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The Best Patio Daybeds to Lounge on All Summer Long

These outdoor daybeds are great for relaxing, entertaining, and everything in between.

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The Best Patio Daybeds
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Real Simple / Alli Waataja

A daybed is an incredibly functional piece of furniture that isn't exclusive to indoor use. A patio daybed is made from outdoor-friendly materials, like wicker or teak, that can resist the elements and offers a stylish place to sit, relax, or snooze in the sun or shade. Whether you plan on using a patio daybed to entertain by the pool or get in your vitamin D, it can make a great addition to your outdoor furniture arrangement.

Patio daybeds come in many shapes and sizes, including convertible and swinging options. To help you find the best one for your space, we spent hours researching daybeds and considering factors like materials, size, and care to find the best picks in a range of styles. We also consulted Holly A. Kopman, principal designer of Holly A Kopman Interior Design, for expert advice on how to shop for a patio daybed.

How to Shop for Patio Daybed Like a Pro

Dimensions

Daybeds come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from large round options that can seat multiple people to compact rectangular ones. Before you start shopping, consider the layout of your outdoor space to determine which style is right for you, and measure where you plan to put your daybed to know what dimensions you should be looking for.

“The scale of the furniture should fit the space you are using,” Kopman says. “Do not get a small sofa or lounge chairs for an area that has big trees, planting areas, or pots.” For smaller spaces, a sleek daybed with a narrower width will work better than a more robust option, which may make it difficult to maneuver around your other furnishings.

If you have more room or frequently host larger gatherings outside, a round daybed will offer more seating and can help fill up your space. Kopman also recommends considering how much seating room you need when determining how big you need your patio daybed to be.

Materials

It goes without saying that the materials used in your patio daybed are important to consider—after all, it needs to withstand hot sun, winds, rain, and potentially inclement weather. For ultimate durability, you can’t do better than a stainless steel or aluminum daybed, which are built “like bullets,” according to Kopman. Not only are they durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather without budging, but they’re also more forgiving when it comes to spills and stains since they take a quick wipe to clean. Kopman is also a fan of resin wicker because it “looks like a natural fiber, and it lasts.” Plus, it’s light in weight, so it’s easy to move around your patio as needed.

Solid woods like eucalyptus and teak are also popular choices since they resist all kinds of weather as well as fading, mold, pests, and rust—Kopman says the latter is the go-to for wood furniture but cautions that it requires some maintenance to preserve its color. Many retailers also recommend storing your wood daybeds indoors to protect them from snow and cold weather.

Don’t forget to also consider the material your cushions are made from. Most outdoor daybeds are upholstered with fade- and stain-resistant performance fabrics like Sunbrella or Olefin. However, we still recommend that you take your cushions indoors when not in use to ensure their longevity and protect them from rain.

Colors

Kopman says that colorful fabrics and finishes are more likely to fade, which explains why most patio daybeds come in neutral tones or natural finishes, like wood or wicker. If you want your patio to have a pop, consider options like the Polywood Vineyard Daybed Swing, which comes in multiple UV-resistant color choices for both the frame and upholstery. Or, for some DIY action, you could even paint your furniture to ensure it’s exactly the right shade.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the benefits of patio daybeds?

A patio daybed adds a multi-use piece of furniture to your yard. You can use it to sit outside to relax, take a nap, or seat multiple guests while entertaining without the bulk of additional chairs.

Do you need to buy a cover for a patio daybed?

Kopman says you should always have a cover for your outdoor furniture because it will make it last longer. She also says to store your cushions indoors during winter and rainy seasons to keep them in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

Why is patio furniture so expensive?

Because patio furniture is subjected to so much wear and tear from the elements, it has to be made with durable materials using high-quality construction, both of which can jack up the price. Additionally, patio furniture typically includes more customization options, which contributes to the cost. The good news is that a well-made piece of patio furniture can last for years, so chances are you won’t have to splurge on another patio daybed so long as you take proper care of it.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, she thoroughly researched patio daybeds and considered factors like dimensions, materials, and colors to make her final picks. For expert advice on how to shop for patio daybeds, Jen spoke to Holly A. Kopman, principal designer at Holly A Kopman Interior Design.

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