Purchasing a Daybed

• When purchasing a daybed, get the best you can afford. Cheaper daybeds are more prone to literally coming apart at the seams. Go for craftsmanship first and design second, especially if you are going to be using it as your regular bed. Purchase a "real" mattress. Many daybeds come with a thinner mattress and smaller-gauge springs and are usually geared more toward a child sleeping on the daybed as opposed to an adult. Having a quality twin mattress will protect your back over the long run.
  
  

Creating a Couch

• If your daybed will do double-duty as a couch and a bed, investing in some pillows is a smart move. Because the mattress of the daybed is wider than a standard couch, to sit on it comfortably and have your back supported, obtain some firm pillows you can stack against the back of the bed to reduce the available surface area. Try to take up approximately half of the available width of the bed with pillows you can lean against.
  
  

Decorating Your Daybed

• Choose a comforter for your daybed that complements the room. The Bed in a Bag ensembles are a convenient choice, as you get matching pillow shams as well, which can provide support for your back while in "couch mode." Invest in different sheets. Use a twin-fitted sheet, but get a top sheet and comforter sized for either a double or queen-size bed. This will allow you to tuck the top sheet and comforter under the mattress on the back side of the bed, which will eliminate pulling the comforter off every time you get up from the "couch." You will also be able to use the comforter to hide anything you may store under the bed.
  
  

Practicality and Functionality

• A daybed can add functionality for your room as well. Most daybeds are higher than standard mattress frames. Use this space to store plastic tubs or boxes under the bed. Camouflage the stored items by letting the comforter hang down almost to the floor.