Outdoor daybeds offer a certain mystique about them that is utterly romantic, comfortable and simply quintessential. The use of daybeds even goes back to the days of Cleopatra. Of course then they were fashioned out of other materials.

Because wicker is such a fantastic material for outdoor furniture, countless people envision a wicker outdoor daybed for their screened porch or patio, but they fear the maintenance involved. Granted there's something dreamy about the special look of wicker, and today's synthetic polyethylene wicker fills that dream immediately as its maintenance requirements are practically non-existent.

Thankfully the synthetic wicker of today is not only less expensive and much more lightweight than outdoor furniture that may be made from metals or natural wood, but modern plastic furniture is now relatively environment-friendly too with new plastic materials and production methods. Additionally, today's polyethylene outdoor furniture is much more comfortable than the PVC furniture used in the past. Also PVC used to creak rather loudly with the slightest movement, but the new methods of construction of polyethylene outdoor furniture have done away with those annoying creaks.

Purchasing synthetic wicker is easy to find, especially online, and the meticulous care that is used to handcraft it is absolutely fantastic. It is made to look totally "real." Wicker daybeds are not only beautiful but also truly functional. People like you use them for afternoon naps, or for sleeping in the great outdoors in total comfort, listening to the sounds of nature and literally smelling the flowers!

They are unbeatable to make use of when you nap with the kids too, as well as making the perfect guest bed. They require a normal size fitted sheet and top sheet as opposed to those cumbersome sofa beds with their ultra-thin mattresses that are too thin for normal sheets, not to mention how utterly uncomfortable sofa beds are! The array of suitable linens will dazzle you.

Imagine how wonderful it would be to lay on your outdoor daybed and read a magazine or a book in total comfort while enjoying the fresh air? Daybeds are not only functional and relaxing but they also provide a place for children to play board games instead of sitting on the floor where all manner of germs have come off peoples' shoes.

Outdoor daybeds make a very inviting fashion statement too. There are literally thousands of different motifs and styles available that are bound to not only fit your decorative style but also actually accent it. The casual beauty and whimsical feel of a wicker outdoor daybed will completely change the look of your screened porch for little investment, and complete ease of maintenance.

Remember that real wicker outdoor furniture needs to be covered at all times, hiding its natural beauty, while synthetic wicker does not. Also real wicker is subject to mildew, which may permanently stain natural wicker. In addition real wicker needs to be frequently either repainted or resealed. The new materials are UV-resistant, therefore will never deteriorate due to exposure to weather like real wicker, yet you'll agree that it absolutely has all the romantic charm of the "real thing."