What Is a Divan Bed?

What is a Divan Bed Base?

Divan beds have a solid base which sits on small castors or on the floor. While traditional wooden and metal bed frames are on four legs, divans are upholstered, which enables them to seamlessly blend into any room.

For example, some can have a leather design while others use fabric. The base has a wooden frame with padding, which basically creates a large box. The mattress sits on top of the base, ensuring comfort.

While most divans are sold as sets, you can keep the base and add a different mattress to suit your needs.

The Different Types of Divan Bed Bases

There are two main types of divan beds, and the main differences come with the base you choose. Both have their benefits, so it’s really a case of personal preference:

Platform Top Bases: These are traditional divan beds with a flat surface across the top. It basically gives you a smooth platform for the mattress, making platform top divans best for latex, memory foam, or other mattresses that require additional support.
Sprung Bases: Sprung bases (also known as firm or spring-edge bases) feature springs on the base that provide a cushion for your mattress. Some people find these options more comfortable – especially when using an open coil or pocket sprung mattress.

The Advantages of Divan Beds

Divan beds have many pros, including:

Versatility: Today’s divan beds are incredibly versatile, offering an array of options. You can choose leather or fabric finishes, and opt for darker or lighter tones. You’ll have no problems finding a design that matches your decor and style preferences.
Practicality: Many divans come with storage options that look tidier than traditional wooden or metal beds, helping reduce clutter.
More Support: If you choose a platform-top divan, you can benefit from more support as the mattress sits directly on the base.
Simplicity: Divans are easy to assemble. You don’t need to attach different legs or frames, as most arrive in two blocks that fit together.

Potential Drawbacks of Divan Beds

Despite their many benefits, there are some cons of divan beds to consider. These include:

The Cost: Choosing a divan bed may cost more than a standard wood or metal frame. However, it depends on the type of divan and its storage options.
Less Storage Space: Speaking of storage, divans can accommodate your clothing and other items, but they may have less space than wooden or metal beds because of their drawers.
Cleaning Challenges: Some divan beds aren’t on castors, so they sit directly on the floor, making vacuuming under them challenging.

Divan Bed Storage Options

We all know that bedroom space can come at a premium in the UK, but divan beds offer additional storage thanks to their built-in solutions.

The base can come with different drawer and ottoman configurations, which makes it easy to prevent clutter.

Popular storage options include:

Two-Drawer Divans: Two-drawer divans are beneficial if you want to store clothing and other items. These beds allow for additional storage without compromising the base’s structural integrity.
Four-Drawer Divans: If you need extra space, four-drawer divans are an excellent option. The drawers can be on all sides of the bed, or split between the end and sides.
Ottoman Divans: If you want to maximise your storage space, an ottoman divan takes advantage of the full surface area. The base’s top features a hydraulic mechanism that lifts, allowing you to store items like spare bedding, duvets, and bulky items.

Divan Bed Size Options

Size	Dimensions	Best For
Small Single	2’6″ × 6’3″	Young children and small bedrooms
Standard Single	3’0″ × 6’3″	Small guest rooms and teens.
Small Double	4’0″ × 6’3″	People who prefer more space but have a compact room.
Standard Double	4’6″ × 6’3″	The standard bed size for couples and double bedrooms.
King	5’0″ × 6’6″	Couples who prefer additional space.
Super King	6’0″ × 6’6″	Large master bedrooms.
Emperor	7’0″ × 7’0″	Rarer to find but offers maximum space.

How to Put a Divan Together

Divan beds are easy to assemble because you don’t have to worry about slats or bolting the frame together. Instead, they come in two halves and fit together without needing any DIY knowledge or complex tools.

Most come with clips or link bars that attach the two halves of the base. When you order a divan, it will come with instructions, so you won’t have any problems fitting the bed together.

Also, these beds are easy to move, as you can unclip them instead of having to take the entire frame apart.

The Bottom Line

Divan beds are practical and versatile solutions for bedrooms. Whether you’re looking for extra storage or want a durable bed that will last for years, you’ll find plenty of excellent options available.

Paying weekly can help you afford a high-quality bed without the upfront costs. Our beds also come with free delivery, assembly, and packing removal.

Please get in touch with us today if you have any questions about how Pay Per Week works.

FAQs

What is the difference between a divan bed and a normal bed?

The main difference between a divan and a normal bed is the base. While normal beds typically have metal or wooden frames that you bolt together using slats, a divan comes in a solid base, with both halves fitting together.

Are divan beds good for your back?

Divans are an excellent option for your back because they have a solid base that provides extra support. Even if the mattress begins to sag, the solid base can protect your back and neck. If you have severe back problems, an orthopaedic divan can offer additional support.