Best Day Beds With Storage

In the world of beautiful interiors there’s nothing more satisfying than a furniture piece that is aesthetically pleasing, highly functional, versatile and, in essence, kills at least two birds with one stone. Impossible, you say? Well, then what you’re missing on your list of décor must-haves is a sofa bed.

These little gems, available in a myriad of different styles, formats and sizes, are a godsend if you’re stretched for space, offering guests a comfortable sitting or sleeping perch in one clever composition.

Our expert design team brings you the low down on why we think they’re the berries.

What are day beds and why should you buy one?

Day beds, sofa beds and futons are all very similar in form and function. Here are the subtle differences between the three.

Sofa beds: In their compressed format these look like a regular sofa with back and armrests but, once folded out, provide you with a sturdy bed complete with a decent mattress and, in some instances, storage space.

Day beds: Are deeper than a regular sofa, providing you with a space on which to recline and relax without having to do any unfolding.

Futons: Comprise a simple frame and futon-style mattress which remains visible whether it’s folded down or not. They tend to be a little on the bulky side and can be uncomfortable to sleep on.

Sofa beds, according to the FCI London design team, are undoubtedly the Rolls Royce of the three, providing maximum comfort and lumbar support no matter which position they’re in.

Compact and flexible, they are the answer to impromptu sleepovers and small space living and, in the contemporary world of high-end interior design, are also beautifully considered, making a style statement that will enhance any discerning aesthetic.

How to pick the perfect sofa bed for your home

When searching for a sofa bed, keep in mind that it will primarily be used for seating, so it makes sense to pick one out based on the qualities you look for in a regular sofa.

Here are 5 pointers that will ensure you get the best option possible.

• Measure your available space remembering that it has to fit as both a sofa and a fully opened bed.
• Ensure that the frame is made from either hardwood or metal – they are workhorses and need to be durable.
• Check the open and close mechanism properly. It should have smooth edges that won’t rip your linen, must operate seamlessly without sticking and needs to be made from quality components that include a lock-down bar.
• Make sure you test the mattress out for comfort.
• Don’t compromise on appearances. No matter which room it’s occupying, it should fit in with the existing aesthetics of your space, adding a strong décor element to your entire ensemble.

How to style a day bed in your home for ultimate comfort and convenience

You want your day bed to look as gorgeous as the rest of your furniture, bringing refinement and a sense of panache to your space. Here are some styling tips that will enhance its appearance.

• Pillows and cushions are a wonderful way to add pops of colour and texture and can be layered to create depth. Choose different shapes and tones for extra interest.
• Throws are an ideal accessory, giving you instant warmth on chilly evenings and creating a sense of opulence and refinement. Choose light cottons during the summer months and switch them to something more fluffy when the seasons get colder.
• Rugs provide both a snug landing place for your feet and will help tie all the furniture elements of your room together. Find one that complements your colours palette and genre.
• Bedding, although not a part of your everyday décor, makes a huge difference to the quality of your sleep. So when you do welcome an overnight guest, make sure you have some high-end linen and a duck down duvet on hand.

Day bed ideas for small spaces

Day- and sofa beds are both extremely versatile and can be beautifully integrated into any room. Here are some ideas on how to use them in small spaces.

If your flat is tiny, use a sofa bed as the central seating option in your lounge, paired with ottomans or an armchair if you can accommodate them. Choose one that will comfortably seat at least two people, making it the focal point of your room. We love this Vegas edition from Felix Collection with its contemporary form and vibrant two-tone colour palette.

If you have a bit of space in a small hallway, look out for one with a sleek profile that will fold down effortlessly into a comfortable bed whenever you need it. For this kind of application, the Papillon sofa bed by Bonaldo fits the bill perfectly, adding a touch of class to your aesthetic.

If you have a spare bedroom and would like to include a seating area, think about using a day bed instead of two armchairs. This will ensure that any guests are amply accommodated with a multi-purpose space. The Camelia Mod. 31 is a fabulous option for this type of scenario.

Find a comfortable day bed for your children’s room that will allow them to play and sleep on it during those unexpected pyjama parties. In this instance, not having to operate a folding mechanism is both convenient and will eliminate any chance of injuring little fingers. The Be-Max Mod. 8 by Twils is an ideal choice.

Create a reading nook in any spare corner of your home and fill it with a single-seater futon-style day bed. We bet your family will fight over it constantly! The Polet by Twils comes in a fabulous range of colours and adds a sense of fun to any environment.

For the slightly bigger home, invest in a three-seater sofa bed that will lend a sense of refinement to your media room, enabling the whole family to snuggle up in front of the TV in absolute comfort. Our top designers love the Cuba 25 sofa bed by Cappellini with its sleek profile and ample dimensions.

FAQs about day beds with storage

Believe it or not, many day beds come with storage options – I mean could it get any better? So for those in search of that extra convenience, here are the short answers to 3 frequently asked questions.

Where will you find storage facilities on a day bed?

Many day beds offer a storage compartment at the bottom of the base in the form of drawers or a hidden compartment.

What do you use storage drawers for in a day bed?

Day beds with drawers give you the opportunity to store linen, pillows, clothing and other items without needing additional wardrobe space, which is especially useful if you have a small home.

Do you get a day bed with storage for adults as well as children?

Day beds with storage options come in many different shapes and sizes, so finding one for both adults and children is easy.

In Conclusion

Investing in a day- or sofa bed is a smart move, especially if you have little space but love entertaining overnight guests.

At FCI London we offer a supremely luxurious range that will add a touch of class to any room, so give us a call today or pop in and see us and our knowledgeable design team will walk you through your options.