How to Create an Outdoor Lounge Bed

All the hip hotels have them-now so can you!

1. Start with a simple, sturdy bed frame in either a full or queen size. You'll want to get a platform bed, not one with a box spring, and you don't want a headboard either. (CB2 carries these, see Resources below.)

2. Buy a futon mattress, sized according to your bed frame.

3. Have the futon covered in an outdoor fabric. (I suggest having your upholsterer add a water-proof liner under the outdoor fabric cover, just to be safe!) White will give you that Miami lounge look, but it could be awfully hard to keep clean. A darker shade or a pattern might prove more practical. To give your mattress a boxier, more tailored look, opt for self- or contrast-welting. My favorite outdoor line is Perennials-or you can find great affordable options at Outdoor Fabrics (see Resources below).

4. Make the bed more comfortable-not to mention more attractive-by adding plenty of pillows. These should also be covered in outdoor fabric and can be either in the same fabric as the mattress, or if you want to add a splash of color, I always like to mix in some accent colors and patterns.