Monday, December 29, 2008

Savvy or Impractical?

My husband doesn't know this yet, but we're buying my daughter a new bed this spring. Of course, if you're anything like me, that means start shopping for it months in advance. I posted some pics of her room months ago, and boy do I wish it were that neat now! Here's the problem...
Her room really isn't all that large. She probably has too much in it, (white board, table and chair set, etc.) but she loves to play in there. So...I started thinking "daybed". You know, something simple and inexpensive like this one.

Okay, fine. So these are way out of my price range, but I think you get the idea. Personally, I'm a huge fan of daybeds--in the right room. My concern is, is a kids' room the right room? Sure, it's great for her now, but is it ok for a 12-year old? When she gets older, will it be too small?

I've looked into it, and they fit an actual twin size mattress. It's basically a twin bed. I just wanna make sure she won't be cramped. However, it would be PERFECT for the size of her room. I think about how much more space she would have to play in there.
It'll definitely be white, but I LOVE the sleigh daybed. It will also have a trundle for overnight guests. The one below (in white) is my favorite.

Okay. This is where you come in. Is a daybed ok for kids into their teens? She might not have it forever, but I want someone to tell me it's a good idea--or someone to tell me it's a bad idea. Can you tell I'm indecisive?

100 comments:

Anne said...

No, its a great idea, becaaaaause: It will be a cool couch-y lounge when she's older and friends come to 'hang' vs. 'play'. I only know this because my BFF growing up had one and I was insanely jealous- plus the trundle is good for sleepovers... Jealous you get to shop...

Anne said...

That comment made me sound like I have serious envy-issues. I really don't. I promise.

Jessica said...

I had a daybed up until I became a teenage and I LOVED it. Of course mine did not have the cool trundle bed with it...But I did love my daybed! It was great for when I had friends over and we would watch a movie in my room it felt like we were hanging out on the couch! I would definitely go for the daybed!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Perfect idea! As a smatter of lack, we have been thinking of replacing our teen (13) daughters bed with one. It does become a coolio hang out place, and the trundle is a perfect space saver for sleepovers (which happen EVEN more often in their teens, I find!)

HouseMama said...

A white sleigh daybed with a trundle with sounds perfect. I vote yes! :)

Raquel said...

I love the idea! my aughter has a twin with a trundle and it gives her tons of room in her bedroom to play, dance and have family and friends over

Katy said...

A daybed for teens is AWESOME unless your daughter is Godzilla (like mine) in which case she will have to sleep in it diagonally in order to fit all of her in the bed. (Sigh.) Daughter is 5' 9" (at 14 y.o.) so the daybed being too short now means it will REALLY be too short later. We've switched to a boxspring and mattress on the floor for now. Until she stops growing and we find out how hormonally crazed she is.

I know twin beds are longer than 5' 9" but she sleeps all scrunched down with her feet straight out, buried in the covers (like her mother, cough cough) so it means she's even longer than that. Hopefully your dd sleeps curled up like a puppy, then the daybed is PERFECT. Even if she is seven feet tall. ;-)

Life of Preston said...

I had a daybed from about age 10 until I left for college. loved it! and it had a trundle.
fabulous idea! post pics once you decide!

Amber Filkins said...

My daughter is using the same day bed that I had as a kid. Enough said.

:)

Really though, I think they're perfect. She has tons of room to play and I love that there is room for sleepovers when we need it. Hers is white wrought iron but the trundle is not covered in a pretty little drawer like that. It also pops up.

I think they're a great idea.

Lyndsey Newton said...

I am a complete stranger to you-but I love your blog and thought I would put my two cents in on the day bed idea-I am one of three girls and we all had day beds. We got them when I was in 5th grade and it was the best for when we had sleepovers-plus you can make them so cute with pillows and then they are more "couchy" for hanging out. Love your site-thanks for letting me comment!

dayna said...

I think daybeds are fabulous...& can make a teens room feel social with the pillows on the back creating the couch look. Very cool!

Only one thought I would share of my experience...how tall do you expect your daughter to be? My 15 year old outgrew her twin with footboard two years ago as she is now 5'11". We went to a double or full size with no footboard so she could stretch out. Soooo...if you expect her to not grow past 5'6...go daybed for sure. They are so practical!

I am new to this blogworld & have you on my favorites! Thanks for all of the good ideas.

dayna :o)

dayna said...

oops, I see Katy above me had same advice. Sorry to be redundant.

Lorie said...

I shared my room with my sister until I was in Jr High and we had a day bed. I never felt cramped at all. It is a twin bed. I am pretty short though. My sister on the other hand is almost 6 feet and she never had a problem with it.

Even when she moved out I kept the daybed and had it until I got married! Actually longer than that! It was in my sons nursery for the first year (so that I would have a place to sleep when he wasn't as a baby)

Get it!!

Jana said...

As a teenager, I had a tiny room with a daybed in it! I had a trundle bed under it for guests too.

I liked having the daybed because it was more like a couch, and I could change my room around in different ways. It was a lot of fun!

Ally's Corner said...

It's a great idea.
They can use it as a sofa for hanging out.

Southern Gal said...

It would be great for a kid's room...unless you have a kid like mine who is now 6'4" at 17 years old. He has to sleep on the futon part of his bunk bed simply so he can lay across it diagonally and have enough length for his uber long legs.

Seriously, I know others who have daybeds and they love them and most importantly, the kids love them.

Jodee said...

I think a beautiful white sleigh day bed would be just perfect!

Natalie said...

I agree with everyone else.. There is nothing wrong with a daybed for a teenager. My best friend in high school had a daybed with daybed. I spent many a night over there on it & it was quite comfy.
I love the white one!

Shell in your Pocket said...

I think it is a great idea! I love the one's you featured..they are GREAT!
-sandy toes

Mommy of M's said...

A day bed would be perfect! In her teen years her and her friends will have a 'couch' in her room.

And if you'r worried about the bed being to small, just think she will be sleeping in a twin (probably bunk) bed for 4 years if she goes to college!

Cupcake Dessert said...

Savvy definately!! I had a daybed growing up (until i went to college) and i loved it!! and it wasn't near as cool as these!!! i think it will be great!!!

Erika said...

I don't think there's anything I can add. Everyone's said it already... the daybed sounds like a great idea!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

My best friend had one and I slept on that trundle a million times. Great idea.

Natalie said...

BEAUTIFUL beds -- I had a daybed WELL into my teens and didn't get a queen size bed until I was 17 or 18. My friends and I would hang out on the bed, as a couch, and then pull out the trundle when we were ready to go to sleep (or not, it wasn't unusual to end up just on the floor). I have a twin sister and she got the bigger room (and now that I think about it, I'm not really sure WHY she got the bigger room!!) but I loved my daybed and even took it with me when I married and just got rid of it 3 yrs ago (I am 33 now, and married 8 yrs, if that tells you anything)! I would definitely invest in a nice one though! Can't wait to see what you pick out!

Karen's Sweet Konfections said...

I think you should go for it. My 18year old sleeps in one and loves it. We got hers for the very same reason, her room is so small. It is beautful and makes the room so roomie...lol. Happy New Year and love your page

Angela said...

Our daughter (she'll be 10 in a month) is begging for a daybed. She really likes the idea of the trundle and that it would be like having a couch in her room. I say go for it!

Cassandra said...

I had a daybed until i moved out at 17 and went to college. great idea!

Marie said...

Oh beautiful beds!!! I love the look of a daybed. :o)I've never weighed the pros and cons of one before, I guess...so I have NO idea if it's a savvy idea or impractical! Currently my daugher is 9 and in a twin bed. When we break down to buy her a new bed it will be a full sized bed... that way she can take it with her when she moves out. Not that I am counting the days or anything. :o)

Twice as Nice said...

My daughter has a daybed and she is 15. I'm just not sure of how it will give you more room. If it has 3 sides like a regular daybed then it will always have to be up against a wall. The sleigh bed style is nice but other than the convience of the trundle unit it provides no more space for the room. I'd take her bed and put it in place like it were a daybed and see if you get the look you want in her room. Don't forget with the trundle unit there will no longer be any space under the bed for storage. While I love daybeds I've often wondered if I would get the look of more space in my daughters room if we didn't have a daybed in there. It is a tought decision! But try using her bed like it were a daybed and see what you think.

Moi said...

I vote YES! I had one growing up and I loved it.

Moi said...

I vote YES! I had one growing up and I loved it.

Moi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Desiree said...

I had a daybed all throughout middle school and high school and it wasn't too small! I want my daughter to have a daybed when she gets older too. Problem is they are REALLY expensive so start searching Craigslist now! I found a pewter metal one on there for $35..it was such a steal so I grabbed it up and I'm saving it for her!

Linz said...

I just started reading your blog, and absolutely love it! I had a daybed with a trundle growing up, and absolutely loved it. In fact, it is now in one of my guest bedrooms. It was brass (bless my mom's heart for cleaning that thing all those years), until I moved it into my house. A couple of cans of spray paint later, it now looks like wrought iron. It turned out fabulous and it's still great when people come visit. I definitely vote yes!

Jennifer said...

Do you want to sell me her old bed? :)

The Style Sisters said...

Love the daybed idea. My teenager currently has a double sized bed and now wishes we had kept the day bed so she too could have more space and the loungey sofa type bed. I would just make sure to get a classic style that will last her until she is older....then she can pass it down to her own child someday.

StephanieG said...

I got a day bed when I was a teen and took it with me to my first apt in college! Now, at age 31 I still have it and it looks beautiful in one of the guest bedrooms of my first home.

It's a white wash sleigh style day bed with a trundle. I STILL love it for reading and napping. I'll have it forever!

I'm a tall girl and never felt like it was too small....so so cozy. I bet she'll love it!

Nicol said...

I had a daybed growing up. I got it when I was about 8 and used it until I left the house at 18. It feels like a normal twin bed. Having the extra bed under is the way to go!

Unknown said...

I had a daybed up until I was about 18. Mine was twin size and it had the neat little trundle bed underneath that pulled out for when I had friends over. When I got older in my teens, my mom bought those big roll arm cushions things to make it more like a couch. It was pretty cool and I think it is a great idea!

julie & joe said...

I had adaybed in my room in college. We fixed it up to llok more like a sofa since I just rented a room in a house off campus. It was great and you can do lots of things with it as she gets older.

sandra/tx said...

I think kids should enjoy playing in their rooms, Chris, and that usually means having the space to spread out. I love the idea of a daybed in a girl's room. You should check out Craigslist. You might be able to get a great bed, even if you have to paint it white yourself.

Audrey said...

Looks like it's pretty unanimous! I too had a daybed up until I got married, and it was just fine. I'm 5'7".

My only suggestion: don't get too fussy with the bedding, it's a teensy bit harder to work with sheets, etc. from one side of the bed....

Unknown said...

I LOVE the second one! I agree with Anne that it is more versatile when she is older. A trundle is a must, because the older she gets, the more friends will come over.

Jackie said...

I love day beds, and the first 2 are beautiful! Suggestion - how about just placing her current bed against the wall, and decorating it like a daybed? It will save you a ton of money! Good luck either way.

The Cascio Whirlwind said...

They are great. I had one growing up and had it until I was 18. It is a great thing for teens. Just don't get a metal one b/c after time, they begin to rattle very badly. I love the wood ones. I'm thinking my two are going to be moving into the same room and getting bunk beds and the other room converted to a play room!

Anonymous said...

i think daybeds are adorable, and are definitely both kid and teen friendly. you're a very crafty person; have you considered creating a headboard the width of the existing bed, place the bed lengthwise against the wall up against the headboard and repurposing what you already have? you can save yourself a lot of money (which, in my experience reading your blogs you're always interested in) and have more creative freedom.

Jenny said...

I love daybeds! I always wanted one. I also want one for my daughter's room, but they are too pricey.

Becca Watson said...

Daybeds are awesome! I had one as a kid, it wasn't as fancy as those, but I loved it. I was 11 when I got mine and had it till I was 16 or 17. So it would work for a growing kid! Mine did..

Dana D said...

A daybed is a great idea! I had one from junior high through high school! It was wonderful! And the trundle bed was perfect for when I had friends over to spend the night!

Shannon said...

It is a good idea. I had one until like 10th grade I think. It didn't bother me. Those are cute! Of course you could also turn her bed sideways and cute the headboard down to match the footboard and use a lot of pillows to get the same look. Her bed is cute too!

Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful said...

My vote is definitely YES on the daybed trundle. I have been drooling over those same deliciously extravagant ones that you pictured. It's time to move my 3 year old out of the crib and into a big girl bed. And I had some of the same questions you did. So, thanks for letting me borrow everyone's advice to you!

~Amanda

Wendy said...

I think it's a great idea....especially the trundle! Go for it!

Mimi Sue said...

One of my girls had a daybed with a trundle and it was great. Extra sleeping space that is hidden most of the time. A real space saver. It is a swirly iron bed and I now have it in my craft room. So you could move it somewhere else in the future. Plus anywhere you can find to put cute pillows is a huge plus. They have a kind of cute one at IKEA. Mimi

Anonymous said...

I had one all the way until I left my parents home at 20... I loved that bed. I would have it in my home now if my mom hadn't given it to my cousin. I had a trundle, and it was used a lot.

RN and OSHP said...

My Mom and Dad have one with a trundle and they sleep in seperate rooms (due to my Dad snoring:), so I guess you could say Mom is 52 and still sleeping in one!

Jenny said...

It's a great idea!! Even with her twin that you have now, just turn it sideways against the wall and see it you both like it so you get an idea!

Our Complete Family said...

You've got soem smart ladies commenting! I think they're spot on saying to turn the bed you have now for Miss Olivia sideways against a wall and pretend it's a day bed to see how you'd like the layout! Then go for it if you like it!!! I had a twin up through college and was always fine in one. Bryce has a queen in his room and it is humongo (he only has that b/c we don't have a guest room in this house) so we'll move him back down to a twin or double when we move next.
Love, love, love the beds you showcased. All of them are lovely! It will be hard to choose one!
Thanks for your sweet comments about our pics, too. You made me smile!!!
Merry almost 2009! I can't believe it's almost a new year!
Hugs, Les

Kaitlin L. said...

I'm 6'2" and had a daybed until my sophomore year in high school, so I would say that she'll probably be good in it for a long time (plus when you spread the cost out over that many years, it's really not that bad, right...?)

Anonymous said...

No, it will be perfect. Every girl in our family (me, my sister, my cousins, etc.) had (or still have) a twin size bed. They are perfect for a small room and just think- when she gets a little older she'll think it's cool that she can use it like a couch. My friend had a daybed and I thought it was so cool. But get one with a trundle- that will come in handy when she has sleepovers.

The Berry's Patch said...

Those daybeds are beautiful. My daughter is 16 and we are looking at queen beds now. She could probably stay in a twin but I want to use the queen for guests. I say go for it. You would definitely need the trundle for sleep overs though. :-)

Jody said...

I think it is a great idea. When I moved away to go to college, my mom bought me a red one and I loved it. In fact, I kind a wished I would had it sooner. I really don't know of an age that a day bed would be a bad idea. Young or old, it would work perfect for. What does your daughter think of the idea?

3 Peanuts said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the second bed...can you tell us where it is from?

Brandy said...

I had a day bed until I got married and loved it. I have actually been looking for one for my 5 year old daughter to have and grow up with. I loved hanging out on it and never outgrew it. It had so many great functions because I could use it as a couch and a bed. GO for it!!

Kristin said...

I had a daybed into high school and a twin size bed all through college too.

Unknown said...

I had a day bed from the time I was 10 until the day I moved out of the house. I loved it and I also loved having the extra bed for having spend the nights (as my girls call them) with my gal friends. BTW...I love your blog...I don't know you in real life but, I love stalking your blog!

Kaitlyn said...

Love those beds, I think it'll last a long time!

AndreaLeigh said...

i also had a daybed as a teen and they are space savers! love them.

Mrs. L said...

I love the day bed idea. I had one when I was little and loved it. I'm going through the same thing with my daughters bedroom right now. I just can't make up my mind so I can't get myself to buy anything. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

i think it is a great idea. wonderful for your daughter now and in the future. i love the sleigh bed, lots of possibilities!!!

Unknown said...

I think it is a great idea. My 13 year old son has been begging for one for about a year now. I just haven't broken down and gotten one yet. He thinks of it as more of a "couch" in his room. I guess I should be shopping around for one too!! LOL good luck!

Unknown said...

I think it is a great idea. My 13 year old son has been begging for one for about a year now. I just haven't broken down and gotten one yet. He thinks of it as more of a "couch" in his room. I guess I should be shopping around for one too!! LOL good luck!

karlene said...

I like the dark sleigh beds, I think those could go through the ages, classic.

Judy said...

I had one. I loved it. A daybed is something great to have for younger kids. I'd love one in our guest bedroom but the twin sized ones would be too small for our guests.

Betsy said...

I had a daybed and loved, loved, loved it. I say go for it.

speedylentil said...

Man! Not one bad thing to say about the day bed. I guess you have your answer. I think they are great. My sister had one. I really loved that bed. I would even occasionally sleep on it when I came home from college. I'm not big, 5'4''...but it was plenty big even for me and my 2 cats who always slept with me.

speedylentil said...

Man! Not one bad thing to say about the day bed. I guess you have your answer. I think they are great. My sister had one. I really loved that bed. I would even occasionally sleep on it when I came home from college. I'm not big, 5'4''...but it was plenty big even for me and my 2 cats who always slept with me.

Just say Julie said...

I had a daybed from age 11-17. I loved it because I slept on the trundle and didn't have to make up my bed each morning :) It was great to use as a couch to watch TV on too.

Robin said...

I just found you...and I just HAD to comment on the daybed issue!

Of COURSE it is soooooo cool for a teenager, cuz the daybed gives them a realistic sense of a Living Room all their own, for their friends to lounge around on, and the trundle hidden underneath is great for those sleepovers...not to mention if you get a trundle that is basically a "drawer" style, then the mattress can be taken out and gives your OLDER TEEN much needed storage room for all those clothes, purses, shoes she will be collecting, or to put away, until a later time, her favorite childhood dolls and toys. Like a FLATTENED Hope Chest!

I know....I had one, and my daughter had one, and it served as a NEAT looking guest room/sitting room "couch" when she left home.

Go for it...
Check out Craigslist in your area, and even look for Captain's Beds, cuz some of those can have appliques applied to the wooden bed, and you can PAINT your own bed! :o)

The Long Family said...

I had a daybed for a long time. I loved it and it's still in the family. I can't wait to have children and pass it down. It was great!

Judi said...

They have a GREAT daybed w/trundle at Costco, if you live near one or try Costco.com!!

Jess @ Just a Blink said...

Just an idea in four easy steps...

1. Saw off the legs to the head-board to match the height of the foot-board.

2. Create two "side-boards" by reattaching the old head-board at a new level.

3. Turn her bed against the wall and line the back with pillows and desired day-bedding!

4. Purchase a child's mattress from Ikea (they are super thin). Place under her existing bed frame to pull out during sleep-overs.

This may serve as a good transition until you can save up to buy your dream princess bed or at least get your hubby on board. ;)

Go for it! Let me know if you end up doing this project! It would be so fun to see how it turned out.
(my blog is listed as, My Web Page, on my i.d. page.)

Have Fun!

Carry Grace said...

i think it's the perfect solution. I have a twin bed until I moved out when I got married and it never bothered me.

Anonymous said...

We have two ten year olds. One has a white iron bed the other a daybed with drawers rather than a trundle. The have a big bunch of pillow that make the daybed into a couch during the day and at night the pillows are stowed underneath, neat and clean. They love it and one of the girls is very tall for her age but she fits just fine - they like the security the back of the daybed provides I think - a comfort feeling while sleeping.

unDeniably Domestic

Michelle said...

I'm delurking. I've been reading your blog for a few months now!

I got a daybed for my 12th birthday and kept it until I was 21. So yes, it's a good choice!

But make sure you get a quilt or comforter set specifically for a daybed. Or if you can sew, you can take a standard twin and customize it. Otherwise, you will have problems making the bed.

Two king-sized pillows are perfect to fit across the back. Good luck!

Unknown said...

Ok, it's definitely good. My daughter is 16 and has a daybed with a trundle. She loves it! Serves as a couch by day with all the pillows on it and a comfy bed by night...with extra sleeping underneath for those nights when her friends crash here.

Becky said...

Just my 2 cents...I HAD a daybed when I was younger and slept on it every night until I graduated high school. I LOVED my daybed. Granted it wasn't near as fancy as the ones you posted...it was a simple metal frame with a huge cushy comforter and pillows...but it was great. Also the trudle was fun to have when I had friends spend the night! Would you believe my Mom now uses the SAME bed frame in her grandkids room?!? They love it just as much as I did as a child! Hope this helps.

Best of luck and blessings in the New Year :)

Katrina said...

Totally savvy! If I had girls I would be definitely getting a daybed. Go the white!!

Happy New Year too.

Heather said...

Funny I came upon this, because I am in the process of searching for the same bed (daybed with solid pullout for trundle) for my daughter. My favorite one is at restorationhardwarekids.com but it is pretty pricey. I read all your comments to see if anyone had suggestions for finding a cheap one and I'm going to ikea.com right now. Can't wait to see what you end up doing.

Amy H said...

I slept on a daybed from age 10 to 18 (when I went off to college). it is at my parent's house still and now my 2 year old naps on it when we visit. I loved it because it gave me tons of space and even at 18 I never felt cramped in it.

hope that helps.

Unknown said...

I had a day bed until I got married, so I don't think it would be too small. Good luck!

Elle Jay Bee said...

While I love the look of them (so pretty), I can only imagine how difficult changing the sheets would be...worse than a bed pushed up against the wall, except you can move those away from the wall while you make it. And you know, you will probably be the one changing it for at least a few more years...

Just a thought...
Linda

Unknown said...

I had one growing up and I loved it...I had it until I moved out so it definitely lasted for me. Have fun shopping :)

Jason said...

I think it is a great idea also. When I was a teen, I dreamed about having a daybed. They are awesome for slumber parties and such.

The Nester said...

I haven't read one comment so I may say what has already been said. It's a twin bed and my husband who's over 6 feet tall slept in one until college and then when he came home to visit until we got married. Unless she might be 7 feet tall, it can work AND, it's kind of like a sofa too so it even better for tweens and teens!

I vote YES!

Amy B said...

I say it is a great idea. I wish they came in king size for my room..lol

Miss G said...

I had a daybed until I went to college and loved it. go for it! i loved all the space I had. Kelly

The Golf Widow said...

My 8 yr old daughter has a day bed and loves it. It takes up more wall room, but opens up the floor a lot.It has a trundle that pops up making the 2 twins become a king.It has been handy for house guests!Go for it!

Misty Rice said...

I actually have that first sleigh bed. Exact one matter of fact. I love it. I had it in my nursery, which use to be the guess room before my daughter came along. Let me tell you what is great about this bed. I have it against the wall, with these big over stuffed pillows, so it looks like a couch. You can sit on it and watch tv etc. When Marks parents or mine came to visit we easily pulled out the trundle for them too sleep on. The secret to making this bed SO nice was the awesome matresses I picked out for both the bed and trundle. What is also nice about these that this bed can take up her up through high school and into college. When all done it can continue to stay in the family and be used in guess rooms, or office area/guess rooms. Just thought I would share that little tad bit.

Misty Rice said...

I actually have that first sleigh bed. Exact one matter of fact. I love it. I had it in my nursery, which use to be the guess room before my daughter came along. Let me tell you what is great about this bed. I have it against the wall, with these big over stuffed pillows, so it looks like a couch. You can sit on it and watch tv etc. When Marks parents or mine came to visit we easily pulled out the trundle for them too sleep on. The secret to making this bed SO nice was the awesome matresses I picked out for both the bed and trundle. What is also nice about these that this bed can take up her up through high school and into college. When all done it can continue to stay in the family and be used in guess rooms, or office area/guess rooms. Just thought I would share that little tad bit.

Heather said...

My daughter has a daybed from IKEA that when pulled out is a queen size bed! Not too expensive either!! :)

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