Designed and planned for rest during the day in preference to the formal bed, the daybed has a long and varied history. Dating back to the ancient Egyptians, they were created out of palm sticks that were bound together, and used for sleeping and lounging. In the age of Cleopatra, they became famous in the Roman world as well as the Greek. Made of and adorned with rich materials, they were a sign of wealth. In ancient India, the god Vishnu was depicted reclining on a daybed; historical evidence of daybeds exists in nearly every culture of the ancient world, including Etruscan, Mesopotamian, Chinese and African.
Daybeds became popular in 17thc France where they were elaborate pieces with scrolled sides and cushioned seats. Called couches in England, they had one high end and were cane or rush covered with loose cushions on top. Later in France the chaise longue developed. Immensely popular and useful in Victorian England, daybeds were referred to as fainting couches and used by ladies who needed to rest when their corsets became too tight.
Still in use today, daybeds are wonderfully versatile: whether used for catnapping, seating, as a room divider or to accommodate an overflow guest, they can work in almost any room.
At Piranesi we have several elegant daybeds. Stop by for a look! 2104 Magazine, NOLA.
Maison Jansen day bed, France, C1920
Duchesse en bateau, France, 19thC
Day bed attributed to Maison Jansen, France 19thC
Tags: antiques, bed couch, chaise longue, daybed, duchesse, duchesse brissee, duchesse en bateau, furniture, interior design, Jansen, room divider, sofa
