Do it Yourself Plans for a Daybed

Simple iron daybeds are common additions to homes for use as guest beds.

A daybed usually means a convertible piece of furniture that can be used as a couch by day and as a bed by night for guests. The most common configuration is a twin bed positioned lengthwise like a couch. Making this type of daybed can be a matter of getting the right kind of bedding and arranging the bed against two walls for support.

Instructions

1. Position a twin bed lengthwise against a wall. Place a fitted twin sheet on a box spring or use a dust ruffle that goes all the way around the bed.

2. Place a fitted sheet on the mattress as well as a flat sheet tucked in as if the bed were a normal bed. The flat sheet should be neatly tucked between the mattress and box spring with no fabric hanging down.

3. Cover the top mattress with a fitted twin-size mattress cover made from an upholstery fabric. This cover should remind you of a couch material, not a bed.

4. Purchase or make two Moroccan-style arm pillows that are the full width of the mattress. This type of pillow is three-quarters the width of a sleeping standard pillow but it is stuffed with a grain or husk which will make it heavy and help it hold position on the mattress. If you make the pillows, turn a standard pillow case inside out and sew a double-stitched side seam three-quarters across the length. Fill with rice or husks. Sew a double-stitched seam across the open end to close it. Make a cover in a fabric that matches your mattress cover.

5. Place your arm (rice) pillows on each end of the mattress. Line the back wall with attractive large throw pillows to act like cushions on a couch. If your rice pillow arms get moved around, add snaps between the arm pillowcase and the mattress cover to help hold them in the position you want.

Tips & Warnings

• By removing the rice pillows and mattress cover, your bed is ready to use. Add a blanket and sleeping pillow and your guest will be very comfortable. You can store additional linens under the bed plastic bins.

References

• Slipcover Shop: Fitted Mattress Slipcover Info
• Cancer Lynx: More Ways to Make Rice Bags for Comfort