Imagine this: you step outside into your backyard oasis, a chilled drink in hand. The warm sun kisses your skin as you sink into the plush cushions of your luxurious outdoor day bed. You just kick back, catch up on your reading, or indulge in an afternoon siesta. Sounds downright blissful, am I right?
And the reality is there’s never been a better time to add a day bed to your favorite relaxation spot. And that’s not just my opinion. Researchers and market reports have expressed a rising appreciation for outdoor leisure activities1. Plus, the outdoor day bed industry just keeps growing2… meaning more options (and higher quality options) for folks who love to relax and enjoy the outdoors in style.
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And really, investing in a high-quality outdoor day bed is the perfect way to upgrade your alfresco living situation. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the one that’s just right for you? Never fear, my friend, I’m here to guide you through the process like a seasoned patio pro.
First, let’s get one thing straight – an outdoor day bed is way more than just a piece of fancy patio furniture. It’s a lifestyle choice, an extension of your living space that allows you to soak up those glorious sunny days in the ultimate comfort. This ain’t your grandma’s musty old daybed – we’re talking sleek, modern designs made to withstand the elements while amping up your home’s curb appeal. I could go on and on about making your patio space the best it can be, but instead, I’ll stay on-topic (for now).
Types of Outdoor Day Beds to Consider
Okay, let’s kick things off by exploring the different breeds of outdoor day beds roaming the wild these days:
Standard Outdoor Day Bed: This classic design features a twin-sized mattress with a backrest, usually made of weather-resistant wicker, aluminum or teak. It’s the outdoor furniture equivalent of a good pair of jeans – simple, reliable, and it just works.
Sectional/Modular Day Bed: Why be confined to a single, static shape when you can build your own daybed paradise? Modular sets allow you to arrange and rearrange the pieces into whichever cozy configuration strikes your fancy that day. It’s like grown-up Lego for your backyard.
Round Day Bed: Who says outdoor furniture has to be all harsh lines and corners? A curved, circular daybed creates an intimate, cocoon-like seating area that’s perfect for cozying up with that special someone (or a good book and a glass of wine).
Canopy Day Bed: Imagine an outdoor oasis fit for lounging royalty – a plush daybed with a retractable canopy shading you from the sun’s rays. This decadent design makes you feel like you’re living in a tropical resort, even if your backyard is nowhere near the beach.
Day Bed with Storage: Some of these babies come equipped with built-in storage compartments, because the ultimate outdoor lounging experience requires a place to stash your poolside reads, magazines, and tanning supplies. Convenience at its finest!
Hanging Day Bed: Warning: serious relaxation goals ahead. A hanging daybed suspended from a sturdy frame or tree branch is the perfect whimsical touch for smaller spaces. Just try to resist the urge to gently sway yourself to sleep.
Size and Space – Finding the Daybed Fit for Your Oasis
Once you’ve nailed down your ideal daybed style, it’s time to talk sizing. After all, you don’t want to end up with a glorious new lounger that overpowers and cramps your outdoor space (or worse, can’t even fit through the patio doors – oh, I’ve been there).
Measure, measure, and measure again. Get the full dimensions of the area where you plan to put your new pride and joy. Don’t forget to account for walkways and any other patio furniture or potted plants taking up real estate. Give each walkway at least 18 inches of space, two full feet is better. Pro tip: grab a tape measure and map out the available floor space using masking or painter’s tape – it’s easier to visualize that way.
As for mattress sizing, twinXL is a super common option for standard outdoor daybeds. But if you have the room (and desire) to go bigger, full or queen-sized mattresses open up more space for stretching out, napping, or accommodating extra guests.
For smaller areas like apartment balconies or cozy courtyards, look into petite, space-saving designs or hanging daybeds that free up floor space.
The Calixto 2-Piece Daybed Set by Skyline Design, available at PatioProductions.com
Materials – Where Beauty Meets Brawn
Listen up, my friends: your outdoor daybed is going to face some seriously harsh conditions over the years. We’re talking scorching sun, lashing rainstorms, frosty winters – the works. That’s why material choice is so important when selecting these open-air loungers.
Here are the highlights for some of the top picks (but feel free to click on each option for a more in-depth look):
All-Weather Wicker: This sturdy synthetic material is woven to mimic the classic, earthy look of natural rattan or wicker, but with serious stay-strong superpowers. Quality all-weather wicker can take a licking from the elements and keep on ticking (well, not literally ticking, but you get what I mean).
Aluminum: For a sleek, minimalist vibe, aluminum frames are where it’s at. This lightweight yet heavy-duty material shrugs off moisture, resists rust and corrosion, and requires very little maintenance beyond an occasional wipe-down. Powder-coated aluminum finishes add an extra layer of year-round protection.
Teak Wood: If you want your outdoor room to have a warm, organic feel, teak is tough to beat (no pun intended). This hard, dense wood is naturally moisture-resistant and weathers to a beautiful silvery patina over time when left untreated. Splurge-worthy but totally worth it.
Marine-Grade Polymers: For coastal living by the beach or poolside settings, marine-grade polymers and polyethylene wicker are smart choices. These supremely water-resistant materials stand up to salt, sunlight, chlorine, and any other challenges that come their way.
Once you lock in the right structural frame material, it’s cushion time! Look for outdoor cushions made from fade-resistant, fast-drying fabrics like Sunbrella or treated polyesters and acrylics. The higher the thread count, the better the cushion will maintain its plush comfort over time. Consider removable cushion covers for easy cleaning, too.
The Peacock Daybed with Teak Legs and sun umbrella by Cane-line, available at PatioProductions.com
Weatherproofing – Because Nature Always Wins
Even the most weather-hardy outdoor furnishing needs a little extra TLC to stay looking fresh through the years and seasons. Here are some tips for keeping your daybed buff and beautiful:
Bring Indoors if Possible: When major storms or winter arrive, disassemble your daybed (if possible) and stash it in a garage or shed until sunnier days return. This protects it from high winds, hail, snow loads and punishing cold.
Use Furniture Covers: If bringing it inside isn’t an option, invest in high-quality outdoor furniture covers and make sure to use them! Look for breathable yet waterproof options to allow moisture to escape while shielding against rain and snow.
Proper Cleaning: Give your daybed’s frame and fabric a good cleaning at the start of each season using a mild soap and water solution. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the materials.
Apply Protectant: Wood sealants, marine-grade varnishes and moisture repellents can help maximize your daybed’s longevity when used as directed. Just don’t go overboard with the chemicals – moderation is key to avoid wear issues.
Never let water stand: Make sure to position your daybed on a well-draining surface like a patio or deck. Avoid low-lying areas where water could pool up underneath, accelerating rust and rot.
Know when to fold ’em: Even the sturdiest materials eventually succumb to time and the elements. If you notice major cracking, warping, fading or deterioration, it’s probably time to retire your old daybed in favor of a fresh new model.
The Wink Canopy Daybed by Harmonia Living, available at PatioProductions.com
Accessorizing – The Cherry on Top of Your Daybed Sundae
Once you have your perfect outdoor daybed picked out, it’s time for the fun part – accessorizing! After all, no living area (indoor or out) is truly complete without the right decorative touches to make it feel, well…lived in.
Outdoor pillows and cushions are an easy way to amp up both the comfort and style factors. Go for bright, weather-resistant fabrics and patterns that complement your daybed’s frame. Toss on some cozy woolly or faux fur throw blankets to snuggle up in when the temps start to dip.
Side tables are an outdoor daybed’s best friend, giving you a place to set down drinks, books, or catch-all trays to keep essentials within reach. Many daybeds come with built-in side tables, but you can easily add freestanding outdoor end tables to achieve the same effect.
Shade is crucial for those sunny afternoon lounging sessions. If your daybed doesn’t have a built-in canopy, look into adding a patio umbrella, pergola, awning or invest in a portable sun shade you can position as needed.
Finally, accessorize with the little touches that make it feel like home – planters brimming with lush greenery, outdoor lights for nighttime ambiance, buckets for keeping drinks cold, and decorative pieces that speak to your personal style.
The Laguna Resort King Daybed by Sunset West, available at PatioProductions.com
Making It An Investment to Last
Okay, so you’ve saved up and splurged on the outdoor daybed of your dreams. Now it’s time to properly care for this baby so it keeps looking glorious for seasons to come.
First up: read the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully and follow them to a T. There’s no universal care code for outdoor furniture – different materials have different needs.
In general, most outdoor daybeds require monthly basic cleaning and maintenance. Use a mild soap and water solution with a soft bristle brush to gently scrub down the frame. For tougher stains or stuck-on gunk, you may need to break out a plastic scraper (but test it in an inconspicuous area first to avoid accidental damage).
Mildew loves to munch on damp cushion covers, so keep an eye out for any fuzzy growth and treat affected areas with a specialized outdoor mildew cleaner pronto. It’s also wise to clean and thoroughly dry cushion covers before storing them for winter.
Every few months, inspect your daybed’s frame for any rust spots, cracks, or loose hardware and fix issues as needed. Re-apply protective finishes per the manufacturer’s schedule – letting sealants completely weather off is just asking for trouble.
When winter comes, disassemble your daybed and store components indoors if possible. If not, invest in a high-quality outdoor cover to protect it from snow, ice and punishing winds. Just make sure to let the frame fully air out and dry before covering for the season.
With a little TLC, your outdoor daybed should keep you living that alfresco dream for years to come.
The Boston Daybed by Skyline Design, available at PatioProductions.com
Daydreaming About Daybeds No More
There you have it, folks – everything you need to know to become an outdoor daybed buying and care extraordinaire! Whether you’re drawn to the contemporary look of sleek metal frames or swayed by the rustic charm of weather-worn wood, there’s a dreamy design out there calling your name.
Remember, this is an investment in your home’s comfort and curb appeal. Don’t be afraid to really analyze factors like sizing, spacing, materials, weatherproofing requirements and maintenance routines to find the daybed that seamlessly blends into your unique outdoor living situation.
At the end of the day (or the beginning of it – I don’t judge), an outdoor daybed is all about creating a luxurious, resort-inspired retreat without ever leaving your own backyard. So grab some magazines, queue up the tunes, mix up a batch of Bahama Mamas and go rediscover the simple pleasure of whiling away sunshine-soaked afternoons in stylish repose. You’ve earned it, my friend!
Sources
- Source 1: Researchgate.net article, April 2021
- The Insight Partners report: outdoor day beds
Eben Jol is a creative media specialist with over 9 years of experience creating helpful content for outdoor brands. In that time he has learned the ins and outs of the outdoor industry and has a keen understanding of what topics customers and information seekers need to know when they are planning and furnishing their outdoor space. He has gathered data and reported on industry insights for organizations such as the ICFA, and in his spare time, loves relaxing in his own backyard (and the great outdoors at large) with his wife and 3 kids.
