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Is a Daybed the Same Size As a Twin Bed? (Complete Guide)

Daybeds are becoming a popular choice amongst homeowners who want both aesthetics and functionality in one go. As they are a place for a break of short bursts and a longer period of rest, they arguably provide more versatility than twin beds. 

Is a daybed the same size as a twin bed?

Most available daybeds are sized the same as a twin bed. The industry standard for daybed sizes coincides with that of twin beds, down to their mattresses as well. Daybeds and twin beds are mostly similar, with their biggest difference being the intended purpose and the frames they have.

Daybeds are known to be couch-bed duos whilst twin beds are just beds. A daybed will have its frame with armrests and backrests, whereas twins will have a headboard and footboard.

Daybeds can look like a couch but they have the size of a regular mattress, acting as an alternative to futon and murphy beds.

Twin mattresses are used for single beds, popular amongst children, teens, and single adults. They can also be used for guest bedrooms. The only times’ daybeds are not the same size as a twin bed is when it’s in narrow bed frames or in “unusual” sizes.

The measurements for both these beds are usually 38 inches by 75 inches or some minor variations of it. Otherwise, daybeds with full-size mattresses can go for 54 inches by 75 inches.

Is a daybed the same size or smaller than a single bed?

The dimensions of a standard small single bed are 30 inches by 75 inches, while a regular single bed is somewhere around 36 inches by 75 inches.

As we can see that daybeds usually have measurements of 38×75, it is easy to assume that daybeds are a little bigger than singles.

However, single beds are also known as twin beds, which means daybeds can be the same size as a single bed as well. Since the difference between them are a matter of few inches, some can call them the same size.

Can a daybed be smaller than a twin?

Usually, daybeds are the same size as a twin bed. However, there are chances that a daybed can be smaller than a twin.

The instance when a daybed can be a bit smaller than a twin is when the daybed has the size of a “narrow twin”. 

Narrow twins have the dimensions of 30 inches wide instead of the regular 38 or 39. Keep it in mind though, that regular daybeds share the same sizes as twin beds.

Do they make full-size daybeds?

Daybeds are generally in the single bed or twin bed size though you can always find variances to suit your style and needs. So, if you need daybeds that are bigger than the usual twin bed, you are looking for full-size daybeds.

Full-size daybeds come in the size of 54 inches by 75 inches, which is almost double of its twin bed counterpart. They are also known as full or double daybeds.

What is the size of a daybed?

Now that we know daybeds come in a range of sizes, we can categorize them followingly-

The Usual:

most daybeds are made in a manner to accommodate the industry standard twin-size mattresses. This means they have the dimensions of 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. In centimeters, this translates to 97 x 191 cm. 

They are perfect for growing children or occasional guests.

The Bigger:

If you want something bigger, while uncommon daybeds do come in a bigger size. Accompanying a full-size mattress, this daybed has the measurements of 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. 

You can also find twin xl beds, though they are very rare, in 39 inches by 80 inches. Another uncommon option is to find the Queen-sized daybed, with the sizing of 60 inches by 80 inches.

The Smaller:

Not as uncommon as the above-mentioned frames, you can find daybeds in the smaller size range as Narrow Twins. They have dimensions of 30 inches by 75 inches, so they are a bit slimmer than the usual fitting.

Perfect for cramped spaces where you want to utilize the area but the regular size just takes up too much.

What size mattress fits on a daybed?

The great thing about daybeds is that there is no specific mattress requirement for them. But this does not mean you can just buy any mattress and throw it on, there are certain attributes you must pay heed to.

When buying the mattress for a daybed, check the height, price, and firmness before purchasing.

A typical frame will need a mattress measuring 39 inches in width and the length being 75 inches. If you want one with a full size then the mattress has to be around 53 inches by 75 inches.

How thick should a daybed mattress be?

Now that you know the length and width of typical daybed mattresses, time for you to find out about the thickness of these mattresses.

Honestly, it depends on your comfort level. The size ranges from 6 inches to 8 inches. This is different from the average mattress that is 8 to 12 inches thick.

Does a single mattress fit a daybed?

Since most daybeds are sized the same as the standard twin-size bed or single beds, their mattresses will fit a daybed as well. When picking a single mattress for your daybed, make sure it has the right firmness you prefer.

The ideal dimensions would be 39 inches by 75 inches, with the thickness being 8 inches or so.

Do daybeds use twin mattresses?

As it’s been established that daybeds follow the same dimensions as twin beds, they come in twin size and use regular mattresses that are twin-sized.

Unless you have a full-sized day bed, more often than not, they use twin mattresses. Size-wise, it is 39 inches long and 75 inches wide.

Is daybed bedding different than twin?

The bedding for daybeds includes 33 a comforter, shams, and sometimes a bed skirt. This makes it look like a bed, so you can include bed sheets, top sheets, blankets, and pillow covers as well.

Now, while daybeds share the same mattresses with twins, it is not the same for their individual bedding sets.

Twin sheets on a daybed mattress will not fit properly because of the sides and backs of the daybed frame- making them bunch up and look unsightly.

Daybed covers will need to have slits so they can fit easily around the frame. Some beddings have special pleating that makes them set absolutely flat.

Can you use a twin bed as a daybed?

As daybeds and twin beds are typically the same sizes, many believe that you can use them interchangeably.

This means you can use a twin bed as a daybed. What’s wonderful about them being interchangeable is that you can use them to serve any and other functions as your needs and lifestyle.

If you are opting to buy one and use it as the other, make sure the mattress fits properly and the included cushion fits the sheets. 

How do you style a twin bed like a daybed?

Now that we know twin beds can be switched into daybeds and vice versa, you may consider some styling options that can make one look like the other. In order to style a twin bed like a daybed, here are a few tips that may come in handy.

Large Pillows:

Large pillows can help to ground the corners whilst making it look more “filled out”.

They don’t necessarily have to match, so you can make it an assortment of different sized, shaped, and textured pillows that suit your color palette.

A Mattress Cover:

Mattress covers bring the whole look together and give it a more put-together look that makes it more like a daybed couch than a bed that’s put to the side.

You don’t necessarily have to make or buy a new cover; you can simply fold a quilt over a fitted sheet.

Throw Pillows:

Throw pillows can further work with your color palette and make a fun addition to it all, so this is your chance to be creative and let your inner designer shine.

Throw blankets:

You can also include a throw blanket that can be pulled straight with ease whenever you need it to. This gives it a cozy lived-in look.

Using different textures and patterns to make your furniture as inviting as it can be is the end goal here, whether it be a daybed or a twin bed.

Seeing how versatile daybeds can be, it makes sense why they are so popular and are quickly becoming a house staple.