Divan Beds

Choosing the right divan bed

Available in a wide range of sizes, a divan bed offers many advantages, and can serve as a gorgeous focal point for your bedroom. A divan bed base usually comes with its own mattress, with the two complementing each other perfectly in terms of size and comfort. And, if you need a divan with storage, you’ll find in our collection a range of divan beds with deep pull-out drawers - perfect for hiding away pillows and bedding.

What is a divan bed?

Simply put, a divan bed is a bed base plus mattress. The divan bed base typically has a sturdy wooden frame that’s covered in soft padding and upholstery. Often, you’ll find built-in drawers for storage. Then a perfectly sized mattress sits on top. The divan bed base will have either a platform top or spring top for varying levels of comfort, and having a base and a mattress as a package is often better value for money. (Already have a mattress you love? Just buy a separate bed frame or divan bed base). Drawer configurations can vary, and you should choose yours based on how much storage you need, and the size and shape of your room, as this will determine the best and most accessible positions for divan bed storage drawers. Other possible divan bed features include wheels attached to the bed for added manoeuvrability, and a headboard for style.

Types of divan bed base at Furniture Village

There are two main types of divan bed base: platform top or sprung top, sometimes called a sprung edge top. If a divan bed has a platform top, it has a wooden top panel with a layer of padding, which offers a firmer feel - good for those who need more support. A sprung top has a series of springs built into the top panel instead, which acts a little like a shock absorber. This can make a mattress feel softer.

Find your perfect divan with storage

Your divan bed may also come with pull-out drawers. There might be four of these, with two either side of the bed, or just two, with one on each side at the foot end. If a divan bed base is to be pushed up against a wall, try an option with a single long drawer along one side, or even an end drawer. Also consider continental drawers - this divan bed option has smaller drawers near the head end to allow room for bedside tables.

A range of divan bed styles to choose from

Then treat the divan bed to your choice of upholstery, with a range of on-trend, soft, stylish fabrics available. There are many colours too, with neutrals such as light or dark grey and black always popular, but you can also opt for a daring pastel pink or mustard yellow. Headboards tend not to come with divan bed bases as standard but it’s quite often possible to choose one from the same range or brand and in the same fabric. You can learn more about divan bed bases in our bed buying guide.

Do mattresses come with divan bed bases?

A divan bed base will usually come with a mattress as standard - and is often called a divan set - but if you already have a mattress you want to use, buy a divan bed base instead. Most people will choose to buy the two together as a set, as they’re often designed to go together and you can be sure that they fit together, size-wise.

Do headboards come with divan beds?

Not necessarily. Some will, and others might recommend a particular style that matches the aesthetic, but it should be easy enough to find and fit a headboard if you need one. If you like to sit up and read in bed or watch TV, then a soft, upholstered headboard will give you that comfort. More for decoration? Look for a sturdier design. The choice of designs and sizes is extensive, and the same applies to a footboard, which could be a nice complement.

Are divan beds noisy?

There is nothing worse than a squeaky bed keeping you awake at night, and a divan bed is generally considered to be among the quietest you can buy. The reason for this is that a divan bed base has fewer joints and moving parts than wooden or metal bed frames, for example, and offers a solid base, which means better support for your mattress.

What is the difference between an ottoman bed and a divan bed?

Divan beds and ottoman beds both come in a range of sizes and styles. Aside from the look, the difference lies in storage - if there’s built-in storage, how much storage is available, and how it is accessed. A divan bed base will have simple pull-out drawers of varying configurations, but an ottoman base has a lifting top that rises to reveal the hidden storage beneath. Here the storage space matches the size of the bed, with a piston-assisted open-and-close mechanism to make raising and lowering easier. The lifting top on an ottoman bed will rise either from the foot of the bed or the side. It is also possible to find a half-ottoman bed that has a storage compartment at the foot end and drawers at the other - the best of both worlds. Divan beds may come with or without storage drawers. The choice is yours, depending on the extra storage you need.

Are divan beds easy to put together?

Depending on its size, a divan bed base may arrive in two halves, with the drawers already inside. Simply attach the feet or wheels to each portion, then push them together and secure with the locking clips. You can add the headboard at this stage if you have one, move the divan bed into position, and put the mattress on top. If your chosen bed is larger, this could be a two-person job. Life’s a little easier when you choose a divan set from Furniture Village as divan bed assembly is part of our delivery service.

The finishing touches for your new divan bed

With a divan bed, you have style, comfort and storage all in one. While many are supplied as a complete set, you can purchase just the divan bed frame and choose your own mattress instead. There are many available at Furniture Village, from pocket sprung and latex to gel and memory foam. Choose your own headboard too. Also look to see what’s available in terms of bedding and pillows - if you’ve made this much effort to boost your comfort while sleeping, you don’t want to stop now. A mattress topper can add an extra comforting layer, if you need it (handy if you’re using an existing mattress), while a memory-foam pillow will add support for your head or neck. A mattress protector will help keep your mattress fresh and clean. Then consider the perfect lines of the mattress and divan bed. Should the rest of your bedroom follow suit? A contemporary fitted or free-standing wardrobe will echo the shape while offering storage as will a modern bedside cabinet. Searching for more bedroom furniture? Browse the rest of our fabulous collection here.