Cure Your Addiction to ‘Busy’ With a Dreamy Daybed
When life is busy, rushing from task to task can become so normal that when we do have five minutes of unscheduled time to ourselves, it can feel a little uncomfortable. So we quickly fill that space with another task. The glorification of busyness means that many of us don’t feel as important when we’re not racing around to get things done. Choosing to stop for a while and question this modern-day tendency can be the first step toward bringing more balance to our lives. With balance comes mental clarity, a less frazzled nervous system, better sleep and a richer life.
Daybeds are built for guilt-free downtime. Settling in for an hour or two on the daybed is not quite as indulgent as going back to bed but still can deliver that rest our minds and bodies need. Take a look through these sumptuous examples and see what could work in your house.
Room with a view. This wide banquette seat soaks up the view and receives a good dose of direct sun. It’s long enough so you can stretch out and get comfortable, and wide enough to allow you to sit or lie in any position you please.
Cozy with cushions. If these colorful cushions strike a chord, why not re-create the same look on a daybed at your house? When your daybed makes you feel at rest and at home, you can officially call it a success. I love that this one is in between shelves crammed with books of interest for every member of the family.
Take a look around this colorful home
Layers of comfort. If your home is more on the traditional side, luxe it up with decadent bedding on a plush upholstered daybed that can double as a bed for guests. Slowing down is all about being kind to yourself, so treat yourself to some feel-good style that makes you feel special.
Tip: If you find it hard to unwind, listen to some soothing music through headphones and close your eyes. Focusing on the music will soon bring you into the present and help you forget everything else you think you should be doing.
Devyn Tufted Daybed: Restoration Hardware
Custom-built relaxation. This, the mother of all daybeds, is likely to be the place this family gravitates toward. It’s superwide, supersunny and just plain super, and goes to show that you don’t need a window with an ocean view or a sweeping valley vista for a daybed to work wonders.
Ottoman: Hub Furniture
Vinyl or leather seat coverings mean pets and children are always welcome, and that means more stress-free time for you.
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Family haven. A custom-built daybed isn’t necessary when there are so many on the market that can suit your home’s style. Add oversize cushions and a quilt or coverlet that makes you smile, and you can’t go wrong. The only problem may be having to compete with others in your household for a turn.
Daybed: Pottery Barn
Space saver. A stand-alone chaise can become a serene daybed that fills an awkward space in a room that doesn’t seem to be working. Long rooms are especially tricky to coordinate.
Daybed: Barcelona, Dedece
This daybed nicely fills the vacant space between the living area and balcony — and delivers an escape for some quiet time to boot.
Corner the market. A daybed or window seat can find a home just about anywhere if you make it a priority.
This one has been worked into a kitchen and manages to look right at home, thanks to its matching cabinetry. Notice how the cheery cushion colors are echoed in the kitchen appliances and flowers.
Tropical touch. The Balinese know how to do daybeds. Why not bring a little of your vacation back with you the next time you go on holiday? It will serve as a regular reminder that a holiday mood can be achieved just as easily at home if you work at it.
Big is beautiful. If you’re planning a daybed on your deck, veranda or balcony, make it as big as you can get away with. The larger its proportions, the more versatile it will be when friends or family want to join you.
Build rest into the workday. Work is often a must rather than an option. But that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule a little time for yourself each day. If you work from home, think of your home office as more than just a place for your desk, computer and printer. Consider a mini daybed a mental-health must — ideal for power naps and meditation sessions that will make you twice as productive during your workday.
Tell us: Do you have a daybed at your house? Do you use it more or less than you thought you would? Share your thoughts and pictures in the Comments.
More:
How to Dress Your Daybed
Get the Most Out of Your Space With a Daybed