Daybed vs Sofa Bed: Which Is Right For Your Guest Bedroom?

Posted on - 26th August 2019

When it comes to your guest bedroom, it’s important to strike a balance between comfort and functionality. And it’s this requirement that makes both sofa beds and daybeds front runners for spare rooms. These additions to your home offer subtle space for guests to stay overnight, and can look great in other rooms, too.

But which one is the best choice for your guest bedroom? In this article, we’ll give you the low down on both daybeds and sofa beds to help you make a design decision for your spare room, office, children’s room, or even your living room!

What You Need To Know About...Sofa Beds

First up, the sofa bed!

Somewhat of an old school invention, the first ever design was patented back in July 1899 by Leonard C. Bailey but was popularised by Bernard Castro, who created the ‘Castro Convertible’ in 1931.

What Is A Sofa Bed?

Sofa beds kind of look exactly like they sound, and we’re pretty sure that you will have come across one at some point in your life. While day-to-day a sofa bed looks like...well, a sofa, they can be unfolded or opened up to transform into a bed for guests.

What Types Of Mattresses Come With Sofa Beds?

Most sofa beds include a queen short mattress that usually measures 60”x72” although other sizes are available. While sofa bed mattresses aren’t as thick as standard mattresses, they can be produced from different materials for different comfort levels including:

Spring sofa mattress
Foam sofa mattress
Pocket-coil mattress

The Benefits Of A Sofa Bed

Multifunctional
Space-saving
Great for small homes

Arguably, the aesthetic of a sofa bed works best in rooms that would otherwise be used as a living space such as lounges, home offices, playrooms, etc. This is largely due to their multifunctional nature, as they provide a sitting space when folded up and have to be unfolded to be used. Sofa beds also come as an ‘all-in-one’ purchase, with the mattress included, which is an added bonus if you are looking to furnish your home in one fell swoop!

Sofa beds are also fantastic for smaller homes that don’t have the luxury of a spare room. Having a sofa bed in your living room, or even in another bedroom, can make it easier to welcome guests into your home without taking up huge amount of space when not being used.

Disadvantages Of A Sofa Bed

Need setting up before use
Not always the same size as a full bed

Sofa beds are a fantastic, space saving way to maximise your sleeping arrangements, but there are some drawbacks. The biggest of these being that they require some effort to fold out. While this isn’t always difficult, it does make sofa beds a problem for those with mobility problems who may struggle to unfold them.

Typically, sofa beds are smaller than proper beds, and even day beds, so aren’t always great for bigger and taller guests who may find them uncomfortable!

What You Need To Know About...Daybeds!

Now to shine a light on daybeds!

You may be forgiven for thinking the daybed is a relatively new invention as it’s only in recent times they have become popular in this country. But, in fact, daybeds can be traced back to ancient Greece and were originally used in areas of the home that guests would congregate. Even in humble beginnings the daybed was well-suited for guest bedrooms!

What Is A Daybed?

Typically, daybeds bring together elements of a sofa, bed and chaise longue to create a comfortable space for sitting and sleeping. What distinguishes them from a bed is the addition of a back and sides, which is usually made from wood or metal, or a combination of the two.

The Benefits Of A Daybed

Stylish
Expandable
Comfortable
Storage options

One of the biggest benefits of a daybed is that it looks attractive no matter where you place it. Design-wise, it draws inspiration from a sofa, so is suitable for sitting comfortably on but can be very easily used as a bed should the need arise. Many daybeds can also have what’s known as a ‘trundle’ placed underneath which offers an extra bed. This makes it a perfect option if you sometimes only have one guest but require space for two at other times.

Daybeds also look stylish and can be bought in a range of styles to suit your needs. They can also be accessorised with accent pillows and are perfect for children’s bedrooms due to their versatility. Unlike sofa beds, that come with a standard, thinner mattress, daybeds can be customised with your own choice of mattress to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Disadvantages Of A Daybed

Purchase of an additional mattress
Only twin size

This disadvantage is really one for the pocket more than anything else. While being able to choose your own mattress and level of comfort may be preferable to some, it also means splashing the cash for a second (or even third time if you want a trundle) which may be off putting for some.

Daybeds also only come in twin sizes, which may be restricting. That being said, a trundle can be added to most for an extra bed that can be used by couples.

Which Option Is Right For Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right sofa bed or daybed for your guest room, it really does come down to personal preference. Sofa beds are fantastic multi-functional additions to any room of the home, but they may not be right for the kind of space you are looking to furnish. That being said, they’re wonderful additions to smaller homes. Similarly, daybeds are a stylish choice and can be switched up to suit your tastes and needs. They also require very little construction when it comes to use, meaning less hassle when it comes to getting your guests settled for the night.

Whichever you choose, sofa bed or daybed, before you buy make sure you head on down to the Toons Furnishers showroom in Swadlincote and see our range of beds for yourself. We supply stylish and attractive beds across Ashby de la Zouch, Burton on Trent, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Tamworth, and we pride ourselves on only stocking the very best products from the best-known brands. Plan your visit today - we hope to see you soon and look forward to helping you furnish your guest bedroom!