Decorating
Decorating: 10 Dreamy Day Beds Designed for Total Relaxation
The perfect mix of chair and sofa, day beds offer an escape from the daily whirl. Browse these designs to get into the relaxation zone…
We all have days when we don’t want to lie in bed, but sitting in an armchair doesn’t quite cut it, either. Day beds, chaise longues and loungers occupy that interiors third space – somewhere to lie back, breathe in and chill out. They might not be on your ‘essential pieces of furniture’ list, but the best models add instant romance, style and magic to a room. Plus, of course, they’re deliciously indulgent: the perfect places to daydream, linger with a cup of coffee and an escapist novel, or even practise your daily mindfulness meditations. With our lives so busy these days, it’s time to reclaim some you-time – and if you can find a corner of a sitting room or bedroom to accommodate one, a day bed might just help you do it. For now, dream on with these beauties.
Be vivid in velvet
If you’re a traditionalist at heart, then a day bed in classic soft velvet, like this raspberry number, could be just the ticket. Before buying, think about what you want from your day bed: if comfort is key, then choose one with suitably squashy upholstery, rather than a more minimal number.
Site your day bed near to a fireplace and it will make a great place to nap or read when the evenings are chilly.
If you’re a traditionalist at heart, then a day bed in classic soft velvet, like this raspberry number, could be just the ticket. Before buying, think about what you want from your day bed: if comfort is key, then choose one with suitably squashy upholstery, rather than a more minimal number.
Site your day bed near to a fireplace and it will make a great place to nap or read when the evenings are chilly.
Sink into a floral fancy
If you want to have a big impact on a room, consider choosing a day bed in a romantic pattern. This glorious floral velvet fabric works with the simple shape of the chaise – a more fussy design might have been overkill.
Tip The abundance of single flowers in mini vases and bottles here might be a tad impractical, but used judiciously, they can be a clever way to get maximum impact out of a bunch of blooms.
Discover how to work more floral fancies
If you want to have a big impact on a room, consider choosing a day bed in a romantic pattern. This glorious floral velvet fabric works with the simple shape of the chaise – a more fussy design might have been overkill.
Tip The abundance of single flowers in mini vases and bottles here might be a tad impractical, but used judiciously, they can be a clever way to get maximum impact out of a bunch of blooms.
Discover how to work more floral fancies
Take it to the reading room
If you’re a self-confessed bookworm, try squeezing a day bed next to your novel collection. Then you can settle back with a classic read whenever you need a mental holiday from everyday life. This pale blue chaise adds purpose, personality and romance to what could have been a relatively boring wall of books.
Tip This day bed is fairly compact: remember to stretch out when buying (or at the least study the dimensions), and ask yourself how you feel if your feet tip over the edge.
If you’re a self-confessed bookworm, try squeezing a day bed next to your novel collection. Then you can settle back with a classic read whenever you need a mental holiday from everyday life. This pale blue chaise adds purpose, personality and romance to what could have been a relatively boring wall of books.
Tip This day bed is fairly compact: remember to stretch out when buying (or at the least study the dimensions), and ask yourself how you feel if your feet tip over the edge.
Go low
Day beds don’t have to be elevated. This ultra-low Turkish-style day bed has a relaxed, holiday feel, and is brightened up with silky cushions. Its position next to a picture window means it’s a calming spot in which to recline and gaze at the spirit-lifting greenery.
Top marks for the low tray table, too, which is ideal for accommodating refreshing glasses of mint tea or an aperitif or two. Explore dressing up a traditional futon for a similar effect.
Day beds don’t have to be elevated. This ultra-low Turkish-style day bed has a relaxed, holiday feel, and is brightened up with silky cushions. Its position next to a picture window means it’s a calming spot in which to recline and gaze at the spirit-lifting greenery.
Top marks for the low tray table, too, which is ideal for accommodating refreshing glasses of mint tea or an aperitif or two. Explore dressing up a traditional futon for a similar effect.
Enjoy the view
OK, we don’t have all rooms facing a sparkling blue ocean and idyllic white sands, like this one. But placing a day bed (or armchair and ottoman combo) where you can enjoy the best view in the house makes sense, whether it’s of a leafy street or your flower-strewn garden. Then you can drift away contentedly, without having to think about the rubbish that needs taking out or the pile of washing-up…
Learn how to frame a perfect view
OK, we don’t have all rooms facing a sparkling blue ocean and idyllic white sands, like this one. But placing a day bed (or armchair and ottoman combo) where you can enjoy the best view in the house makes sense, whether it’s of a leafy street or your flower-strewn garden. Then you can drift away contentedly, without having to think about the rubbish that needs taking out or the pile of washing-up…
Learn how to frame a perfect view
Stay simple
If your space is minimal, then there’s no need to choose a chaise with scrolls and fussy fabric. Shop around for a chic, modern alternative. This cool, clean grey number has simple lines to match the stunning pared-back architecture and smart sofa.
If your space is minimal, then there’s no need to choose a chaise with scrolls and fussy fabric. Shop around for a chic, modern alternative. This cool, clean grey number has simple lines to match the stunning pared-back architecture and smart sofa.
Mediterranean Sofas
Make like French royalty
Ever wished you could disappear into the pages of a fairy tale? Even if you don’t live in a palace, you can try incorporating a regal mood. A French-style chaise is elegant and fabulously escapist. This Louis XV reproduction chaise is ultra-sumptuous, while the pearly buttoned velvet and gold finish are simply divine.
Ever wished you could disappear into the pages of a fairy tale? Even if you don’t live in a palace, you can try incorporating a regal mood. A French-style chaise is elegant and fabulously escapist. This Louis XV reproduction chaise is ultra-sumptuous, while the pearly buttoned velvet and gold finish are simply divine.
Relax on a classic
The Le Corbusier LC4 chaise is a midcentury classic and for good reason. Ergonomic, sculptural and iconic, it instantly adds class and sophistication to a room. Here it looks super-cool paired with the oversized metal arc lamp in red, parquet flooring and grey walls for a subtle midcentury look.
The Le Corbusier LC4 chaise is a midcentury classic and for good reason. Ergonomic, sculptural and iconic, it instantly adds class and sophistication to a room. Here it looks super-cool paired with the oversized metal arc lamp in red, parquet flooring and grey walls for a subtle midcentury look.
Cosy up a window seat
There’s something eternally romantic about a wooden window seat, and this one has been given the crucial comfort factor with cushions in a pretty fabric. If you already have a lot of freestanding furniture, a window seat can be a neat way to insert a day bed into your scheme. Then all that’s left to do is sit back and watch the world go by.
TELL US…
Do you have a dreamy day bed? Share your photos and thoughts in the Comments below.
There’s something eternally romantic about a wooden window seat, and this one has been given the crucial comfort factor with cushions in a pretty fabric. If you already have a lot of freestanding furniture, a window seat can be a neat way to insert a day bed into your scheme. Then all that’s left to do is sit back and watch the world go by.
TELL US…
Do you have a dreamy day bed? Share your photos and thoughts in the Comments below.
Looking for something a little bit different, or don’t have tons of cash to splash? Scour thrift shops and eBay for interesting vintage day beds, like this natty number, which has perked up a simple modern space, along with some intriguing ornaments.
A magazine rack placed at close hand and a reading lamp overhead all add to the retreat feel. Don’t forget to put on your favourite music for the ultimate mental getaway.