Outdoor design: How to choose the right daybed for your hotel

1. Hotel daybeds should be built to handle heavy use and changing weather and should complement the property's aesthetic, said Elysha Hawkins, head of marketing at Akula Living. Material selection should match the location and environmental exposure. For example, poolside daybeds should incorporate quick-dry foam, UV-stable fabrics and heat-resistant frames like triple powder-coated aluminum.

Akula Ambience

2. For daybeds on hotel rooftops, Hawkins recommends selecting “weighted and robust materials” that can handle wind and intense sunlight. The company’s designs also incorporate faux teak and alu teak that look like natural wood without the need for frequent maintenance—“ideal for hospitality environments,” Hawkins said.

3. Steven Bramson, CEO of outdoor furniture manufacturer DecoScape, emphasized the need “to balance design, durability and functionality” in hotel daybeds. In terms of functionality, he advised considering how easily the pieces—and their components—can be moved and cleaned. “The right materials and thoughtful design provide guests with a high-end experience while simplifying operations for the property.”

DecoScape Daybeds

4. SkyLine Design’s Perry Catanese advised using powder-coated aluminum or marine-grade stainless steel for daybed frames in a beachfront area, which can resist corrosion from salt air. “Avoid natural rattan or untreated wood,” Catanese added. “Salt will destroy them quickly.” In a garden environment, consider teak with an aged finish, aluminum or synthetic wicker.

SkyLine Design Daybed

This article was originally published in the July/August edition of Hotel Management magazine. Subscribe here.