Screened in porches were popular prior to the invention of air conditioning. Their traditional charm can still create a summery sleeping space, where you can enjoy the evening breezes while you snooze, or a cool and shady spot while you read or nap during the day. Converting a patio or sunroom into a sleeping porch is simple; just add a daybed! When it's not being used for a nap, the daybed will provide additional seating space. Here are a few of our best daybed design ideas for updating your home with an old-fashioned sleeping porch:

Daybed Design Idea #1: Whimsical Garden Cottage

Create a welcoming sleeping porch with the feel of a flower-covered garden cottage. To create this look we suggest that you begin with a white wicker daybed. White wicker will give your room an airy, whimsical feel. Play up the garden cottage decor with pastel or flower-print linens.

To finish the sleeping porch you may want to pair the white wicker daybed with occasional glass-top tables. Adding a conversation table and some additional wicker seating will turn an ordinary porch into a welcoming spot for mid-afternoon relaxing in the shade.

Daybed Design Idea #2: An Exotic Escape

Turn your sun room into a breezy oasis. Add a natural wicker daybed and your porch will be instantly converted into an elegant, exotic dreamland.

Neutral colored linens are a good match for this daybed decór. Try using throw pillows with stripes or paisley to add points of color and interest.

Daybed Design Idea #3: Naptime on Nantucket

Some of our new daybed styles resemble the whitewashed walls of a Nantucket beach house. This style is perfect for furnishing a summer home or screened-in porch. Wood daybeds look wonderful with nautical themed linens or patchwork quilts.

Classic Americana furniture pieces like an Adirondack seating group or an Adirondack porch swing will accent and complete your sleeping porch's style.

Daybed Design Idea #4: Rococo Romance

The daybed, cousin to the chaise, has long been popular in French homes. To capture the romance of a French-style iron daybed, look for one of the beautiful, ornately wrought iron daybeds we carry.

White distressed finishes best simulate the antique look. Pair a white daybed with simple, white linens for a fresh-looking room. Add color with toile throw pillows or texture with a quilted duvet.

Black finished iron yields a more rustic feel, but with intricate ironwork, the look can be just as charming. With an ornate daybed frame it is important to keep the linen look simple; do not overwhelm the detail with rich fabrics. Solid colors, including brights, will intensify the daybed's Mediterranean appeal.