Divan Beds

What is a divan bed and how is it different to a bed frame?

A divan bed consists of a solid upholstered base. There are no legs, no slats and no visible frame, just a sturdy fabric box that the mattress sits directly on top of, either on castors or feet.

The main practical difference between a divan and a standard bed frame is in the base itself. Standard bed frames use slats or a mesh to support the mattress, sit higher off the floor, and have a visible structure. A divan base is lower and cleaner in profile, and because it is solid, it provides the mattress with a firmer, more even surface.

Storage is also handled differently. On a divan, drawers or an ottoman lift are built directly into the base; they're part of the structure, not an add-on. On a standard frame, any storage is usually a separate purchase. Read more in our divan bed buying guide.

Are there any disadvantages of a divan bed?

Divan beds offer excellent storage and support, but there are a few things worth considering before you buy. Because the base sits low and flush to the floor, there's less clearance underneath than with a standard frame, so an under-bed storage box won't work alongside a divan. If you choose drawers, you'll need space at the sides of the bed for them to open fully, which can be a constraint in smaller bedrooms. Finally, divans are typically sold without a headboard as standard, so you'll need to budget for one separately if you want that finished look.

Which divan bed storage option is right for you?

Divan beds come with three main storage configurations, and the right one depends on your room and how you use it.

Side drawers, available in 2 or 4, slide out from the sides of the base and are ideal for items you reach for regularly: spare bedding, pillows, or clothing. The trade-off is space. You need clearance on the side of the divan bed for the drawers to open fully, so measure your room before you decide on 4 drawers versus 2.

An ottoman base lifts the entire mattress on a gas-assisted hinge, giving you access to the full area underneath. The capacity is significantly larger than divan beds with drawers, enough for seasonal bedding, suitcases, or bulkier items you don't need daily access to. It also works better in rooms with tight side clearance, since the lift opens from the foot or the side of the bed, depending on the mechanism.

If you don't need storage at all, our platform top and sprung bases are also available without storage. To know if your divan base will fit your space, check out our home measuring guide.

What size divan beds do you sell?

We stock divan bed bases in small single, single, small double, double, king size, and super king sizes. So, whether you're dressing a compact single room or a generous master bedroom, there's an option to fit.

• Small single divan beds (2ft 6in / 75cm x 190cm): the narrowest standard size, best suited to a child's room or a very tight box room where a full single would be too wide.
• Single divan beds (3ft / 90cm x 190cm): a practical choice for children's rooms, teenagers' bedrooms, guest rooms and compact adult bedrooms.
• Small double divan beds (4ft / 120cm x 190cm): also known as a queen size, this sits between a single and a double and works well in a room that's too small for a double but where a single feels too narrow.
• Double divan beds (4ft 6in / 135cm x 190cm): the most popular size in UK bedrooms and comfortably wide enough for two people.
• King size divan beds (5ft / 150cm x 190cm): a generous size for couples who want more room, or solo sleepers who prefer to spread out. If you're considering a king, check you have at least 30cm clearance on each side for comfortable access.
• Super king divan beds (6ft / 180cm x 190cm): a super king divan makes a strong focal point in a larger master bedroom and gives couples plenty of space. Make sure the room can accommodate the footprint, and account for drawer clearance if you're opting for a storage base.

Need help choosing a size? Take a look at our bed and mattress size guide for more advice.

Platform top or sprung divan base?

The base type affects how your mattress feels, so it is worth getting right before you buy.

A platform top divan bed is a solid, flat surface. It gives your mattress a firmer feel overall and works best with memory foam or hybrid mattresses. Because there is no give in the base, the mattress does all the work, which is exactly what foam and latex materials are designed for.

A sprung divan base has a layer of springs built into the base itself, adding a second layer of cushioning beneath your mattress. This gives a softer, more responsive feel and works particularly well with pocket spring mattresses.

Both divan bases are comfortable and durable options, but you should note that not all mattresses are suited to every base type. For example, platform tops are ideal with memory foam mattresses, whereas a sprung divan base works better with a pocket spring mattress.

Can I buy a divan bed with a mattress?

Yes, but not always. Our divan bed and mattress sets usually come with a base, mattress and a headboard if you’d like everything in one go. But as a standard, our divan bed bases are sold separately, so you can choose the right mattress for your sleep style and budget. You can add a mattress to your order at checkout, or use our Sleepmatch technology to find your perfect match.

How to choose a divan bed style

A divan bed has a reputation for being purely practical, but the right one can anchor a bedroom scheme just as well as any statement frame. Because the base is fully upholstered, the fabric, colour and finish you choose become part of the room, so it is worth thinking about style alongside storage.

Our divan bases come in a range of upholstered bases. A smooth velvet-touch finish adds warmth and texture to a bedroom, working particularly well in deeper tones for a more considered, layered look. Leather-effect finishes are available on selected ranges and give a cleaner, more contemporary feel, which is good if your bedroom leans toward minimal or modern.

If you prefer something more understated, our plain fabric bases in neutral greys, creams and beiges sit quietly in the background and let other elements, such as a statement headboard, bold bedding or a patterned rug, do the talking.

For colour and style inspiration, visit our bedroom inspiration hub.

Add a statement with a divan headboard

Divan bases do not come with a headboard as standard, which means you have full freedom to choose one that suits the room rather than being tied to a matching set. A tall, buttoned headboard adds a classic, upholstered look. A simple panelled headboard keeps things modern and clean. A fabric or velvet headboard in a contrasting colour is one of the most straightforward ways to add personality to a bedroom without a full redecoration.

For inspiration on pairing your headboard with your décor, check out our head-turning statement headboards.

How long do divan bed bases last?

Divan beds are built to last, typically 10 years or more. Because the base is a solid upholstered box rather than a slatted frame, there are fewer moving parts to wear down over time, no hinges, no slat fixings, no joints under regular flex. As well, because the platform top spreads the load evenly across the entire surface, there are no pressure points, unlike with individual slats, which means the mattress wears more evenly.

For a full breakdown of divan bed strength, weight limits and what to look out for as a base ages, read our guides on how strong divan beds are and how long they last, or do divan beds make noise.

If you want to further protect your investment, Dreams offers a Bedcover service, up to 8 years of coverage for your divan base, giving you peace of mind against accidental damage from the day it arrives. You can add it to your order at checkout.

Divan bed base delivery and assembly

When buying your new divan base, you don’t need to stress about delivery or assembly. Our delivery options include free delivery to your doorstep, but for extra convenience, you can add our Room of Your Choice service, which delivers straight to your chosen bedroom.

While divan bases are easy to assemble, why not take advantage of our handy assembly options and let us do the hard work for you? Finally, if you've bought a divan base and mattress and wish to say goodbye to your old one, we offer a convenient recycling service that makes the process easy and eco-friendly.