How to Style a Daybed, According to Designers - Babmar
An indoor daybed is a practical piece that can work as extra seating or a twin bed when you need it. However, outdoor daybeds add an unexpected note of relaxation and luxury. Check out these designer tips for making a daybed really pop.
What is a Daybed?
A daybed is a functional piece of furniture that can used for multiple purposes: napping, lounging, and sleeping. It’s typically about the size of a twin size bed and often placed in a large living room, a den, or a guest bedroom. It's also great for a studio apartment where a full-size bed or sofa might be impractical.
However, outdoor daybeds are becoming hugely popular, adding a whole new dimension to relaxing in an outdoor space. Imagine stretching out to lounge beside a pool or do some nighttime stargazing! Outdoor daybeds are specially constructed to hold up against the elements, with moisture-repellent and UV-resistant cushions, and frames that resist rot and corrosion.
There are several shapes that are particularly well-suited for the outdoors. A hanging daybed or round daybed is another way to enjoy a patio area, pool, or lush garden in a fresh new way.
What is the Purpose of a Daybed?
If you have a small space, a daybed is a great way to add seating or a place to sleep or nap. They’re great in a den, or as an extra bed in a kid’s room when he has friends over. It's a perfect size for a guest room where a large mattress won't work (but a twin will).
A daybed can also serve as a functional yet elegant piece of decor in a commercial setting. Some feature storage underneath, doing double-duty and making them even more practical.
Outdoor daybeds are a sophisticated addition to a garden, pool, or patio area. Guests can relax on a roomy, comfortable daybed, taking in the beautiful environment around them.
It’s a wonderful option for extra seating at a cocktail party or any other outdoor event and adds an instant note of elegance.
How to Style a Daybed?
A daybed typically has very clean, simple lines which makes it a great canvas for your styling.
Start by looking at the colors in the space; reflect that palette with coordinating items like a mattress cover, a throw blanket tossed across the back, or some comfy throw pillows. If the material is neutral, offset it with contrasting elements in a brighter design.
When it comes to pillows, a daybed looks great with lots of them, preferably in different shapes and in an odd number. Remember that it offers opportunities to relax, nap, or sleep, so make sure your “soft” elements are comfortable versus fussy. Depending on where it's placed, a small table will provide a handy place for a drink or a book.
Style Your Daybed Based on Your Room's Color Scheme
Take cues from the colors in the space. Use accents in a contrasting color or one that’s a deeper shade of the palette. If the material is a neutral color, add pillows and bolsters in a colorful design. Start with a large solid-color pillow, then add smaller ones (in an odd number) featuring designs in that same color. Don't forget the throw blankets!
Consider Room Placement
Daybeds can be placed against a wall, at the foot of a bigger bed, or beneath a window. Some use one in a hallway. Where you place your daybed will determine the use (and number) of accent pieces and accessories. A daybed against a wall or under a window, for example, offers more options for pillows, a comforter, and the like.
Prioritize Comfort When Styling
The daybed is meant to be a functional piece, one that offers an opportunity for a quick nap or satisfying snooze. However you choose to arrange it, make all the elements comfortable. Plush pillows and a cozy blanket make it easy for someone to grab forty winks. This applies to outdoor daybeds as well.
Add Throw Blankets and Pillows
A daybed is meant to be comfortable, so style yours with lots of throw pillows. Choose colors that echo the palette of the surrounding space. Design experts suggest using a large central pillow in a solid color and then adding more around it of various sizes and shapes, reflecting that main color. Designers note that styling an odd number of pillows works best to provide balance. Finally, a cozy blanket in that same color palette is a necessity for extra comfort and relaxation.
Finish Off the Look with a Table Beside
Adding a small end table next to your indoor or outdoor daybed is a nice, practical touch. You’ll want a place to rest a beverage, sunglasses, phone, or a book. There are many tables in interesting shapes that can both be useful and add a stylish accent to the arrangement and the space itself.
Conclusion
A daybed is a fresh addition to any space, adding both comfort and functionality. You can add sophisticated seating in almost any place. Use it as a couch or extra bed. Tuck one under the window of a large room to create a cozy place to read or relax.
Outdoor daybeds are a luxurious twist on this practical item, opening up new possibilities for relaxation and entertaining. Babmar features so many lovely options, including our popular hanging daybed that elevates the experience – literally! Our round daybed offers a touch of the exotic, conjuring a feeling of lounging under a desert moon.
A roomy outdoor daybed offers plenty of ways to style it. Add tons of pillows, and a soft throw blanket to pull over chilly legs on a cool evening. Prepare to let guests luxuriate in your outdoor space in a whole new way.