What is a Divan Bed?

Your search for a new bed will spring up many different bed frame types, with divan beds being one of the most common. A divan bed is a frameless bed covered in upholstery, with the base made to the exact measurements of the mattress.

Divan beds have no protruding frame, maximising floor space across two dimensions (width, length). You can save 2-3” of floor space with a divan bed, which doesn’t sound like much yet makes an enormous difference in small spaces.

Additionally, divan beds often have in-built draws at the side or foot end, giving you space for bedding, shoes and clutter.

What is the purpose of a divan bed?

Divan beds have several unique advantages over regular beds.

Divan beds occupy less space than standard beds, and some prefer the clean, frameless look. It’s important to remember that the frame on a regular bed eats into floor space and doesn’t have any functionality or benefit.

Divan beds have been around for over a hundred years, favouring posters and standard frames in lounging areas. The fact a divan bed has no protruding structure means you can’t whack your knee on it when walking past either.

Easy assembly and disassembly 

While flat-pack bed frames can come in more than ten parts, divan beds are supplied as two base halves with legs and a headboard (if chosen).

Assembly is as simple as fixing the legs to the base halves and then fixing the base halves together. To disassemble, you repeat the process backwards. This is much simpler than a typical flat-pack bed.

Replaceable headboard 

The frame sets the style with a regular bed, but the headboard sets the design style with a divan bed, and you can replace it whenever you like.

Headboards on divan beds are user-replaceable, and you can upgrade them whenever you redesign your bedroom. We have a vast range of headboards, ranging from tufted to glam, so changing the look of your bed is easy.

Long-lasting 

Because divan beds have fewer parts than standard beds, less can go wrong.

If you get any squeaks, fixing those squeaks is a case of tightening a bolt or screw. The base itself will last a decade with regular use.

The only items prone to wear are the slats (as with any bed frame) and the upholstery covering the frame. The upholstery will be durable, probably nylon, polyester, or fabric designed for abrasion resistance.

Another option is faux leather (PU, polyurethane leather), a durable option that won’t crack or fade. Faux leather also adds a premium vibe.

Are there any downsides to divan beds?

Of course, divan beds may not be a perfect option.

The main downside is divan beds sit relatively high. A standard platform is 38cm, including the wheel. Add a 20-30cm mattress, and you have a high bed.

While this is not a problem if you like a high bed, it means divan beds are never low, making tiny spaces feel even smaller.

Another downside is frame portability. While divan beds are easy to assemble and disassemble, the base comes in two relatively heavy halves. Manoeuvring these frame halves out of a house is more difficult than a frame moved in smaller pieces.

Is a divan bed right for you? 

A divan bed is a fantastic choice if:

• You want a space-saving bed
• Do you want built-in drawers?
• Do you like beds covered in upholstery?
• You want to choose your headboard.

A divan bed isn’t so good an option if:

• You want a low bed
• It would help if you moved the bed around often (divan beds have a heavy base that cannot be disassembled into smaller parts)

Need more help? Check out our bed frame buyer’s guide, which has more information to help you choose the right bed frame. You can also contact us for advice.