Most of us are in the quest for space-saving and functional furniture since we all want to maximize the space we have available. A daybed is one such furniture item that is particularly useful in small living rooms or dorms. This bed is a versatile piece that can change into a seating area during the day and sleeping area during the afternoon or night.
If you have a trundle bed and want to make it even more functional, there are simple hacks you can apply to achieve your goal. Let’s explore your options by examining different ways to make a daybed look like a couch.
Decorate Around the Daybed
Decorating around your trundle bed will make it look like a couch in a dual purpose way. For example, place a reading lamp at one end of the daybed and a potted plant at the other. Hang wall art on the wall above the daybed and place an area rug underneath it. A pair of storage cubes will also offer a modern touch plus they are easy to move around or reposition when needed.
For a more classic couch-like look, add a large potted plant at the back of the couch to frame your daybed. Macrame or framed mirrors can finalize the design and tie everything together.
While decorating around the daybed won’t make the actual furniture look like a couch, it is a good start to achieve your goal.
Use a Bed Skirt or Fitted Sheet
A bed skirt is an ideal addition to a trundle or daybed. The skirt will hide the bottom part of the trundle as well as the foam mattress. It will also cover up the bed’s legs, thus creating a couch-like look.
Bed skirts provide a clean and sleek look, plus you can match the skirt with the room’s decor or bedding. For trundle beds, you can even store your bedding items under the bed and hide the storage area with the skirt.
As an alternative to bed skirt, a solid fitted sheet that drapes over the mattress will also work well as it won’t get trapped while moving the daybed’s storage section in and out. Just make sure the fitted sheet isn’t crumpled up so the mattress is totally hidden. A darker color or patterned sheet may be the best option here.
Whether you choose a bed skirt or a fitted sheet to hide the mattress, make sure it is arranged properly with the slits in place. It is best to measure the mattress first before buying a suitable-sized sheet or skirt.
Add Large Pillows and Blanket
Large pillows tend to make a small bed look smaller than it actually is. But large pillows create depth as well as provide you with a backrest. This will make it even more comfortable to sit on the daybed plus it will look more like a couch than bed. To add the pillows, first set the main pillow head in the corner of the daybed and select two pillows that are in the same colors. A throw blanket will complete the look so place it in the middle of the bed. The throw blanket should focus the attention away from the daybed’s length and width.
You also have the option of adding a cushion on one side of the daybed to create symmetry and style. Use rectangular cushions instead of quirky-shaped pillows. Picking the right shape cushions is a vital part of enhancing the look of a couch.
To go one step further and give your couch a personal touch, add a stuffed toy or anything else according to your preference. A small decorative cushion, for example, creates a happy vibe while two large pillows provide a comfortable feel on the couch. That said, there is no fixed rule regarding how many cushions you choose to add so go for as many or as few as you like.
Consider Bolster Pillows as Armrest Alternatives
A clever solution and alternative to armrests is bolster pillows. Since daybeds don’t have armrests, you’ll need to think of creating a comfortable solution for your arms or head. Bolster pillows allow you to rest your arms on the sides just like you would on a couch. These pillows are a long, cylindrical-shaped, narrow cushion filled with down, polyester or cotton fiber. Bolsters are typically firm as they are mainly used for back, arm or head support.
Add a Small End Table
A small end table will complete the couch look of your trundle daybed. You can add a small wooden table with a decorative vase on the one end of the bed or stack your magazines on the table.
For a more classic couch-like look, add a large potted plant at the back of the couch to frame your daybed. Macrame or framed mirrors can finalize the design.
An alternative to a side table is a small roll-away table that you can place in front of your daybed. This table is on wheels so it’s easy to move around as you’re pulling the trundle bed in and out from beneath the daybed.
All in all, there is no denying the usefulness of side tables for daybeds. These tables provide extra space for all your decorative pieces. Your guests will also be able to enjoy a cup of coffee whilst sitting on the daybed. End tables with shelves can also provide extra storage for board games, books or even blankets.
Include a Coffee Table
A coffee table is another great idea in addition to end tables. This table is commonly placed in front of the daybed-turned-couch. When you want to take a nap on the daybed, simply put away the coffee table to clear the area. And to make it even cozier, add a plush rug underneath the table.
Place an Ottoman Footrest
Ottomans make a living room feel more inviting. They are highly functional and can be moved closer to the daybed to rest your foot on or moved out of the way when you want to sleep on the daybed. What’s more, ottomans usually come with storage space inside so you can put away your magazines and other knick knacks.
Bonus tip: Make the Daybed “Feel” Like a Couch
When trying to make a trundle daybed look and feel more like a couch, there are other tricks you can use to achieve this goal… it’s all about the seating angle and depth.
Let’s assess the seating depth first. The depth of an average single seater couch is around 22 inches and 39 inches for a twin size daybed. This means you’ll need to reduce the length of the seat by around 17 inches using oversized backrest pillows. Otherwise, you might end up putting pressure on your legs while your feet will be dangling off the floor. Make sure the pillows are large enough to provide you with adequate backrest. You may want to double up with a second layer of cushions for extra thickness.
If you’re going to be using the trundle daybed as a couch only, you can create a slope by elevating the front legs of the daybed using risers and shortening the back legs. Placing padding under the daybed’s mattress will also work. You may stuff the seat cushions in order to increase the height even further.
Of course, the above depth ideas will make it harder for you to sleep on the daybed. That’s why you should only increase the height and create a slope if you’re not going to be sleeping on the daybed. But even if you do plan on sleeping on the trundle bed, there should be some elevation in the front part. This can be achieved by adding some throw pillows.
Which Room is a Daybed Best Used in?
The home office is the most common room you can use your daybed to sit on and read. But it can also be used as a couch in the living room or in the guest room to accommodate overnight visitors.
Is a Daybed Smaller Than a Twin Bed?
A typical daybed isn’t smaller than a twin bed, but most daybeds are designed to be larger than regular size sofa beds.
Are Daybeds Comfortable to Sit On?
Depending on the mattress material the daybed is made from, some can be a little less comfortable to sit on or sleep on. Thankfully, there are many ways you can enhance your daybed’s comfort by adding extra cushioning to the seat and some large pillows as backrests.
Conclusion
You can easily turn your trundle or daybed into a couch by lining up some oversized cushions and bolster pillows to create a comfortable feel. Decorate around your daybed with some end tables and lamps to enhance the look. A bed skirt will effectively hide the legs and underside of the daybed while the throw blanket will complete the couch look. The daybed can still be used for taking a nap on in the afternoons or at night, but with a few simple changes or additions, you can also use it as a couch during the day. Our clever hacks should help you achieve this task with ease!
