If you've dusted off and wiped down your old garden furniture to find it's not quite up to scratch, it may be time for a more comfortable upgrade. Cue the luxurious garden day bed!
Day beds are a cross between a sofa and a bed, and typically feature a deeper seat, making them an ideal lounging spot. A garden day bed therefore makes for an excellent base to an afternoon spent sunning and reading in the garden. Kick back and lounge in ultimate style and comfort. Garden day beds come in an array of designs, from four seater, multi-functional sets to slimmer, traditional sun lounger styles. So whether it's a coffee for two in the garden, or a family BBQ bonanza, a garden day bed is sure to get put to good use.
If you're not quite sure what you're looking for, you can also jump to our tips on what to consider when buying a garden day bed.
Best garden day beds
- Best value Outsunny Two Seater Garden Day Bed
- Best for accessorising Teak Chastleton Day Bed
- Most stylish design Argos Home Argenta Rattan Effect Day Sofa
- Best for versatility Oxborough Day Bed
- Best for socialising Aruba Compact Round Sofa Set & Day Bed
- Best two seater Titchwell 2 seater grey day bed
- Best for sunbathing Habitat Belle Wood Garden Day Bed
- Best for additional features Garden Gear 5 Piece California Rattan Daybed
For more garden inspiration, check out our favourite pergola ideas.
Best garden day beds for 2024
Outsunny Two Seater Garden Day Bed
Best value
- 96 x 130 x 72cm
- two piece set
If you don't want your garden day bed to take up all of your precious garden space, you may be after a neat two seater design. This Outsunny two seater caught our eye, with the white cushions adding a sense of garden glam.
The design is made up of a loveseat sofa and footstool, and you can adjust the levels to suit your preferences with upright seat, flat bed, and everything in between available. The stool slots under the sofa when not in use so you can create more space if you've got a garden full of guests.
Pros Affordable and stylish
Cons White cushions could stain/mark easily
Teak Chastleton Day Bed
Best for accessorising
- Buy now from Garden Trading (£1,000)
- 85 x 164 x 91cm
- fully-assembled
Garden Trading is home to a catalogue of beautiful garden furniture, ideal for a timeless and sophisticated feel. Made from reclaimed teak, the retailer's garden day bed can be left outside all year long (cover recommended in the winter months) and offers a deep seat for ultimate lounging. Add a vibrant seat cushion for a soft seat, and you're sorted for a dreamy reading spot.
A gorgeous patio addition, and a great size for two, while this design is on the pricier side, we'd say it's a solid investment.
Pros Classic design for a range of garden styles, no set-up required
Cons Expensive
Argos Home Argenta Rattan Effect Day Sofa
Most stylish design
- Buy now from Argos (£1100.00)
- 79 x 190 165cm
- canopy included
Round garden day bed designs are perfect for afternoon nappers looking to kick back and catch a moment's peace. This rattan effect Argos buy features a built-in canopy so it's a top choice for shade seekers too. We like the light creamy colour of the cushions - perfect for creating a soothing, tranquil garden - and you'll have no problem finding gorgeous garden cushions and an outdoor rug to match.
Pros Number of 5 star reviews, removable cushions
Cons Light canopy could suffer in bad weather
Oxborough Day Bed
Best for versatility
- 83 x 201 x 86cm
- three seater chaise
This chaise garden day bed can be used as a sofa with a separate footstool and ottoman, or pushed together to make a day bed so it's a versatile garden feature. The classic grey cushions will act as a great backdrop to your favourite decorative garden accessories - fairy lights, patterned throws and tableware - allowing you to effortlessly create a picture-perfect scene.
Pros Neat and compact design, versatile
Cons Cushions are just showerproof so may need to be stored inside
Aruba Compact Round Sofa Set & Day Bed
Best for socialising
- 85 x 85 x 1620cm
- four piece set
Available from Very, this compact garden feature can be divided into a coffee table, sofa and two stools when not joined together as a round garden day bed. This makes it a particularly versatile option well-suited to those who enjoy hosting a garden soiree.
Pros Great for large gatherings, round design adds a sense of luxury
Cons Takes up a lot of garden space
Titchwell 2 Seater Grey Day Bed
Best two seater
- Buy now from Dunelm (£1,299.00)
- 73 x 85 x 176cm
- adjustable hood
For a cosier garden day bed, the Titchwell two seater design is a lovely option. With an adjustable hood and a poufee so you can put your feet up, it's a great choice for an evening drink in the sun.
Pros Different colour options available, unflashy appearance
Cons Expensive for a two seater
Explore more garden furniture in our roundup of the best rattan furniture for a lovely garden.
Habitat Belle Wood Garden Day Bed
Best for sunbathing
- Buy now from Argos (£225.00)
- 26 x 86.2 x 180cm
- FSC certified solid wood
More of a solo sunbather? Habitat's wooden garden day bed is sure to do the trick. Featuring wheels so you can follow the sun around the garden, and stain resistant cushions, this sleek design is as stylish as it is practical.
For a contrasting look, pair with vibrant coral, pink and teal garden accessories.
Pros Solid wooden structure, bolster cushions included
Cons Not as versatile as other designs
Garden Gear 5 Piece California Rattan Daybed
Best additional features
- 208 x 143 x 142.5cm
- cover and canopy included
A garden day bed for those who enjoy an al fresco gathering, this five piece set boasts a number of practical features. This rattan garden furniture set comes with a large sofa (retractable canopy included), two chairs, a stool and a U-shape table. Fit them all together and you've got yourself a garden day bed. Arrange and rearrange this practical design as suits, whether you're having a quick morning coffee in the sun, or seating a large garden party.
Plus, the set comes with its own cover so you can keep it protected from the elements.
Pros Weather protection cover included, perfect for parties with numerous seating options
Cons Large design not suited to smaller gardens
What to consider when buying a garden day bed
Size
Finding a garden day bed that fits into your outdoor space without overwhelming your garden's interior is key to creating a welcoming and stylish garden. Many of the designs are fairly compact when in their day bed form, but make sure you've got adequate space for the chairs, sofas and tables when they're being used individually too.
Material
Synthetic rattan is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its resilient, weatherproof and lightweight nature, and you're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding rattan effect garden day beds.
Wooden garden day beds offer a timeless and high-quality appearance, and you often have the benefit of being able to choose your own seat cushions. Opting for a strong and durable wood such as Teak is best when it comes to outdoor furniture.
Additional features
If you enjoy dipping in and out of the sun, the addition of a canopy or hood is very useful as you can create a shaded haven whenever you fancy a break from the heat. Other features such as coffee tables and ottomans may depend on the size of your garden and your hosting preferences.
You can find more garden styling ideas in our roundup of the best garden bar ideas.