Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Divan Beds

Not all beds are built the same, some bring more to the table than just a mattress. Divan beds combine comfort and storage in a tidy, practical way. Here’s a guide to help you pick the right bed frame for you.

What are divan beds?

Divan beds consist of two parts: a sturdy base and the mattress on top. The base is often covered in fabric and can include built-in drawers or compartments. Unlike traditional beds with slats or metal supports, divans use a solid platform top or a sprung edge base, offering stronger mattress support.

Some styles of divans can even come with ambassador beds, known for their statement looks and structured builds. These ambassador designs are larger, often upholstered, and exude a bold presence. If you’re after a solid, supportive bed that doubles up as smart storage, a divan offers real value.

Divan beds vs. ottoman beds

You’ve probably heard people mix these two up. Understandable, but there’s a big difference. Divan beds have drawers built into the base, pull-out ones on the sides or foot of the bed. Dead simple. Ottoman beds, on the other hand, lift the entire mattress from the bottom using gas-lift struts. All the storage is underneath, like a secret compartment.

If your room's a bit tight, divan drawers might be easier to get to. With ottomans, you need a bit of clearance at the end of the bed to lift it up properly. Both beat standard bed frames for storage, but the right choice depends on your space and how often you're grabbing things out.

Divans are better for those who want quick, daily access. Ottomans suit the “chuck it under and forget it” crowd.

Do divan beds come with high headboards?

Short answer: they can. Plenty of divan bases are designed to fit tall headboards, and some come with them already included. If you're into high headboard beds, you've got options: plain, padded, buttoned, winged, you name it.

A tall headboard does more than just look nice. It's ideal if you like sitting up in bed watching telly or scrolling on your phone. But be mindful, if your room’s on the smaller side, a massive headboard might look a bit much. Always check the full height of the bed, not just the mattress size.

Picking the right size divan bed for your bedroom

This is where a bit of measuring goes a long way. Divan beds are usually more compact than chunky wooden frames since the mattress lines up flush with the edges. That said, if you go for one with drawers, make sure there’s enough room on either side to open them properly.

Here’s a quick guide:

• 3 ft single bed 
• 4 ft small double bed 
• 4.6 ft double bed 
• 5 ft luxury king size bed 
• 6 ft super king size bed

If you’ve compact space, a small double bed is the best option for you. Enough room to spread out, but not so big it takes over the whole room. Just don’t forget to leave walking space – at least 60cm either side if you can.

Additional features

It’s not just drawers these days. Some divan beds come with optional extras that make life that little bit easier. There are also hybrid styles out there that borrow features from TV beds where the screen lifts out from the footboard. Not all divans are built for that, but some bases are now being adapted to house hidden tech like that. If wall mounting isn’t an option or you’re renting, it’s worth looking into.

Before you splash out, just double-check that any tech you want to add is compatible with the base. Not every divan will support a built-in telly without wobbling about.

Essential care and maintenance tips for divan beds

Divans aren’t fussy, but a bit of upkeep keeps them looking fresh. Use a soft brush or handheld hoover to clean off dust. If it’s upholstered, a gentle fabric cleaner (non-bleach) does the trick to clean fabric bed frames. Avoid soaking it, damp and fabric are not mates. Flip or rotate your mattress every few months to keep it wearing evenly. The base supports it well, but no mattress lasts forever.

If your divan comes with an upholstered finish, you’ll want to be more careful. These can attract lint and pet hair like magnets, especially in darker colours. A lint roller or upholstery tool is your best friend.

At Deeplay Beds, we have a range of beds with divan bed base options, including Chesterfield or sleigh bed frames, so you can find the right fit without compromising on style or storage. Whether you’re after no-fuss storage, a posh headboard, or just somewhere to crash that doesn’t take up half the room, we’ve got something for you.