Divan beds

What are divan beds?

A divan is a box base for a mattress. It is usually covered in fabric and stands on castors (small wheels) or glider feet. The mattress sits on top.

The top of the base matters most. A platform top is a firm board. A sprung-edge top has springs under the fabric, which adds a little give. A firm-edge top has springs inside a rigid frame.

A divan bed set means a base and a mattress sold together. A headboard is usually sold separately and bolts to the head of the base.

Divans come in different base depths and finishes. A deeper base can hold deeper drawers. Fabric choices range from plush velvet and chenille to linen-look weaves and faux leather.

What types of divan beds are there?

Platform-top divan

A firm, flat top. Most foam and hybrid mattresses can sit on it. It feels firmer when you sit on the edge.

Sprung-edge divan

Springs sit under the top, so the base shares some of the give. It can make the mattress feel slightly softer. Check your mattress warranty allows it.

2 drawer divan

Two drawers, usually on one long side or at the foot end. Good when one side of the bed is against a wall.

4 drawer divan

Four drawers, often two on each long side. You need clear floor space on both sides for the drawers to open.

Continental drawer divan

One wide drawer at the foot end. It suits beds with bedside tables close on both sides.

Ottoman divan

A divan whose top lifts up on gas struts to reveal one large storage space. See the ottoman bed guide for how the lift works.

What are the pros and cons of divan beds?

What sizes do divan beds come in?

UK divan bases follow mattress sizes: Small Single 75 × 190 cm, Single 90 × 190 cm, Small Double 120 × 190 cm, Double 135 × 190 cm, King 150 × 200 cm and Super King 180 × 200 cm.

The base is usually very close to the mattress size. Headboards and drawer handles can add a few centimetres.

Small Double and larger divans often come as two half bases joined with linking bolts. That is for delivery, not for different firmness on each side.

Check the total height with the mattress on. Castors and glider feet change it.

Some Super King sets are made as two 90 × 200 cm halves. These can often be used as one big bed or as two long single beds. This is often called zip-and-link.

Frames and headboards can be bigger than the mattress. Ask for the outer size in centimetres.

What should you check before buying divan beds?

• Top type: platform top, sprung edge or firm edge. Match it to your mattress maker’s base rules.
• Drawer layout: no drawers, 2 drawer, 4 drawer or continental drawer. Check which sides they open on.
• Drawer clearance: measure the floor space each drawer needs when fully open.
• Headboard fittings: measure the gap between the bolt holes (strut centres) and check bolts are included.
• Split base: ask whether the base comes in one or two pieces, and the size of the largest piece.
• Feet or castors: castors roll; glider feet stay put. Check which are supplied.
• Fire safety: divan bases and mattresses are covered by UK fire rules. Look for the fire-safety label.

Will divan beds fit your room?

A divan takes up almost exactly the mattress size, so it suits small rooms well.

Plan for drawers. A 4 drawer divan needs space on both long sides. A bed against a wall suits 2 drawers on the open side or a continental drawer.

Leave about 50–60 cm to walk beside the bed if you can.

Plan it with the bed room planner.

Delivery and assembly

Divans usually arrive assembled or in two halves. Measure doorways and stair turns against the largest piece.

Assembly is usually simple: join the halves with linking bolts, fit the castors or feet, then bolt on the headboard.

Ask whether the seller takes away your old bed and mattress. Mattress disposal rules vary by council.

Check your doors, stairs and turns with the delivery fit checker.

How do you look after divan beds?

Vacuum the fabric with a soft brush. Follow the care label for any spot cleaning.

Check the linking bolts and headboard bolts now and then. Loose bolts can cause creaks.

Do not overfill drawers. Heavy drawers strain the runners and the base.