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Divan beds are one of the best choices for creating a comfortable and practical sleeping space in your home. These versatile box-type beds are simple in design but high in practicality, offering both style and functionality for any bedroom. Whether you're considering purchasing your first divan bed or upgrading your existing one, this comprehensive buying guide will help you make an informed decision about which style and size would best suit your needs.

A divan bed combines a sturdy base with a perfectly matched mattress, making it one of the most popular bed choices in the UK. From a single divan bed perfect for children's rooms to a luxurious king size divan bed for master bedrooms, these beds provide exceptional comfort and support for a quality night's sleep.

Divan beds are engineered for durability and longevity. Typically constructed with a robust wooden frame (though some premium models feature metal frames), they come in two sections for easy assembly and transportation. Most divan bed base units are equipped with smooth-rolling castors, which is particularly beneficial if you have carpeted floors, as they allow for effortless repositioning when needed.

When shopping for divan beds, you can buy them as a set, including the base and the mattress together, or purchase these components separately to create your perfect combination. The mattress depths available range from 19 to 34 centimetres (7.4 to 13.3 inches), allowing you to choose the perfect height for your needs. Additional customisation options include headboards, footboards, and various storage solutions to maximise your bedroom space.

The foundation of any divan bed is its base, which can be customised in numerous ways to suit your specific requirements. The divan bed base serves as an excellent storage solution, with various configurations available.

For instance, you can opt for two drawers, four drawers, or a combination of two drawers and two continental drawers to accommodate bedside tables. If storage isn't a priority, some divan beds offer a shallow base option, which effectively reduces the overall height - perfect for those who prefer a lower sleeping position.

Modern divan beds often come with self-assembly options, making them ideal for homes with narrow corridors or challenging access points. You can easily transport the individual pieces to your chosen room and assemble the bed there. The inclusion of castors on most double divan bed and small double divan bed models ensures that once assembled, you can easily manoeuvre the bed into its final position.

Divan bed sizes

The mattress depth varies depending on the filling quantity and type, allowing you to select the perfect comfort level for your needs.

Small Single Divan Beds (2FT 6″): 75cm x 190cm.

Perfect for compact spaces or children's rooms, these beds offer comfort without compromising on space.

Single Divan Beds (3FT): 90cm x 190cm.

The classic single divan bed size, ideal for children, teenagers, and adults in rooms where space efficiency is key.

Small Double Divan Beds (4FT): 120cm x 190cm.

An excellent compromise between single and double sizes, these beds are perfect for smaller rooms that still need to accommodate two people or someone who enjoys extra sleeping space.

Double Divan Beds (4FT 6): 135cm x 190cm.

The standard double size provides ample space for couples while still fitting comfortably in most bedrooms. This popular size offers the perfect balance between comfort and room efficiency.

The most popular size for a divan bed is the double divan bed, which is typically chosen by two adults sharing. This size offers a comfortable balance between spaciousness and practicality, making it an excellent choice for most master bedrooms or guest rooms.

Kingsize Divan Beds (5FT): 150 x 200cm.

The king size divan bed provides a more luxurious sleeping experience, offering additional width and length compared to standard double beds. This generous size is particularly beneficial for couples who desire extra personal space or for taller individuals who need the added length. The increased dimensions make it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position without disturbing your partner, whilst still being a practical fit for most modern bedrooms.

Super Kingsize Divan Beds (6FT): 180cm x 200cm.

This impressive size represents the pinnacle of standard bed dimensions. A super kingsize divan bed offers unparalleled space and comfort, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking maximum sleeping area. It's particularly well-suited for master bedrooms with ample space, providing couples with plenty of room to stretch out comfortably without encroaching on each other's space.

Beyond the standard UK sizes, there's an extensive range of European dimensions available, each offering unique benefits:

• European Single: At 90cm x 200cm, this variation of the single divan bed extends slightly longer than the UK standard. This additional length makes it particularly suitable for taller individuals or growing teenagers who need extra leg room.
• European Small Double: Measuring 120cm x 200cm, this version of the small double divan bed provides extra length compared to its UK counterpart. It's an excellent choice for guest rooms or smaller master bedrooms where space optimisation is crucial.
• European Double: With dimensions of 140cm x 200cm, this size offers more width and length than the standard UK double divan bed. It's perfect for those seeking additional space without committing to a full kingsize, especially in rooms where furniture arrangement needs careful consideration.
• European Kingsize: At 160cm x 200cm, this variation provides a wider sleeping surface than the UK standard. It's an ideal compromise for those who want more width than a standard king size divan bed but don't have space for a super kingsize.

What to Consider When Choosing a Divan Bed?

The advantages of choosing a divan bed are numerous, ranging from practical storage solutions to straightforward ease of assembly. These benefits make divan beds an increasingly popular choice among UK homeowners.

When selecting a divan bed, there are several crucial factors to consider. This section explores the various options available and provides guidance on making the best choice for your specific needs.

The divan bed base comes in four main varieties, with support being the main reason for choosing one over the other. These bases work in harmony with your mattress to deliver optimal comfort and support levels, ensuring a restful night's sleep.

One of the most appealing aspects of divan beds is their built-in storage capabilities, which help maximise bedroom space efficiency. Bedstar's divan beds feature three primary storage options: slide storage, drawers, and ottomans, each offering unique benefits.

The drawer storage option is a helpful option if you prefer to compartmentalize your possessions, particularly suitable for storing smaller items like clothing or bedding. When selecting drawer storage, you have two main configurations to choose from.

Ottoman storage provides a different approach to space utilisation. Rather than flip the top of the base up rather than pulling out drawers, you can access a large storage cavity beneath the mattress. This design is particularly effective for storing bulkier items and offers maximum storage capacity since there are no internal dividers taking up space.

For those with space constraints, divan beds with slide storage are handy when the bed is positioned in a compact room. The sliding door design eliminates the need for drawer clearance space, making it easier to access stored items in tight spaces.

When it comes to aesthetics, divan beds are versatile in styling, offering numerous customisation options through headboards, footboards, and various storage configurations. The ability to select different fabric colours and textures allows you to personalise your bed to match your bedroom's décor perfectly.

The simple design of divan beds allows you to add a natural touch of sophistication when you choose your headboard, the fabric of which should match your divan bed base. Whether you're selecting a single divan bed for a guest room or a king size divan bed for your master bedroom, the headboard plays a crucial role in defining the overall aesthetic appeal of your sleeping space.

Before anything, you must work out how much space you have. When you decide which size bed you'll get, think about the headboard and how you'll use it. For instance, if you love catching up on your favourite programmes in bed or enjoying a good book before lights out, you might want to consider an upholstered soft but elegant headboard.

This style provides excellent support and comfort while you're propped up against it, making those bedtime activities all the more enjoyable. If you're looking at a double divan bed or small double divan bed primarily for decorative purposes, you might prefer exploring sturdier designs that make a bold statement in your room.

Don't worry about assembling the headboard. This is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes of your time. Most divan bed bases come with pre-drilled holes or mounting brackets, making the installation process remarkably simple and hassle-free.

The aesthetics sway you more towards the bed frame if you're deliberating between divan bases and bed frames. Hold on, though! When you invest in a divan bed, you're not compromising on style at all. By pairing your divan bed base with a matching headboard and footboard, you can achieve the same elegant look that traditional bed frames offer, with the added benefit of built-in storage options.

A shallow footboard will give the bed an excellent finish, creating a polished look that transforms your divan bed into a stunning centrepiece. It creates a harmonious visual flow and that satisfying sense of completeness that every well-designed bedroom needs. There's something incredibly cosy about being nestled between a beautifully upholstered headboard and footboard – it's like having your own personal sanctuary!

Which Divan Bed Colour is Right for Your Bedroom?

The bed is undoubtedly the focal point of any bedroom, so choosing the right base colour is crucial. When styling a divan bed, consider opting for neutral shades such as grey or beige. Now, before you dismiss these as boring choices, remember that neutral colours offer incredible versatility. They create a sophisticated foundation that works beautifully with various colour schemes and allow you to inject personality through vibrant accessories like cushions, throws, and pillows.

This isn't a hard and fast rule, of course. Your choice should ultimately complement your room's overall colour scheme. You might find yourself drawn to the serene qualities of blue, which can create a wonderfully calming atmosphere. Perhaps the energetic vibrancy of orange speaks to your personality, or maybe you're attracted to the crisp, clean look of white. Each of these colours can work wonderfully well when thoughtfully incorporated into your bedroom's design scheme.

When it comes to fabric selection, velvet or crushed velvet can add an unmistakable touch of luxury to your divan bed. These materials catch the light beautifully and create an inviting, plush appearance that elevates the entire room. However, if velvet isn't quite your style, don't feel like you're missing out on luxury. Chenille, with its distinctive thick texture and raised pile, offers an equally sophisticated alternative that brings both comfort and style to your bedroom.

Of course, luxury isn't everyone's priority when choosing a divan bed. If you're seeking something more practical, consider Verona fabric. This natural tweed blend offers a lightweight yet durable option that still manages to bring warmth and character to your space. The fabric's versatility makes it an excellent choice for both single divan beds and larger sizes. For those who prioritise style without compromising on practicality, suede might be the perfect solution. This soft, versatile material offers a contemporary look while maintaining durability and ease of maintenance.

What Are the Best Ways to Style a Divan Bed?

When styling your divan bed, you can keep the bedding relatively understated and neutral, allowing the opportunity to create visual interest through carefully chosen cushions and pillows. These decorative elements serve as perfect accent pieces, particularly against a crisp white duvet cover. Whether you have a single divan bed or a king size divan bed, vibrant cushions will create stunning contrast against neutral bedding, effectively fulfilling their role as eye-catching accents. If you prefer a more subtle approach, especially with a small double divan bed, pastel-toned cushions create a gentle, sophisticated aesthetic that's equally appealing but less bold.

Pillows are absolutely essential for any divan bed base, so selecting the right ones deserves careful consideration. You might gravitate towards luxuriously plush options that sink beneath your head, or perhaps you prefer firmer, more structured pillows that provide robust support. The key lies in achieving the perfect balance between the textures and colours of your pillows and cushions while ensuring they complement your room's overall design scheme. This is particularly important for a double divan bed, where the larger surface area means your pillow choices have an even greater visual impact.

The quality of your bed linen can make or break the overall appearance of your divan bed. Poor quality linen can diminish the bed's appeal, while superior bedding instantly elevates its appearance. This isn't merely about aesthetics – since you'll be spending approximately a third of your life in bed, with your skin in direct contact with the linen, investing in higher quality bedding is absolutely worth the additional expense.

When selecting bed linen, pay close attention to the weave, yarn quality, and any decorative embroidery to ensure you're choosing the finest options available. Consider factors such as breathability, longevity, smoothness, and how soft the fabric feels against your skin. The maintenance requirements are another crucial consideration. While thread count is often discussed, don't fall into the trap of assuming that a higher thread count automatically equals better quality – this isn't always the case.

100% Stonewashed linen stands as the ultimate choice for premium bed linen, exuding unparalleled quality and sophistication. While this luxurious fabric requires regular ironing due to its tendency to crease, the stunning results make the extra effort worthwhile. For those seeking alternatives, Pure, Pima, and Egyptian cotton varieties offer exceptional quality and maintain beautiful aesthetics, making them excellent choices for any divan bed.

Throws and quilts provide an effortless way to add layering to your bed, offering a perfect blend of functionality, practicality, and luxury. These accessories should either match or thoughtfully complement your bed's colour scheme. When working with patterned bed linen, opt for solid-coloured throws to create balance. Conversely, if your bedding is solid-coloured, a patterned throw can add visual interest and depth to your divan bed's appearance.

Remember that seasonal changes present perfect opportunities to refresh your bedroom's look. Adapting your throw choices throughout the year isn't just practical – it's essential for comfort. During warmer months, switch to lightweight options that help maintain a comfortable temperature while adding fresh colours or patterns to your room's scheme. Experiment with different textures throughout the year; materials like satin, faux fur, and velvet can simultaneously enhance both style and comfort, making your divan bed even more inviting.

If you're uncertain about coordinating your throw with your existing bedding, there's a simple solution: purchase a matching set that includes the throw, duvet cover, and scatter cushions. However, for this approach to work effectively, the room's overall decor should remain relatively neutral. If your room already features bold colours or patterns, adding a matching set might create an overwhelming effect that detracts from the sophisticated appearance of your divan bed. The key is to strike the right balance between making a style statement and maintaining visual harmony in your bedroom space.

The minimalist-style design of divan beds means that even the smallest details can significantly enhance their aesthetic appeal. When styling your divan bed base, consider how thoughtful finishing touches can transform the overall look of your bedroom. A carefully placed decorative cushion, an artfully arranged throw, or even a cherished cuddly toy can add personality to your double divan bed. The way you arrange your pillows can inject character into the space – try experimenting with different arrangements, from the traditional symmetrical layout to more contemporary, asymmetrical designs. These subtle styling choices will give your room a distinct identity and reflect your personal taste.

That's the beauty of divan beds – they're incredibly versatile and practical. Whether you opt for a single divan bed for a compact space or a king size divan bed for a master bedroom, these beds excel in functionality. They're designed for easy assembly and relocation, making them perfect for those who enjoy refreshing their room's layout periodically. The built-in storage options are particularly ingenious, offering valuable space-saving solutions without compromising on style. These features, combined with their clean lines and adaptable design, make divan beds an exceptional choice for any bedroom.

Considering we spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed, it's crucial to ensure our sleeping environment is well-maintained and properly cared for. This is particularly important for divan beds, where both the bed base and mattress require regular attention to maintain their quality and longevity. But how exactly should we go about this essential maintenance?

Divan Bed Care: Tips for a Long-Lasting Bed

Your body naturally produces oils that transfer onto your skin during sleep, which can then seep into your sheets and eventually reach your mattress. This is why weekly sheet washing is not just a luxury but a necessity – particularly for small double divan beds where the sleeping surface may be more confined. There's nothing quite like the feeling of sliding into freshly laundered sheets, and maintaining this weekly routine will help preserve both your comfort and your bed's condition.

1. Invest in a mattress protector. A quality mattress protector is essential for any divan bed, acting as a barrier between your mattress and potential contaminants. It shields against sweat, oils, dirt, and other fluids that could lead to dampness and mould growth in your mattress. Additionally, these protectors can enhance comfort by adding an extra layer of cushioning, contributing to an even better night's sleep. Make it a habit to wash your mattress protector alongside your regular bedding to maintain optimal cleanliness.
2. Vacuum and deodorise. Dead skin cells inevitably make their way through your bedding and onto your mattress. To combat this, sprinkle baking soda across the mattress surface, allow it to sit for thirty minutes, then thoroughly vacuum. Performing this simple maintenance routine every couple of months will help keep your mattress fresh and hygienic.
3. Rotate your mattress. Most mattresses can be rotated, and this simple maintenance step is vital for preserving your mattress's condition. Regular rotation helps distribute wear and tear more evenly, preventing the formation of permanent indentations that can develop when you consistently sleep in the same position. For optimal results, rotate or flip your mattress every three months – this practice will significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its supportive properties.

Related pages

• The Definitive Advice Guide to UK Bed Sizes