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Lubi daybed from CB2? I haven't actually slept on one, but it opens into a king bed.

These things are usually very uncomfortable for both sitting and sleeping. If you value your back, get a Murphy bed. If you have space for a normal bed, just use some pillows for daytime lounging.

I agree w/ bromeila: Wallbeds are the way to go for studio apartments.

West Elm has some really attractive daybeds too. You could easily place pillows against the back for seating then hop in at night for bed.

Also, on Making it Lovely's blog, she has some kind of long seat in her guest bedroom that (I believe) opens up to become a larger "bed".

Of course, you could always loft a bed, but you might feel like you're in a dorm.

I designed a queen sized loft bed and my lovely boyfriend built it for me. It is not dorm-ey at all which was the plan. I would hate to feel like I am in a dorm. It is a work in progress, still wanting some decent stair-like ladder and I have a barrier type thing going on now so I dont just fall off. Also putting in some curtains...but yeah you get the idea.

I have very high ceilings which work for it too.

I bought a zzz chest for my guest bed because it fit along a wall too narrow for a traditional sofa bed and with a sloped ceiling not a candidate for a murphy bed. It's been great--the mattress is very comfortable, and it doesn't dominate the room when its all folded up. A little pricey, and they seem to have a waiting list.

I am considering a Japanese futon frame with a Japanese futon from this store for the guest room:

http://www.matsu-store.com/index.php

Does anyone have any feedback on these?

Futons are OK for the guest room, at least the guests don't overstay their welcome.

pinklovesbrown's guest bed is from cb2.

i have no beef with west elm, but a daybed is twin size which a lot of people find inappropriate to their lifestyle.

Call the realtor and get a bigger apartment. Go on craigslist and search for people looking for a roomate. I'm all for small space living, but if you are thinking about compromising your good nights sleep you should think about moving. No person should have to live in a space too small for a bed!

If you must stay where you are I'd suggest getting a twin day bed and investing in a sturdy mattress. Twin mattresses are a lot cheaper than larger ones, so you could probably afford a high quality one for the same price.

Another factor to consider, sofa beds are HEAVY. If you are in apartment mode and move a lot I would caution against them.

I meant to post this link to my bed:
http://picasaweb.google.com/msjessiemeghan/73OakStreet?authkey=Gv1sRgCKvzpb3419HnYQ#5252944917745727090

I would stay away from sofa-beds, they are uncomfortable and a hassle to put-away or unfold, thats my opinion anyway.

Twin bed with cushions to function as a daybed, definitely!

I was going to suggest a loft-type bed too. (MsJessieMeghan, nice job. I like how the rungs of the ladder serve as hanging space.)
Another possibility is what I did for a year: I bought an airmatress (I spent ~$100 extra on it, and I've found that it was well worth it--it will hold air for over 2 weeks before needing to be plumped up, whereas I know friends whose airmatresses leave them on the ground by morning) and a 1" foam matress cover to make it feel more like a real bed and not like you're laying on cold air. Then deflated it and set it aside whenever I wanted to have more room, kind of like a tatami mat. Friends that stayed over could never tell it was an air matress--I think the foam covering really helped with that.

I highly recommend Japanese futons. I slept on one for 4 months and I didn't miss my pillowtop mattress at all. Not only are they comfortable, but also portable, easily stored, and they have a unique look.

I have always slept on a futon. My current one is fashioned out of wool, latex and cotton. It's extremely comfortable.

in my old studio, I went without a couch and just used my bed (plus a nice comfy armchair). however, it will really depend on your lifestyle. are you someone that's comfortable sitting on your bed to read, etc., or do you want two distinct vibes that a convertible would provide? do you have people over often? do you mind people sitting on your bed? some extra pillows/cushions can help dsiguise it and make it more comfortable for bedtime use. how long are you planning on staying in this apartment? if it's temporary and you'll be moving to a bigger place as soon as possible, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a piece of furniture to suit this space.

I had a west elm daybed that doubled as a sofa for a while, but no matter how many cushions I put on the back, it wasn't comfortable to sit on.

I'd like to suggest IKEA's Solsta sleeper sofa. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70087108 Not sure what your budget is, but it's quite budget-friendly at $150, and mercifully light and movable between 2 people.

The compact sofa is more loveseat sized, but can fit 3 people if you get cozy (I am slim and 5'6"). Since the sofa sits low to the ground, the full bed (covered firm foam) folds out on the floor without legs. Although it's not our primary bed, my boyfriend and I find the firm foam quite comfortable, but your mattress preference may vary. Our couchsurfers have spent comfy nights there, too.

Foam means no springs, no hard or pointy slats. It folds in and out quick as you like and the backrest turns into a pillow. The color is so-so, but you can slipcover it.

Good luck in your search, Mimi!

Koreans traditionally sleep on a futon-like thing called a "yo" - not sure what's inside, but they vary in thickness. I think they're very supportive, not like the foam futons I was accustomed to. You can easily buy them in Koreatown. They're also quite beautiful, fold into thirds and can be tucked away when not in use.

I would so go for that chaise. I have a spot in my home where that would look wonderful.

Jessie -- You had space for a bed, why loft? It does look dorm-like to loft a bed - it's not really appropriate unless you seriously have no other choice.