Add class to your room with a daybed

By Pocyline Karani

The word ‘daybeds’ conjures up images of an elegant yet useful piece of furniture, something you almost would not want to use but would only want to look at. That is what is so terrific about daybeds — their beauty and functionality. Simply put, they are a stylish alternative to traditional beds.

Daybeds are a great work of beauty and they give a room a fashionable look. In fact, interior decor gurus say; "after you decide on a daybed, your decorating palette is full."

As the word suggests, a daybed is a type of couch that functions simultaneously as a seat and as a bed. The back of the ‘couch’ also serves as the headboard. Daybeds can be used to incorporate new functions such as adding a thrill to the living room, as a bed for guests or for use in the home office. You could, for instance, position a daybed in an alcove with bookcases on either side.

Those who have small living spaces already know the double-duty pleasure of owning daybeds, especially those who receive both expected and unexpected sleepover guests.

A daybed positioned strategically in the living room. Photo: Martin Mukangu/Standard, Courtesy Odds & Ends . Keep Reading Dr Davy Koech: Medical genius with many firsts in research rests Most food warehouses fail to meet standards How regulations, investment and opportunities are transforming Kenya's renewable energy space Climate change: Households cut livestock herds, work hours

Place bolsters and pillows against the headboard and footboard to act as sofa arms. Daybeds with a mattress and box spring are generally more comfortable to sleep on than a sofa bed. Ensembles include a comforter, dust ruffle and pillow shams. Since daybeds are outfitted with a twin mattress, selecting the sheets and mattress pads is very simple.

Tips for shopping

Shopping for a daybed can be fun as there are many options and you need to be aware of the nuances. Ask yourself, what do you need? What is the difference between a daybed comforter and daybed covers?

More people are discovering the use and convenience of daybeds so the selection of bedding and daybeds is growing too. Different colours, patterns and textures are available for decoration such that you can match the daybed with the colour of your room. A daybed should work together with your home’s colour schemes in order to create a great mood. Let the colour enhance the texture and pattern of your daybed ensemble. There are some hints to remember when choosing colours for daybed ensembles.

Matching prints

For instance, cool colours in a light hue such as sky blue, mint green or lilac make a room appear bigger and help make a warm climate comfortable. Equally, daybed ensembles in dark reds, maroons and oranges make a large room seem not so vast and help to lessen the psychological effects of a cool climate.

While choosing linen and sheets for daybed ensembles, do not forget comfort. When choosing sheets and shams, look out for the thread count of the fabric you are buying. Generally, a count of 180 or more will give you comfort while a thread count of above 200 will give you a luxurious feel.

Daybed ensembles include more than just the sheets and pillow coverings. Window treatments should also match your bedding in order to complete the room. Fabrics fashioned into tab valances, swag valances, full curtains and more can pick up the pattern of your bedding or enhance it with a matching solid or print to complement the daybed ensemble.