Why a Daybed in the Living Room?

A daybed is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to a living room. It serves as a comfortable seating area during the day and easily converts into a bed when guests stay over. For smaller homes or apartments where a dedicated guest room isn't an option, a well-styled daybed solves two problems at once.

Bedroom daybed with white bedding and black-and-white patterned throw pillows, an orange plush toy, and a geometric wall

IKEA Hemnes Daybed

The Hemnes daybed is a classic IKEA design with a timeless look. Its white frame and clean lines make it easy to blend into almost any living room style. With three spacious drawers underneath, it pulls double duty as storage — perfect for stashing extra bedding, blankets, or everyday clutter.

Styling tip: pile on pillows in varied textures and add a soft throw blanket to make the Hemnes feel more like a sofa and less like a bed during daytime hours.

IKEA Brimnes Daybed

The Brimnes model offers a slightly different take. Measuring approximately 78.375″ long by 41″ wide and 32.625″ high, it provides generous sleeping space while maintaining a compact footprint. Like the Hemnes, the Brimnes includes built-in storage drawers, making it a practical choice for living rooms where every inch counts.

Living room with pale blue sofa, colorful throw pillows, wooden shelving unit filled with storage boxes and books

Styling Your Daybed for a Living Room Look

The key to making a daybed feel at home in a living room is in the styling. Here are a few ideas:

  • Layer pillows generously. Use a mix of sizes, shapes, and textures — think linen, velvet, and knit — to create a plush, inviting look.
  • Add a throw blanket. Drape a chunky knit or soft cotton throw across one corner to soften the silhouette.
  • Position it against a wall. Treat the daybed like a sofa by placing it against a wall or under a window, flanked by side tables or a floor lamp.
  • Use warm lighting. A nearby table lamp or wall sconce adds cosiness and makes the space feel like a proper guest nook after dark.

Making Guests Feel at Home

When the daybed shifts into guest-bed mode, small touches go a long way. Keep fresh bedding stored in the drawers, add a small side table with a reading lamp, and consider a rug underneath to define the sleeping zone. The warm glow of a lamp not only brightens things up but also adds cosiness to your temporary guest bedroom.