The Nelson Daybed: Everything You Need To Know

The Nelson Daybed Everything You Need To Know

Anyone who wants to create their very own stylish piece of comfortable, modern furniture would do well to choose the Nelson Daybed. It’s a dream to use and own.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you could ever want to know about the Nelson Daybed, beginning with just what exactly is a daybed anyway, a little background on the Nelson Daybed, and what’s so special about it.

We’ll then follow that up with an examination of the various advantages and disadvantages of this popular piece of furniture.

By the end of the article, at the wrap up, you’ll be in a position to decide whether the Nelson Daybed is the best furniture option for your needs.

Then we’ll top that off with a handy section where we’ll answer all of your most frequently asked questions on the subject.

Let’s get straight to it! (Please feel free to scroll ahead to any section that jumps out at you.)

What Is A Daybed?

We totally get why you might be wondering what a daybed is. Who needs a bed that you sleep in during the day, right?

Well, a daybed is actually a very versatile piece of furniture. It’s basically a piece of furniture that can function equally well as both a sofa and as a bed.

It can be an excellent solution for smaller rooms and apartments where you may not necessarily have the space for both a sofa and bed.

Similarly, it’s also a perfect piece of additional furniture for anyone who ever has guests stay over.

Rather than have them sleep on “the couch”, they get to sleep on furniture that’s specifically designed to be just as comfortable for sleeping on as a regular bed.

Background To The Nelson Daybed

Daybeds actually have quite a long history, but undoubtedly, one of the most popular daybeds there has been is the one known as the Herman Miller George Nelson Daybed, which was designed by (yes, you guessed it) George Nelson, one of the most influential designers of mid-century modernism in America, and was produced by the company Herman Miller, for which Nelson served as a director.

It was first designed in the middle of the 20th century, more specifically the year 1950.

Many manufacturers have attempted to replicate the design, but enthusiasts would argue that nothing competes with the original design.

But, that’s a good thing, because the original Herman Miller George Nelson Daybed is still in production to this day, and can be purchased directly from Herman Miller, using the link provided!

Features Of The Nelson Daybed

The Nelson Daybed is a striking piece of multifunctional furniture that has a sleek, sophisticated, and minimal aesthetic. It typically features neutral colors, such as gray.

It features one single cushion on a wooden platform that’s held up by stainless steel, tapered, hairpin legs, and it features 2 cushions for your back, kept in place by a long wooden bar linked to the wood platform by more stainless steel bars.

Advantages Of The Nelson Daybed

The Nelson Daybed: Everything You Need To Know

(The following advantages aren’t listed in any particular order.)

The Nelson Daybed has a sleek, modern and sophisticated, yet also neutral aesthetic, and it can look great in any number of different settings.

In a bedroom, for example, or in a living room, or even in a nursery or office setting.

It’s versatile enough for a wide range of functions, such as for seating, for lounging on, for sleeping on, as a guest bed, or somewhere to take a nap if necessary during the daytime.

The cushioning is enhanced with dual-density foam which is great for its durability, and provides more than enough support for comfortable sleeping.

They’re an excellent space saver for anyone who doesn’t have the room for both a sofa and bed.

They’re great value for money, costing no more money than a regular sofa.

They can seat many people when used as a sofa.

Disadvantages Of The Nelson Daybed

(The following disadvantages aren’t listed in any particular order.)

While there are clear advantages to not having armrests on a daybed, there are of course those who would consider this to be a design flaw, when it’s being used as a sofa.

What’s more, the stainless steel hairpin legs (or in some cases, tapered legs) don’t appear particularly strong, sturdy or stable, which may lead consumers to question whether or not the daybed can in fact hold the weight of everyone on it. (But it can and does.)

Wrap Up

So, to summarize, the Herman Miller George Nelson Daybed has some great characteristics.

In particular, it has a wonderfully modern, sleek and minimalist aesthetic that can instantly add a touch of class to any room.

It’s also an incredibly versatile piece of furniture, given that it can be used for seating, for lounging on, or for sleeping on. It’s supportive and comfortable.

The only real disadvantage is that it doesn’t have any armrests.

Still here? Check out the next section, where we answer all of your most frequently asked questions on the subject…

Frequently Asked Questions

As promised, here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Nelson Daybed.

Can I Use A Daybed As A Couch?

You certainly can use a daybed as a couch, but do bear in mind that it doesn’t have armrests.

Is It OK To Sleep On A Daybed Every Night?

Although a daybed is most frequently used as a bed to sleep in on a temporary basis for guests, if you find it sufficiently comfortable to sleep in, as many people do, then there is absolutely no harm in sleeping on it every night.

Is It A Good Idea To Have A Daybed?

Sure, who doesn’t like to have items with multiple functions? And it looks great anywhere, too.

How Do You Identify A Genuine Herman Miller George Nelson Daybed?

A genuine Herman Miller George Nelson Daybed will have details such as rounded welt-cord piping on the cushions, together with beveled edges on the wood platform.