A daybed is a multifunctional piece of furniture that solves a lot of problems, especially in a small home: In a remote-work space, it can serve as a sofa or ottoman. And when you have overnight guests, it turns that same space into a bedroom.

But choosing the right one can be tricky, as daybeds vary widely. Some are designed to hold a mattress, while others look like extra-deep benches.

The key, said Ryan Saghian, a Los Angeles-based designer, is to “think about what you want to use it for” — and where you’ll put it.

“I use them all the time when I do large living spaces, to connect two separate seating areas,” Mr. Saghian said. In that case, he favors a sleek, bench-like daybed without armrests or a back, to keep sightlines open.