3 min readMany furniture pieces that were once everywhere in the Victorian Era have quietly faded from view. Think about it—when was the last time you spotted a telephone chair or a secretary desk in someone’s home? And yet, one 19th-century staple is poised for a major revival in 2026: the daybed.
Yes, daybeds have existed for a long time—but compared to loveseats or traditional sofas, they’ve long taken a back seat in mainstream design. That’s beginning to change. Designers are reimagining the daybed not as an afterthought, but as a versatile, statement-making piece that earns its place in modern homes.
Ahead, they make the case for why the daybed is officially back—and here to stay. Plus, they answer all our lingering questions, from the best ways to style one to exactly where it works best.
Material: Fabric or Leather
Given that the purpose of a daybed is to provide a comfy spot to curl up for an afternoon catnap, they are typically upholstered in fabric or leather. You'll rarely find a wooden or metal daybed!
Designer Laura Gonzalez has a clear upholstery preference: "This fully upholstered daybed was designed as a sculptural yet inviting piece, where clean lines meet soft volumes," she says. "The solid upholstered frame gives it a monolithic presence, softened by the textured fabric and generous seat. I love how it anchors the space while still feeling cozy and intimate."
Use: Fashion or Function
Historically, the daybed was often referred to as a fainting couch—so named because restrictive clothing, particularly corseted dresses, supposedly left women feeling lightheaded and in need of a place to recline. As fashion gradually shifted toward comfort and mobility, the purpose of the piece evolved right along with it.
Today, the daybed has taken on yet another identity. In some spaces, it feels less like a practical perch and more like a sculptural statement—something to admire as much as to use. The best modern iterations strike a balance, proving that a daybed can be both undeniably beautiful and genuinely comfortable.
Designer Sherry Shirah disagrees. "I love to have a textile-rich moment on daybeds. They are meant to call you for a nap or rest, but they should feel luxurious too to encourage day or night dreaming," she says.
Aesthetic: Stand Out or Complement
Some designers simply like the look of a daybed, regardless of how comfortable it actually is. Others, like Anshu Bangia of Bangia Agostinho Architecture D.P.C., don't want to waste space on large pieces of furniture that ultimately, no one will actually use. In the above New York City apartment, where space is limited, Bangia made sure that the daybed aesthetically harmonized with the rest of the seating, in both comfort and look.
"Rather than acting as a dominant centerpiece, the daybed was conceived as a subtle sculptural element that reinforces the room’s circulation and sight lines, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the overall composition," the designer notes. "Its refinement lies in proportion, materiality, and detailing, so it enhances the space instead of overtaking it."
Styling: Pillows or Bare
Another daybed debate you may come across is how to style them: with pillows or no pillows? There's actually a simple rule you can follow, according to designer Michelle Gage.
"Whether ot not you add pillows to your daybeds depends on the shape of the daybed. If it has a back, load it up with print-mixed pillows. No back? A great throw on top and quirky drink table beside it will do the trick."
Position: Center Stage or Nook-Bound
The daybed typically lives in one of two places: the middle of the room or tucked away in a corner. Neither location is wrong; it's all about preference. Melanie Milner, founding principal of The Design Atelier, prefers situating a daybed in a nook rather than out in the open.
"The client wanted a spot to read and/or take a nap, so we designed the daybed to be higher than most to capture the views of the surrounding landscape," she says. "We also designed it to be a perfect fit into the space, and it was hoisted over the adjacent balcony since it was too large to get through the door."
