What is a divan bed?​

A divan bed typically consists of a mattress and a divan base. The divan is a sturdy timber frame that is usually upholstered and provides the underlying mattress support. The mattress rests on the divan, raising it to a comfortable height for getting in and out of bed.

The divan provides an even sleeping surface. It typically has either a solid platform top, usually made from hardboard or an interior sprung unit mounted on the frame for extra support and cushioning. Divans can be fitted with castors, glides, or legs.

Different types of divans

There are several types of divans, including deep divans with solid or sprung tops and shallow divans on legs, which provide space underneath the bed. Choosing the right divan is important as it affects both the aesthetics of your bedroom and how your mattress feels and performs.

Sprung edge divans

Sprung edge divans have an open coil or pocket spring unit mounted on top of the frame, which cushions the mattress and improves comfort. A sprung base also absorbs some of the impact from the sleeper’s weight, which can help extend the mattress’s lifespan. Sprung divans provide a softer, more luxurious feel.

Platform top divans

Solid or platform top divans have a rigid, flat surface, usually made from hardboard. With no springs in the base, platform tops provide a firmer feel and are more affordable to manufacture. They are generally shallower than sprung divans, making them a good option for those looking for a lower bed.

Firm edge divans

Firm edge divans have springs in the middle for extra cushioning and support, while a reinforced solid frame around the perimeter prevents the edges from sagging or collapsing. This improved edge support allows you to sleep closer to the edge of the mattress without feeling like you might fall out of bed. It also makes getting in and out of bed easier.

Bedstead bases

As charming and elegant as antique and vintage bed frames are, they often lack adequate support. A bedstead base is a shallow divan that fits inside the bed frame. It provides an even surface for the mattress, preventing it from migrating between the slats while also protecting it from rough or sharp components.

Like standard divans, bedstead bases are available in various heights and sizes, with either a sprung or solid top. Sprung bedstead bases are deeper to accommodate the spring unit. Since bedstead bases sit inside the frame and increase the bed’s overall height, choosing a suitable height is important to ensure you can get in and out of bed comfortably.

Shallow divans on legs

A shallow divan on legs has a slim base, typically 6 to 8 inches deep, with legs that raise the bed off the floor. Some models offer a choice of leg styles and colours to match your décor, while others can be fitted with castors. The bed design creates a more open, spacious feel by exposing the floor underneath, making it ideal for smaller bedrooms. The raised bed makes it easier to clean the floor underneath and provides extra storage space.

Adjustable divan beds

Adjustable beds allow you to raise or lower the head and foot sections of the bed using a remote control. They can help you sleep more comfortably, reduce snoring, improve circulation, and prevent and relieve arthritis.

Adjustable divans are usually more expensive than regular beds because of their lifting mechanism. Some models also include advanced features like built-in Bluetooth and massage units, which add to the cost.

What are the benefits of a divan bed?

Divans are a popular style of bed base that provide a stable and supportive foundation for your mattress.

Support

Divans provide a flat, supportive surface, which helps distribute weight evenly across the mattress. 

Divans increase the overall bed height

Divans raise the mattress to a more comfortable height, making getting in and out of bed easier. They are typically 10 to 16 inches deep, depending on the model.

Versatility

Divans are versatile and are available in various styles, colours, materials, and sizes. Most come with built-in storage, providing valuable space for bedding and other bedroom items.

Some divan beds can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For example, you might require a custom size or height, cut-out corners to fit around four-poster beds, or a quarterly split divan for easier bedroom access.

Space-saving

Divans are usually the same size as the mattress, making them a good option for smaller rooms where space is limited.

Manoeuvrability

Divan beds are often fitted with castors or wheels, making it easier to move the bed to clean, rearrange the room, or access storage compartments.

Easy assembly

Divan beds are generally easy to assemble. Apart from single sizes, divans come in two halves that clip or join together. To assemble, stand both halves of the divan on their sides. Fit the castors, glides, or legs into the pre-drilled holes underneath the base, then join the bases together using the screws or clips provided. Assembling a divan should take no more than twenty minutes.

Divan bed sizes

Divan beds are typically available in 6 standard sizes.

Some manufacturers offer bespoke sizes, such as longer beds for taller people or a custom width for smaller or unusually shaped bedrooms. These beds are usually made to order and may take several weeks to manufacture.

Divan beds typically take up less space than bed frames because the mattress and base are usually the same size. However, some divans may include a small bumper bar around the bottom of the base, making them slightly larger than the actual mattress.

If your divan has drawers, ensure there is enough space on either side to open and close them easily. You will also need to allow an extra 2 to 4 inches in length if you use a headboard.

Divan storage options

Divan beds come with different storage options, such as drawers or a lift-up compartment, to help keep your bedroom tidy and organised. Built-in storage does not affect the bed’s comfort or weaken the base.

2 + 2 continental drawer option

The 2 + 2 drawer combination includes two full-size drawers, one on each side at the foot of the bed, and two half-size drawers, one on each side at the head of the bed. This design allows easy access to the top drawers without interference from bedside cabinets.

Four drawer option

The four-drawer option includes four equal-sized standard drawers, with two on each side of the bed.

Foot end drawer

Some divans come with an end drawer, providing extra storage space at the foot of the bed. Foot-end drawers are usually available for 4’6” (135 cm) and 5’0” (150 cm) divans. While the end drawer is slightly longer than a standard drawer, its positioning allows only two side drawers – one on each side at the top of the bed.

Slidestore

A slidestore has sliding doors instead of drawers that provide access to the storage compartment underneath the mattress. They are typically constructed with a platform top and are more affordable than regular divans, making them ideal for children.

Ottoman divan beds

Ottoman beds have a large hidden compartment underneath the mattress, which is accessible by lifting the base from either the end or side of the bed, depending on the design. They offer more storage space than drawers and don’t require extra room to access your items.

Are divan beds old-fashioned?

In the past, divans were often upholstered in unattractive materials that had to be hidden with a valance sheet. Nowadays, divans are available in a wide selection of beautiful fabrics and leathers and no longer need to be covered. Many divans are available with matching headboards and bed accessories, which are usually sold separately, for a more streamlined, coordinated look.

What types of mattresses are suitable for divans?

Most mattresses are compatible with divans, but if you are buying them separately, it is best to double-check with the manufacturer or retailer to ensure they are suitable for use together.

Some mattresses are more suited to sprung bases, while others perform better on solid or platform tops. For example, higher-quality pocket spring mattresses may not feel as comfortable or luxurious when paired with a non-sprung base. In contrast, memory foam mattresses may feel too soft on sprung divans.

Can you place a new mattress on an old divan base?

The mattress and divan are designed to work together, so purchasing them as a set is advisable. An old bed base is unlikely to provide the support you need. If it is uneven, the mattress will conform to its shape, dipping in the same areas.

Using a new mattress on an old bed base can reduce the mattress’s lifespan and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

If your divan is relatively new and in good condition, it may be possible to use it with your new mattress. However, the divan can affect how the mattress feels and performs. If you purchased a new mattress from a local store, it may feel quite different on your base compared to the one in the showroom. Furthermore, your divan may not support the weight of your new mattress.

Will any headboard fit a divan bed?

Divan beds usually come with bolts or fixing plates to attach a headboard. Ensure that the headboard is the same size as your bed. For example, if you have a 4’6” wide bed, you will need a 4’6” wide headboard. You may need to double-check the distance between the fixing points on the divan and the headboard to ensure they align.

Most headboards come with wooden struts that have slots. To attach the headboard, insert the bolts into the divan, then lift and lower the headboard onto the bolts through the slots. Then, tighten the bolts when you have adjusted the headboard to the desired height.

Some floor-standing headboards may have different fixings. If you buy a headboard separately, check with the seller to ensure it is compatible with your divan.

Final thoughts

Divans are stylish and versatile. They can improve the bed’s comfort and are a popular choice for many households because they typically take up less room than bed frames.