Your bed is one of the most important investments in your home, and choosing the right type can make all the difference to your comfort and bedroom space. If you're considering a divan bed but aren't quite sure what makes them special, this complete guide will tell you everything you need to know.
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed is essentially a bed with a sturdy, upholstered base that sits flat on the floor. Unlike traditional bed frames with visible legs and decorative rails, divans feature a solid, fabric-covered box base that provides complete support for your mattress. The base is typically constructed from a robust wooden frame covered in fabric, creating a solid foundation that maximises comfort and practicality.
The beauty of a divan bed lies in its simplicity and functionality. This two-part sleeping solution consists of a sturdy base and a mattress, working together to create the perfect foundation for a great night's sleep. Whether you're furnishing a compact guest room or upgrading your master bedroom, divan beds offer a versatile solution that adapts to your needs.
Pros and Cons of Divan Beds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Maximises Space: Built-in storage and a low-profile base make the most of bedroom space. | Limited Under-Bed Access: Low height can make cleaning beneath the bed harder. |
| Enhanced Mattress Support: Sturdy base improves mattress longevity and spinal alignment. | Heavier to Move: Solid construction can make relocation more difficult. |
| Durable and Long-Lasting: Quality materials maintain shape and support over time. | Fixed Storage Layouts: Drawer positions are permanent. |
| Customisable Style: Wide range of fabrics, finishes, and headboards to match décor. | Less Ventilated: Solid bases may reduce airflow compared to other frames. |
| Easy Assembly: Typically comes in two parts for simpler setup and manoeuvring. | Simpler Aesthetic: Minimalist design may not suit those wanting ornate or statement frames. |
| Flexible Storage Options: Drawers or ottoman lift provide versatile storage solutions./td> | Higher Initial Cost: Premium divans can be more expensive upfront. |
| Comfort and Noise Reduction: Even weight distribution enhances comfort and reduces creaks. | Bulky to Maneuver: Even in two parts, moving through tight stairways can be tricky. |
| Low Maintenance: Upholstered surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. | |
| Improves Room Aesthetics: Sleek design can make smaller rooms feel more spacious. |
Types of Divan Bed Bases
If a divan bed sounds good so far, the next step is choosing the type. There are two main types of divan bed bases: Platform and sprung divans. Let’s cover what these are and why they matter for your frame.
Platform Top Divan Bases
Platform top divans feature a solid base that provides strong support, making your mattress feel firmer. These bases are typically made from hardboard and offer an affordable option for those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface. They're particularly beneficial if you have a softer mattress that needs extra support or if you suffer from back problems.
Sprung Divan Bases
Sprung bases feature built-in springs for added comfort and a softer feel, enhancing the mattress's performance. These bases contain a layer of pocket springs that reduce mattress wear and tear. The springs work in harmony with your mattress, providing responsive support that adapts to your body's movements throughout the night.
Which Base Should You Choose?
Your choice between platform and sprung bases depends on your comfort preferences and existing mattress. If you enjoy a firmer feel, a platform top works brilliantly. For those who prefer a more luxurious, hotel-like feel, a sprung base adds that extra layer of comfort.
Are Divan Beds Good for Bad Backs?
Divan beds can be a healthier choice for your back thanks to their firm and even surface. Unlike other bed bases that may bend or shift over time, divans maintain a level foundation. The consistent support helps maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night. For maximum back support, pair a platform top divan with an orthopaedic or medium-firm mattress.
Divan Bed Storage Options
If you already have ample bedroom storage or prefer a minimalist approach, you can choose a divan bed base with no storage. But for homes low on space, you can choose the following storage:
- Two-Drawer Storage: Divans with two drawers, one on each side of the base to store items or clothing.
- Four-Drawer Storage: Divans with four drawers, two on either side, making it great for extra storage for couples.
- Continental Drawers (2+2): These divan beds combine two smaller drawers near the head of the bed and two larger ones at the foot.
Be mindful that the storage space a divan offers relies on the space in the drawers and how many drawers you have. If you need more space consider an ottoman bed or divan bed with a lift-up mattress, as these storage beds offer a total underbed space to store bulky and larger items. Learn more in our guide to ottoman beds vs divan beds.
How Are Divan Beds Different from Standard Bed Frames?
Wondering if you should choose a divan bed or a standard bed frame? We’ve compared the two in the table below:
| Aspect | Divan Beds | Standard Bed Frames |
|---|---|---|
| Structure and Support | Use a sprung or solid top base to support the mattress, providing consistent comfort and performance. | Typically use slats, a metal grid, or woven wire base, affecting mattress feel and support differently. |
| Space Efficiency | Frameless design with mattress sitting directly on the base, maximising usable floor space. | Bulky frames extend beyond the mattress, taking up more floor space. |
| Storage Solutions | Often include built-in drawers, offering integrated storage for bedrooms with limited space. | Usually have no built-in storage, requiring separate furniture for storage needs. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Clean, minimalist upholstered design, versatile for modern and contemporary styles. | Can be decorative or ornate, often serving as a focal point in the room. |
Want more information or want to see what other bed types there are? Check out our bed buying guide for a full comparison of every bed type.
How Long Do Divan Beds Last?
With proper care, a quality divan bed base can last 8-10 years or more. The sturdy construction and even weight distribution mean they typically outlast standard bed frames. Your mattress may need replacing before the base, making divans an excellent long-term investment.
Divan Bed Sizes Available
Divan beds come in all standard UK bed sizes to suit every bedroom and sleeper:
- Small Single (2'6" x 6'3" / 75cm x 190cm): Perfect for children's rooms or compact spaces
- Single (3'0" x 6'3" / 90cm x 190cm): Ideal for kids, teens, or guest rooms
- Small Double (4'0" x 6'3" / 120cm x 190cm): Great for single adults who want extra space or compact master bedrooms
- Double (4'6" x 6'3" / 135cm x 190cm): The UK's most popular size for couples
- King (5'0" x 6'6" / 150cm x 200cm): Extra room for couples who value their space
- Super King (6'0" x 6'6" / 180cm x 200cm): The ultimate in luxury and space
What Size Divan Bed Should I Choose?
Consider these factors when selecting your divan bed size:
- Who's sleeping in it: Singles and small doubles work well for one person, while couples typically need at least a standard double
- Your height: Taller individuals may prefer larger beds like a king or super king to avoid dangling feet
- Room dimensions: Measure your space carefully, allowing at least 60cm around the bed for comfortable movement
- Storage needs: Larger beds offer more drawer storage capacity
Check our bed size guide for detailed measurements and room planning advice.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Divan
- Cleaning Access: Due to their low height, cleaning under a divan bed can be challenging. However, many of our models feature castors, allowing you to move the bed easily when needed for thorough cleaning.
- Budget and Value: While divan beds may require a higher upfront investment than basic frames, they offer long-term value with built-in storage, mattress support, and durability. Plus, at Bed Kingdom, we offer 0% APR finance and price match guarantees, making them more budget-friendly.
- Mobility and Lifestyle: If you move home frequently or rearrange rooms often, a divan's solid and slightly heavier structure may be less convenient, so opting for a lightweight platform base could be a more practical choice.
- Aesthetics and Design: Do you want to add a headboard for extra style? If so, you need to account for the space needed and find one that fits the design and colour of your base.
Can I Use Any Headboard With a Divan Bed?
Most divan bed bases have pre-drilled holes to accommodate a headboard. You can choose from strutted headboards that attach with bolts at varying heights, or full-height floor-standing headboards for a grander look. Browse our headboard collection to find the perfect match for your divan.
How Do I Assemble a Divan Bed?
The last thing you might wonder is how easy they are to assemble. Single and small single divans come in one piece. Larger sizes come in two sections. Assembly is refreshingly simple:
- 1. Attach the feet or castors: Simply screw these into the pre-drilled holes in the base
- 2. Join the two halves (for double beds and larger): Use the provided linking bars to connect the sections securely
- 3. Add your headboard: Most divans have pre-drilled holes and come with bolts for easy headboard attachment
- 4. Position your mattress: Place it on top and you're ready for a great night's sleep
For detailed assembly instructions for your model, refer to the product manuals.
Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Divan
Once you’ve chosen a divan bed, you’ll need to choose a mattress to suit it. Pairing your base with the right mattress ensures optimal comfort, balanced support, and maximum mattress lifespan. Here’s our top mattresses for divan bases and why:
- Memory Foam Mattresses: Ideal for back and side sleepers as they mould to body shape for pressure relief, working well with both platform and sprung divan bases for a cushioned, supportive feel.
- Pocket Sprung Mattresses: Individually wrapped coils offer targeted support and better airflow for a cooler sleep, performing especially well on sprung divan bases for enhanced comfort and bounce.
- Hybrid Mattresses: A combination of memory foam and pocket springs provides a balance of contouring and responsiveness, making them a versatile choice for divans if you want both pressure relief and gentle lift.
- Orthopaedic Mattresses: Designed for firmer support to aid spinal alignment and reduce back discomfort, these work best on solid platform top divan bases for maximum stability.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Divan Bed?
Now you understand what makes divan beds such a smart choice for modern bedrooms, it's time to find yours. View our divan beds today to see our extensive range in every size, storage configuration, and fabric finish imaginable.
Enjoy competitive prices with fast and free UK delivery on our divan bases. If you have any questions, our FAQ page may help, or you can contact our customer service team.