A Quick Guide to Divan Beds

The first thing you need to know about divans is they come in two parts: a divan base and a headboard. The headboard is optional, and the base can split into two or four parts, depending on the model, to fit through narrow spaces. This modular design makes divans exceptionally practical for homes with tight staircases or narrow doorways, ensuring you can get your new bed into any bedroom.

Unlike standard bed frames that bolt together, divans come as prefabricated structures encased in fabric, making them easier to assemble. Plus, they are relatively lightweight, with most bases made from a pine and MDF combo. This combination of materials strikes an excellent balance between durability and portability, ensuring your divan will last for years while remaining manageable to move when needed.

The most significant advantage of divan beds is the base being the exact proportions of the mattress, so unlike a standard bed frame, you don’t need to worry about measuring for legs and sides that protrude beyond the mattress platform. This space-efficient design makes divans perfect for smaller bedrooms where every centimetre counts, allowing you to maximise your available floor space.

There’s plenty more to cover, and we’ll do that below.

Divan configurations

Divan beds come in three flavours:

• Base
• Base + headboard
• Base + headboard + mattress

Of course, the best configuration depends on your current setup and personal preferences. Each option offers its own advantages, allowing you to customise your bed according to your needs.

If you don’t have a mattress, adding one while buying your divan can save you around 20% and ensure excellent compatibility. But if you do, then get a base or complete divan and take it from there. Many retailers offer package deals that make purchasing a complete set more economical, so it’s worth exploring all options before making your final decision.

 Pictured: Giltedge Beds 4FT Small Double Divan Base. Priced £259, available from Bedstar.

Divan mattress platforms

Divans have slats or a solid platform for the mattress, each offering distinct benefits for different sleeping preferences.

Slats relieve pressure on the mattress and complement all mattress types. They are also breathable and lightweight. The spacing between slats allows for better air circulation, which can help regulate temperature and extend the life of your mattress by preventing moisture build-up. Most slats are made from sturdy spruce or birch wood, providing reliable support while maintaining flexibility.

Solid platforms put the onus on the mattress and are best for thicker mattresses over 25 cm to ensure they feel as they should. These platforms provide consistent support across the entire surface, which can be particularly beneficial for memory foam mattresses that require a stable base to function properly.

Remember – a thin mattress on a solid divan platform can feel firm, and you probably won’t be able to toss and turn without squashing down to the base. It’s crucial to consider your mattress thickness when choosing between slats and a solid platform.

In-built storage

You can get divan beds with built-in drawers or ottoman storage, making them an excellent solution for maximising bedroom storage space.

Drawers need no introduction—depending on your bed frame size, you’ll get one, two, or four drawers. The drawer depth depends on the bed frame height, but generally, most drawers are 12 cm to 18 cm deep. These drawers typically run on smooth runners and can handle substantial weight, perfect for storing seasonal clothing, spare bedding, or other items you don’t need daily access to.

 Pictured: Timberland 4FT 6 Double Wooden Ottoman Bed – Natural. Priced £329, available from Bedstar.

The disadvantage of drawers is they require clearance, so if you have adjacent furniture, you’ll need to ensure they can open. This consideration is particularly important when planning your bedroom layout, as you’ll need to leave enough space around the bed for comfortable drawer access.

Ottoman beds are an upgrade over drawers. They deserve a special mention because they offer significantly more storage than drawers. They use the entire mattress underside for storage space, with hydraulic struts holding the mattress open. These struts are designed to make lifting even heavy mattresses effortless, ensuring easy access to your stored items.

You’ll pay around 40% more for an ottoman storage bed than a standard divan, but having somewhere to put all your bedding is priceless. The investment often pays for itself in terms of the storage space gained, particularly in homes where space is at a premium.

Mattresses

A mattress is a separate component of a divan bed, but some divan beds either come with one as standard or offer it as an optional extra. This flexibility allows you to either utilise your existing mattress or select a new one that perfectly complements your divan base.

There are two crucial factors to consider when selecting a mattress for your divan bed:

• Your preferred sleep position and sleeping habits
• Your body weight (and your partner’s, if sharing the bed)

Pictured: Giltedge Solo Memory 4FT Small Double Mattress. Priced £249, available from Bedstar.

Sleep position + body weight

Side sleepers require a softer sleeping surface to accommodate their position, as their body weight is concentrated on a smaller surface area compared to other sleeping positions. When sleeping on your side, your shoulders and hips create pressure points that need proper cushioning to maintain spinal alignment.

For side sleepers, a medium mattress – importantly, NOT a medium firm one – is typically the ideal choice. However, this recommendation shifts if you weigh more than 180 lbs (approximately 82 kg), where a medium firm mattress becomes more suitable to provide adequate support.

Weight plays a significant role in mattress selection because it directly affects how the mattress performs. Individuals weighing over 180 lbs will experience mattresses differently, as their body weight causes the mattress to feel and perform softer than it would for lighter individuals. Therefore, additional support becomes essential to maintain proper spinal alignment and comfort.

For those weighing over 210 lbs (about 95 kg), a firm mattress is strongly recommended. Similarly, front sleepers, regardless of their weight, should opt for a firm mattress to ensure proper support for their midsection and prevent excessive spinal curvature during sleep.

Back sleepers enjoy the most flexibility in their mattress choices. They can comfortably use firm, medium firm, or firm mattresses, provided they don’t fall into extreme weight categories. The optimal choice for most back sleepers tends to be a medium-firm mattress, as it offers an ideal balance of support and comfort while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

These guidelines serve as essential reference points when selecting mattresses that complement both your sleeping position and body composition. While various mattress technologies like hybrids, pocket springs, and pure foam constructions offer different benefits, the primary consideration should always be the level of support provided by your divan mattress. The right combination of support and comfort will ensure restful sleep and maintain proper spinal alignment, regardless of your preferred sleeping position.