How to Measure a Daybed for Cushions (Indoor, Outdoor and Swing Beds)

A daybed is a sofa by day and a bed by night, and the cushion has to work for both. It needs to fill the frame edge to edge, stay put when someone sits on the front rail, and be thick enough to sleep on. That is why daybed cushions are worth making to measure. Here is how to get the numbers right.

What you need

• A steel tape measure (cloth tapes stretch)
• A notepad or your phone
• Kraft paper and a marker if the frame has curves or notches

Step 1: Measure the inside of the frame

Take out any old cushion or mattress. Measure the platform from inside edge to inside edge, not the outside of the frame.

• Length: left side to right side, along the back.
• Depth: front to back. Measure at both ends and in the middle, because wooden and wicker frames are often a little out of square. Use the smallest number.

Many indoor daybeds take a standard twin mattress, which is about 39 by 75 inches, but outdoor and built-in daybeds vary widely. Always measure your own frame.

Step 2: Allow a little room

If the platform has sides on three walls, take about a quarter inch off the length and depth so the cushion drops in without bowing. If the front is open, use the exact depth. Our sewing tolerance is up to half an inch, so it is better to be slightly snug than slightly loose.

Step 3: Choose the thickness

How thick to go depends on how the daybed is used:

• Mostly lounging: 4 to 5 inches feels like a deep sofa seat.
• Lounging and the odd nap: 6 inches is the sweet spot for most outdoor daybeds.
• Overnight guests: 8 inches gets close to a real mattress feel.

Check the height of the side rails, too. If the cushion sits much higher than the arms, people feel like they could roll off. If you need more than 8 inches, email us and we will quote it.

Step 4: Plan the back cushions

A daybed looks finished with cushions along the back and sides. Measure the length of each wall you want covered, and the height from the top of the seat cushion to the top of the rail. Most people use two or three back cushions across the long wall, plus bolsters at each end. Throw pillows layered in front make it feel inviting.

Step 5: Pick fabric and foam for the setting

• Indoors: choose any upholstery fabric you love, including velvet. Firm foam keeps the edge crisp.
• Covered porch: Sunbrella handles sun and humidity and wipes clean.
• Open patio or pool: Sunbrella with dry-fast foam lets rain drain straight through so the cushion dries fast.

For a deeper look at why outdoor daybeds need different choices from other patio seating, read our outdoor daybed cushion guide.

Measuring a hanging or swing daybed

Swing beds move, so the cushion needs to fit snugly and stay tied down. Measure the inside of the bed the same way, then note where the ropes or chains attach so we can place ties clear of them. Our hospitality clients often add matching back cushions and bolsters; see how resorts customize daybed swings for ideas. Shopping for the swing itself? Browse swing beds.

Zippers and covers

On thick daybed cushions we run the zipper around the back and onto the sides, which makes it much easier to get the cover on and off for cleaning. Covers can also be ordered on their own if your foam is still in good shape.

Ready to order?

Enter your sizes in the daybed cushion builder to see your price, or browse custom daybed cushions by fabric and color. Every cushion is cut and sewn to order, and shipping in the US is free.