Quick Answer: The IKEA Hemnes daybed costs approximately $399–$499 CAD and converts from a single seating configuration to a larger sleeping surface. It is a practical budget solution for guest rooms and small spaces, but the included IKEA mattresses are widely considered inadequate for regular sleep, and most buyers replace them. The frame is solid pine, which is durable, though a step below hardwood. Brantford shoppers seeking solid wood alternatives with better long-term quality can visit our showroom on West Street.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
The IKEA Hemnes daybed has been a consistent best-seller for a reason. It solves a specific problem elegantly: you need a guest room but you also need that room to function as something else , home office, sitting room, hobby space , most of the time. The daybed configuration gives you a sofa-style setup during the day and a bed when guests arrive.
This guide covers what the Hemnes actually delivers, where it falls short, and what to do about the mattress situation (which IKEA buyers consistently flag as the weak point).
Hemnes Daybed Overview
The IKEA Hemnes daybed is made from solid pine. Pine is a softwood , cheaper and lighter than hardwoods like oak or maple, but reasonably durable for furniture that is not subjected to heavy daily loading. The frame has three pull-out storage drawers underneath, adding practical storage for guest linens, extra pillows, or seasonal items.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid pine |
| Standard sleeping surface | 90 x 200 cm (35" x 79") , single/twin size |
| Extended sleeping surface | 160 x 200 cm , wider than a standard queen |
| Storage | 3 drawers underneath |
| Approximate price (CAD) | $399–$499 (frame only) |
| Weight capacity | 100 kg (single)/150 kg (extended) |
| Available at IKEA Canada | Yes (online delivery + in-store) |
The daybed converts by pulling out the lower section, which then slides up to the level of the main sleeping surface to create the wider configuration. Two separate mattresses sit on the frame , one on the primary level, one on the pull-out. When configured as seating, you are essentially sitting on a single mattress; when extended for sleeping, both mattresses at the same level form the sleeping surface.
Honest Assessment: Pros and Cons
What the Hemnes Does Well
- Price: $399–$499 CAD for a frame with storage is very competitive for any solid-construction furniture
- Storage: Three large drawers are genuinely useful in small spaces
- Aesthetic: The classic Hemnes styling (painted or stained pine) fits most room aesthetics from Scandinavian to traditional
- Dual function: Day sofa mode works adequately with the right cushion/bolster arrangement
- Assembly: Moderately involved but manageable for most people with 2–3 hours and IKEA instructions
What the Hemnes Struggles With
- Included mattresses: The IKEA foam mattresses that ship with the Hemnes are consistently criticised for being too thin and too soft for comfortable sleeping. Most buyers replace them within 6–12 months.
- The gap issue: When extended, the two mattresses rarely create a perfectly seamless sleeping surface , there is often a noticeable ridge or gap at the join, which is uncomfortable for sleeping couples or restless sleepers.
- Pine softwood limitations: Pine dents and scratches more easily than hardwood. Over 5–10 years the frame shows wear more visibly than a hardwood alternative.
- Weight limit: The 100 kg single / 150 kg extended limits are important to note for heavier users.
- Non-standard mattress sizing: The 90 x 200 cm daybed size does not match standard North American twin (38" x 75") or twin XL (38" x 80") mattresses precisely. Finding replacement mattresses in Canada requires care (more on this below).
8 min read
Mattress Guide: What Actually Fits
This is where most Hemnes daybed buyers run into confusion. The frame uses European dimensions: 90 cm x 200 cm (approximately 35.4" x 78.7"). This does not match standard North American twin (38" x 75") or twin XL (38" x 80") measurements.
Your options:
Finding a Replacement Mattress
- IKEA replacement mattresses: IKEA sells mattresses specifically sized for the Hemnes (90 x 200 cm). Options range from $149–$399 per mattress. Quality varies by model , the Sultan Florby and Morgedal receive better reviews than the basic Myrbacka foam.
- European twin (90 x 200 cm) specialty order: Some Canadian mattress retailers and online sellers offer custom European sizing. Expect to pay more for a custom-cut mattress.
- Standard North American twin workaround: A standard twin (38" x 75") is slightly wider but shorter than the Hemnes sleeping surface. Some people use twin mattresses with a small gap at the foot, which works acceptably depending on user height.
- Custom-cut foam: Foam suppliers (including some Canadian ones) will cut custom dimensions. For a simple foam mattress replacement, this is often the most economical path to a better sleep surface.
For the extended (160 cm wide) sleeping configuration, you need two mattresses side by side. Creating a seamless surface for couple sleeping is difficult without a mattress bridge or topper that spans both. Some buyers use a single queen-size foam topper across the full extended width to smooth the join.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "I have customers come in asking about the Hemnes mattress situation fairly regularly. The frame is fine , solid pine at that price point is good value. The issue is always the mattresses. For someone using the daybed a few nights a month for occasional guests, a decent foam or spring option in the 90 x 200 size is worth sourcing separately from the start. If it is a regular sleeping surface , someone living in it full-time , I would think carefully about whether the Hemnes is the right foundation, and whether a dedicated bed with a proper mattress is worth the step up."
Buying a Hemnes Daybed in Canada
The Hemnes daybed is available through IKEA Canada online and in-store at major IKEA locations. Delivery to Southern Ontario (including Brantford, Hamilton, and surrounding areas) is available through IKEA's home delivery service for an additional fee.
Assembly requires approximately 2–3 hours for two people. The drawers are the most fiddly part of assembly. IKEA provides all hardware and an instruction manual. Some buyers report that the extended/collapsed mechanism can be stiff initially and requires a break-in period.
Solid Wood Alternatives to the Hemnes
If you value quality construction and want a bed frame or day bed that will last significantly longer than a pine IKEA product, solid hardwood is worth the additional investment. Southern Ontario has limited options for real solid hardwood furniture , not veneer, not MDF.
Lakewood Solid Wood Furniture , Available at Mattress Miracle
We carry Lakewood solid wood bedroom furniture at our Brantford showroom. Lakewood is built from real maple, oak, and pine (knotty pine, not IKEA-grade) , the difference between Lakewood's pine and IKEA's pine is the finish quality, construction joinery, and longevity. Solid hardwood (maple, oak) furniture from Lakewood is genuinely hard to find in Brantford. Most furniture retailers have moved to veneer and engineered wood, which looks similar but lacks the durability and repairability of solid wood.
If you are looking for a bed frame or sleeping setup that will last 20+ years and hold up through moves, children, and everyday use , solid wood is worth the conversation. Come into the showroom and we can show you what is available.
Other options for Brantford-area shoppers:
- Local furniture stores in Hamilton and Cambridge occasionally stock solid wood daybeds and beds, though stock varies significantly
- Canadian online furniture retailers like Article and EQ3 carry some solid wood options in the mid-to-premium range
- Custom furniture makers in Brantford and the Woodstock area can build solid wood bed frames, often for less than you might expect relative to retail
Frequently Asked Questions
What size mattress fits the IKEA Hemnes daybed?
The Hemnes uses European sizing: 90 cm x 200 cm (approximately 35" x 79"). This does not match standard North American twin (38" x 75") or twin XL (38" x 80") dimensions. IKEA sells replacement mattresses in the correct size. Custom-cut foam in European dimensions is also an option from specialty foam suppliers in Canada.
Can two adults sleep on the Hemnes daybed extended?
The extended configuration measures 160 cm wide (about 63"), which is between a full/double (54") and a queen (60"). Two adults can sleep on the extended surface, but the seam where the two mattresses meet is often noticeable. Using a queen-size foam topper across the full width helps significantly. The combined weight limit when extended is 150 kg.
How durable is the IKEA Hemnes daybed?
Pine is softer than hardwood and shows wear more readily over time, particularly surface denting and scratching. The Hemnes is built to functional IKEA standards and should last 5–10 years in normal use before the frame itself becomes an issue. The hardware and drawer mechanisms may need attention sooner. For furniture intended to last 15–20+ years, solid hardwood (oak, maple) construction from a quality furniture manufacturer is a meaningfully different product.
Is the Hemnes daybed good for everyday sleeping, not just guests?
With a better mattress (replacing the included IKEA foam), the Hemnes can serve as a regular sleeping surface for one adult , particularly for studio apartments or bachelor suites where dual-function furniture is essential. The limiting factor is usually the mattress, not the frame. The gap in the extended position makes it less suitable for couples using it nightly.
What are the best alternatives to the Hemnes daybed in Canada?
For similar price and function: the IKEA Brimnes daybed (no back panel, slightly different aesthetic). For better quality: Lakewood solid wood beds and furniture available at our Brantford showroom. For something in between: Canadian online retailers like Article and EQ3 carry mid-range beds in solid and engineered wood starting around $500–$800 CAD for a frame.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
We carry Lakewood solid wood bedroom furniture , real maple, oak, and pine , which is genuinely difficult to find in Brantford. If you want something that outlasts IKEA and holds its value over time, come see what is in stock. Call Brad at (519) 770-0001 to check availability before making the trip.
Related Reading
- Thuma Bed Frame Canada: Review and Mattress Compatibility Guide
- Pallet Bed Frames: What They Are and What to Watch Out For
- How to Choose a Mattress: The Complete Canadian Buying Guide
- Shop Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
- Wood Box Spring: Solid Foundations for Mattress Support and Durability
- Thuma Bed Frame Canada: Review + Local Alternatives
Sources
- IKEA Canada. "HEMNES Daybed." ikea.com/ca
- Ideal Home. (2025). "IKEA's Hemnes Daybed , Four Great Alternatives." idealhome.co.uk
- Mattress Nerd. (2026). "IKEA Daybed Review." mattressnerd.com
- Home Stratosphere. (2023). "IKEA Daybed Reviews." homestratosphere.com
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.
Get Directions to Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular picks at Mattress Miracle:
Or compare our mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001