How do I clean the original cane seat?

Dust it with a soft brush to stop dirt grinding into the woven fibres. Avoid soaking the cane with water. The natural material will swell and snap when it dries.

We have a rather narrow staircase in our cottage and I am wondering if these frames come apart easily for transport?

Most early examples have fixed joints glued and pegged at the workshop. They won't break down into smaller sections for moving. Some later nineteenth-century pieces might have removable legs or drop-in seat frames. You will need to measure your staircase carefully and compare it against the maximum dimensions of the piece before buying.

What fabric suits an early wooden daybed?

Horsehair or wool damask works well for seventeenth and eighteenth-century frames. These materials reflect what the original upholsterers used and they wear well over decades of use. Linen is another good choice for a softer finish. It breathes well and fits the relaxed nature of the seating form.

I want to use one as a primary sofa in the sitting room, but are they actually comfortable enough for daily lounging?

They offer a firm sit compared to modern sofas. The traditional stuffing relies on horsehair and tightly webbed springs rather than deep foam. Adding a thick feather-filled squab cushion transforms the feel. You'll find them excellent for lying flat, though they lack the deep back support you might expect from a standard couch.

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Antique Daybeds

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Designed for daytime rest rather than night sleep, an antique daybed is an elongated seating form resembling a deep sofa with a raised headrest at one or both ends.