Divan beds offer a few perks over old-school bed frames, such as the base being the same length and width as the mattress, so you don’t waste any floor space around the edges, and the upholstery offering more colours.
On paper, divans make sense, but choosing one can be overwhelming, with many styles and features to consider. Our advice below will help you narrow your choices when choosing a divan bed, covering the crucial stuff like upholstery and setting a budget.
Let’s get to it!
Setting a budget
Basic divan bases start from around £200 for a double, going up to £400 for high-end models from luxury brands.
More money can get you a headboard included in the price or even a mattress if you need a complete bed for something like a guest bedroom.
Velvet upholstery usually costs more than linen/cotton, although tweeds and wools carry a premium. You can also get faux leather and suede divans for around the same price as velvet – perfect if you like a luxurious appearance.
Headboards typically add £99 to £199 to the price of a divan bed, while storage drawers add around the same if they aren’t standard features.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Four Way Split Divan Base, Available from Bedstar. Priced from £288
Look at fabrics and finishes.
Pictured: Giltedge Bed Four Way Split Divan Base, Available from Bedstar. Priced from £288
One of the first decisions is whether you want a fabric or velvet upholstered divan. Most divans are covered in fabric and available in various colours and patterns to match any decor. Velvet gives a richer, more luxurious look but requires more care.
Consider performance fabrics like polyester or polycotton if you have kids or pets. Or go high-end with velvet, linen or even leather for a glamorous style statement – remember that leather is less durable if you have cats.
Evaluate headboard options
Divan beds come with or without a headboard. Adding a headboard provides extra comfort and style. A divan base without a headboard saves space by not taking up an extra 3-6cm long, but you won’t have anything to sit against in bed.
If you want a headboard, look at shape options like rectangular, winged or camelback, padded fabric or button tufted. Your headboard should match the overall aesthetic you want for your bedroom.
Consider mobility features
Look for divan beds with wheels or gliders underneath to make moving the bed easier for cleaning and rearranging. Wheels offer the most manoeuvrability but can slide unexpectedly on hard floors. Gliders subtly slide over the carpet without rolling freely. If mobility doesn’t matter, traditional divan beds have fixed legs.
Compare base (mattress) support
Traditional divan beds have a rigid, flat base suitable for most mattress technologies, although foam mattresses under 20cm do better with slats.
Slatted bases of flexible wooden slats conform slightly for comfort while providing support. They also increase the mattress’s longevity. Try both styles in-store to decide if you prefer a firmer solid base or a more forgiving slatted base.
Choose storage options
Pictured: Giltedge Bed Four Way Split Divan Base, Available from Bedstar. Priced from £288
Depending on the size and style, divans can accommodate 2, 4, or even 6 drawers. Measure how much you want to store to determine the right number of drawers. Also, look at drawer height – deeper drawers offer more storage capacity.
Check that drawers are easy to open and close when the divan is assembled and look for storage drawers that are integrated into the structure rather than sitting on top of the base. This creates a seamless, polished look.
Double, king, or super-king?
Divans come in all standard bed sizes, from single to super king. Measure your bedroom dimensions to ensure you get the largest size possible that fits the space.
An oversized bed can make your room feel cramped. Consider low-profile divans if you have a tiny bedroom to save space.
Plan for Assembly
Some divans come fully assembled for quick, easy set-up, while others require minimal assembly by bolting base sections together.
The benefit of home assembly is that divans can be split into two halves for moving through tight spaces like doorways. Just be sure to budget enough time and manpower for assembly. Professional installation is another option.
Some images supplied. Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
