protector
• Fitted daybed sheet set
• Light cotton or linen duvet cover
• 4-6 medium-sized throw pillows
• 2-3 lumbar pillows
• Lightweight throw blanket
• Sisal or jute rug
• Seagrass storage baskets
• Glass vessels or vases
• Shell or coral decorative pieces

How to Achieve This Look

Begin by positioning the wicker daybed against a wall or in a corner where natural light can highlight its texture. Layer the mattress with crisp, white fitted sheets as your base, ensuring they’re pulled taut to create clean lines. The foundation should feel fresh and pristine, like perfectly pressed beach linens.

Add depth with a duvet cover in coastal-inspired hues – soft aquas, sandy beiges, or pale blues work beautifully. Fold the duvet back halfway across the mattress to create an inviting, casual feel. Layer throw pillows starting from the back, using a mix of patterns that incorporate coastal stripes, subtle nautical motifs, and solid textures in complementary shades.

Incorporate natural elements through carefully chosen accessories. Position seagrass baskets underneath or beside the daybed for storage and added texture. Arrange glass vessels with simple beach findings or white coral pieces on nearby surfaces.

The color palette should remain light and breezy, with touches of deeper navy or seafoam green as accents.

Pro Styling Tips:

To maintain the crisp, coastal feel while ensuring practicality, opt for performance fabrics treated for water and stain resistance. For smaller spaces, choose a wicker daybed with built-in storage underneath, and use lighter colors to create an illusion of more space.

During cooler months, layer in chunky knit throws in ivory or pale gray to maintain the coastal aesthetic while adding warmth. Keep the look fresh by regularly rotating throw pillows and changing light accessories seasonally, while maintaining the core white and natural fiber elements that define this timeless coastal style.

Contemporary Metal Daybeds

Modern metal daybeds represent the perfect fusion of form and function, featuring clean lines, minimalist designs, and industrial-inspired elements that make them striking focal points in any room. The sleek metal frames, often finished in matte black, brushed nickel, or metallic bronze, create an architectural statement while maintaining an open, airy feel that doesn’t overwhelm the space.

These sophisticated pieces serve as versatile seating during the day and transform into comfortable sleeping spaces at night. This styling approach works particularly well in urban lofts, modern apartments, and contemporary home offices where versatility and style are equally important.

Contemporary metal daybeds are ideal for year-round use, though their styling can be adapted seasonally through textiles and accessories. The industrial-modern aesthetic complements both minimalist and eclectic décor schemes, making it a practical choice for spaces that need to serve multiple purposes.

Essential Components:

• Metal daybed frame
• Medium-firm mattress or cushion
• Fitted sheet in neutral tone
• Flat sheet
• Light quilted coverlet
• 2-3 Euro shams
• 2-4 decorative pillows
• Throw blanket
• Metal or glass side table
• Modern lamp
• Abstract wall art
• Geometric area rug

How to Achieve This Look:

Start with a well-positioned metal daybed, ideally against a wall but with space on at least two sides for easy access. Choose a mattress that provides adequate support while maintaining a slim profile that doesn’t detract from the frame’s clean lines.

Layer the bed with crisp, high-quality bedding in a monochromatic color scheme, starting with a fitted sheet and adding a tailored flat sheet. Create visual interest through textural contrasts rather than busy patterns. Opt for a mix of materials like cotton, linen, and velvet in coordinating solid colors or subtle geometric patterns.

Popular color combinations include charcoal with white, navy with gray, or warm neutrals with black accents. The key is maintaining a sophisticated, uncluttered appearance that emphasizes the daybed’s architectural qualities.

Complete the look by adding carefully chosen accessories that complement the metal frame’s finish. Position modern artwork above the daybed, ensuring it spans approximately two-thirds of the frame’s width. Add a contemporary side table and lamp to create a functional vignette.

When photographing the space, capture angles that highlight the daybed’s linear elements and the interplay of light on the metal frame.

Pro Styling Tips:

For maximum versatility, invest in two sets of accent pillows and throws – one in cool tones for spring/summer and another in rich, warm hues for fall/winter. In smaller rooms, mount floating shelves above the daybed instead of a headboard to save space while adding storage and visual interest.

Keep the look fresh by rotating accent pieces seasonally and maintain the daybed’s clean lines by tucking sheets tightly and fluffing pillows daily. A designer secret is to use oversized Euro shams to create the illusion of a more substantial piece of furniture while maintaining the daybed’s sleek profile.

Rustic Farmhouse Daybeds

The rustic farmhouse daybed style combines cozy comfort with vintage charm, featuring weathered wood frames, natural textiles, and a deliberately lived-in aesthetic. This design approach celebrates imperfection through distressed finishes, mixed textures, and neutral color palettes accented with subtle patterns that evoke pastoral simplicity and warmth.

Perfect for year-round styling, farmhouse daybeds work exceptionally well in multi-purpose spaces like home offices, guest rooms, or sunrooms. The versatility of this style shines during fall and winter months when layered textures create inviting retreats, while lighter iterations with crisp linens and botanical accents transition beautifully into spring and summer.

Essential Components:

• Cotton or linen fitted sheet
• Quilted mattress cover
• White or natural linen duvet cover
• Ticking stripe bedskirt
• Cotton or wool throw blankets
• Linen or burlap accent pillows
• Grain sack or ticking stripe pillowcases
• Vintage quilts
• Galvanized metal accessories
• Woven baskets
• Wire storage containers
• Antique wooden crates

How to Achieve This Look:

Start with a solid foundation by selecting a daybed frame in weathered wood or wrought iron. Layer the mattress with a quilted cover and fitted sheet in natural cotton or linen. Add a bedskirt in classic ticking stripe pattern to ground the design and conceal under-bed storage.

Build texture through strategic layering, beginning with a white or natural linen duvet as the base. Layer vintage quilts folded at varying widths across the foot of the bed. Position larger pillows against the back, incorporating a mix of sizes and featuring farmhouse-appropriate fabrics like grain sack, buffalo check, or subtle florals.

Color combinations should stay within a natural palette – cream, oatmeal, soft gray, and faded blue work particularly well. Incorporate subtle patterns through textiles, avoiding anything too bold or modern. When photographing the style, natural lighting best captures the authentic, lived-in quality of farmhouse design.

Pro Styling Tips:

Create instant age and character by mixing new and vintage textiles – combine crisp modern linens with authentically worn quilts or pillows. For smaller spaces, keep the color palette light and limit pattern mixing to maintain an open feel. During warmer months, swap heavy quilts for lightweight cotton coverlets and introduce botanical elements through dried flowers or herbs.

Daily maintenance is simple – embrace slight wrinkles in linens and casual pillow arrangements to maintain the relaxed, authentic farmhouse aesthetic.