What Is a Divan Bed? Types, Benefits, Storage & Buying Guide

If you are looking for a new bed and keep seeing the term divan bed, you might be wondering what it actually means. Is it just a bed base? Does it come with a mattress? Why do so many divan beds have drawers?

A divan bed is a practical bed system made around a sturdy, upholstered base. The mattress sits directly on top of the base, creating a simple design that works particularly well in UK bedrooms. Depending on the style you choose, the base can also include built-in drawers or other storage options.

Divan beds have been popular in UK homes for years because they combine comfortable mattress support with useful storage without taking up unnecessary floor space.

In this guide, we explain what a divan bed is, how divan beds work, the different types available, the benefits and limitations, storage choices, UK bed sizes and what to consider before buying one.

What Is a Divan Bed?

A divan bed is a bed made from a solid, usually upholstered, base with a mattress placed directly on top. Unlike a traditional bed frame with separate side rails and slats, a divan base is designed to support the mattress across its surface.

The base can be supplied on its own or as part of a complete bed set that includes a mattress and headboard.

Many modern divan beds also include built-in storage. This can range from two drawers to four drawers, depending on the design and the amount of storage you need.

At Bonanza Sleep, the current divan collection includes a wide range of styles and sizes, from single and small double through to double, king and super king. Customers can also choose different fabrics, headboards and storage configurations.

In simple terms, a divan bed gives you three main things:

• A supportive base for your mattress
• A compact bed design
• The option to add useful built-in storage

How Does a Divan Bed Work?

A divan bed is relatively simple to use.

The upholstered base provides the main support structure. Your mattress sits directly on top, while the base carries the weight of the mattress and sleepers.

If the divan has drawers, these are built into the base itself. This means you can use the space within the footprint of the bed instead of adding another chest of drawers or storage unit to your bedroom.

A typical divan bed can include:

• Divan base
• Mattresses
• Headboard
• Two storage drawers
• Four storage drawers
• Other storage configurations depending on the design

This makes a divan different from a conventional bed frame where the mattress usually sits on slats within a larger frame.

What Is a Divan Bed Base?

The divan bed base is the main foundation of the bed.

It is normally upholstered and designed to match the size of the mattress. The mattress sits directly on top of it, creating a neat and compact overall shape.

A good base is important because the mattress needs a suitable surface underneath it. When buying a new bed, it is worth checking that the base and mattress are compatible and that you are buying the correct UK size.

Divan bases can also give you more flexibility when choosing the rest of the bed. You may be able to choose the fabric, headboard style and storage configuration separately.

If you are looking for a base without necessarily buying a complete bed set, you can explore Bonanza Sleep's range of divan beds.

Types of Divan Beds

There is no single style of divan bed. The right option depends on the amount of space you have, your storage requirements and the look you want in your bedroom.

Divan Bed Without Storage

The simplest option is a divan base without built-in storage.

This can work well if you already have plenty of wardrobe and bedroom storage or simply want a straightforward bed base.

A storage-free divan can also be useful where there is not enough clearance around the bed for drawers to open properly.

Divan Bed With Drawers

A divan bed with drawers is one of the most popular options because it adds storage without requiring additional floor space for a separate unit.

Depending on the design, you may find:

• Two drawers
• Four drawers
• Side storage
• End storage

Two drawers can be useful when one side of the bed is positioned close to a wall or another piece of furniture.

Four drawers give you more organised storage and can be particularly useful for couples who want separate spaces for bedding, clothes or other bedroom items.

For example, Bonanza Sleep's Grace Divan Bed offers a choice of two or four drawers, allowing the storage configuration to be adjusted to suit the bedroom.

Upholstered Divan Beds

Upholstered divans are designed to add more style to the traditional divan concept.

Instead of a plain-looking base, the divan can be covered in a choice of fabrics and paired with a matching headboard.

This gives you the practical benefits of a divan while allowing you to choose a look that works with your bedroom décor.

Divan Bed Sets

A divan bed set can combine the base, mattress and headboard into one purchase.

This can make the buying process easier because the main components are designed to work together.

Bonanza Sleep's mattress collection includes pocket sprung, memory foam, orthopaedic, latex and other mattress options in standard UK sizes.

What Are the Benefits of a Divan Bed?

So, are divan beds good?

For many bedrooms, they can be a practical choice. Here are some of the main divan bed benefits to consider.

1. Built-In Storage

One of the biggest reasons people choose divans is storage.

A divan bed with drawers uses space that would otherwise remain unused. Instead of adding a large storage unit beside the bed, you can keep bedding, clothing and other items inside the base.

This can be especially useful in smaller bedrooms.

2. Makes Better Use of Bedroom Space

Divan beds have a relatively compact design because the base is built around the mattress size.

There are no large side rails or wide frame sections extending significantly beyond the mattress.

This can make a noticeable difference when you are trying to fit a bed into a smaller bedroom.

3. Choice of Storage Configuration

Not every bedroom has the same layout.

One room may have plenty of space on both sides of the bed, while another may have a wardrobe, radiator or wall immediately beside it.

Choosing between two and four drawers allows you to consider the actual layout of your bedroom instead of buying a fixed storage design.

4. Wide Choice of Styles

Modern divans are not limited to plain fabric bases.

You can find upholstered designs with different colours, fabrics and headboard styles.

This means a divan can be both practical and decorative.

5. Easy to Pair With Different Mattresses

A divan base can be paired with different types of mattresses, depending on your sleeping preferences.

Options can include pocket sprung, memory foam, latex and other mattress constructions.

The important thing is to select the right mattress size and ensure it is suitable for the chosen base.

Are Divan Beds Good for Small Bedrooms?

Divan beds can work particularly well in smaller bedrooms, but storage access needs careful consideration.

The actual bed footprint is important, but it is not the only measurement that matters.

If you choose a divan bed with drawers, you also need enough space for those drawers to open.

For example, four-drawer storage may need usable space on both sides of the bed. If one side is directly against a wall, a different storage arrangement may be more practical.

Before ordering, measure:

1. The width and length of the bedroom
2. The available space around the bed
3. The position of wardrobes and other furniture
4. The space needed to open drawers
5. The route through doors and hallways for delivery

Bonanza Sleep's UK divan size guide lists common sizes including 3ft single, 4ft small double, 4ft6 double, 5ft king and 6ft super king.

UK Divan Bed Sizes Explained

Choosing the correct size is one of the most important parts of buying a divan bed.

Here are common UK mattress and divan sizes:

A single divan bed can work well for one person, children's rooms and guest bedrooms.

A small double divan gives one adult more sleeping space than a single without taking up as much room as a standard double.

A double divan bed remains a popular choice for couples and standard-sized bedrooms.

A king size divan provides additional width and length, while a super king offers even more sleeping space for larger bedrooms.

Always check the exact dimensions of the product before ordering because headboards, feet and other design elements can affect the overall footprint.

Divan Bed With Drawers vs Other Storage

Storage is one of the main reasons people choose a divan, but it is important to think about what you actually want to store.

Drawers are convenient for items that you use regularly.

For example, you might keep:

• Bed linen
• Towels
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Spare pillows
• Seasonal items

A drawer can be opened without moving the mattress, making it convenient for everyday access.

If you need a large open storage area for bulky items, another type of storage bed may be more suitable.

Bonanza Sleep also offers ottoman beds, which use a lifting mechanism to provide a larger storage compartment underneath the mattress.

Divan Bed and Mattress Combinations

A divan base is only one part of the complete bed.

Your mattress has a major effect on how the bed feels, so it is worth spending time choosing the right one.

Different sleepers may prefer different mattress constructions and firmness levels.

For example, Bonanza Sleep currently offers mattress options including:

• Pocket sprung mattresses
• Memory foam mattresses
• Orthopaedic mattresses
• Latex mattresses
• Pillow top mattresses

The range is available in several standard UK sizes, making it easier to match a mattress to a suitable divan base.

If you are buying a new divan and mattress together, check the dimensions carefully before ordering.

What to Look for When Buying a Divan Bed

A divan bed buying guide should not just focus on appearance.

Before choosing a bed, consider the following.

1. Choose the Correct Size

Measure your room first.

Do not assume that a double will fit simply because your current double fits. Your existing bed may have a different frame design or footprint.

2. Decide How Much Storage You Need

Think about what you want to store.

If you only need somewhere for spare bedding, two drawers may be enough.

If you want more organised storage, four drawers could be more suitable.

3. Check Drawer Clearance

This is easy to overlook.

Make sure there is enough space beside the bed for drawers to open fully.

If a wardrobe door, radiator or wall blocks the drawer, you may not be able to use the storage properly.

4. Pick a Suitable Mattress

Consider your preferred firmness, sleeping position and comfort requirements.

Do not choose a mattress purely because it has the highest number of springs or the most features. The right choice depends on your individual sleeping preferences.

5. Consider the Headboard

A headboard can completely change the appearance of a divan bed.

Choose a style that works with the size of your room and the overall bedroom design.

6. Think About Fabric

If you are buying an upholstered divan, look at fabric samples where available.

Colours can look different depending on lighting, walls and other furniture in the room.

What Are the Limitations of a Divan Bed?

Divans have plenty of advantages, but they are not perfect for every bedroom.

The main limitation is storage access.

A drawer divan needs enough clear floor space for the drawers to open. If the bed sits tightly between two walls or furniture, the storage may be difficult to use.

Another consideration is appearance. Some people prefer the open, raised look of a traditional bed frame, while others prefer the compact upholstered appearance of a divan.

There is also the height of the finished bed to consider. The height of the base combined with the mattress can affect how easy it is to get into and out of bed.

The best choice depends on your bedroom, storage needs and personal preferences.

How to Choose the Right Divan Bed for Your Bedroom

If you are still unsure, use this simple checklist.

For a small bedroom:
Choose a compact size and carefully check drawer clearance.

For extra storage:
Look at a four-drawer divan or consider an alternative storage design if you need one large compartment.

For a guest room:
A single or small double divan can provide sleeping space while giving you useful storage for spare bedding.

For a couple:
Consider a double or king depending on available space. Four-drawer storage can also help keep bedroom items organised.

For a larger bedroom:
A king or super king divan can provide more sleeping space while maintaining the practical storage benefits of the design.

Why Choose a Divan Bed?

A divan bed is more than simply a base for your mattress.

It can combine the bed base, storage, mattress and headboard into one practical bedroom solution.

For UK homes where bedroom space can be limited, the built-in storage can be particularly useful. Instead of adding another large piece of furniture, you can use the space within the bed itself.

Modern divans also offer plenty of choice. You can select different sizes, fabrics, headboards, storage options and mattresses to create a setup that suits your room.

If you are ready to explore your options, take a look at Bonanza Sleep's divan beds collection to compare available styles, sizes and storage configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a divan bed?

A divan bed is a bed with an upholstered base that supports the mattress directly. The base can be supplied on its own or as part of a complete bed set with a mattress and headboard. Many divans also include built-in drawers for storage.

2. How does a divan bed work?

A divan bed uses a solid upholstered base to support the mattress. The mattress sits directly on top of the base, while storage drawers, where included, are built into the base itself.

3. Are divan beds good?

Divan beds can be a practical choice if you want a compact bed with built-in storage. They can work particularly well in bedrooms where floor space and storage are important considerations.

4. What is a divan bed with drawers?

A divan bed with drawers has storage compartments built into the base. Depending on the design, you may be able to choose two or four drawers. The drawers can be used for bedding, clothes and other bedroom items.

5. What is the difference between a divan bed and a bed frame?

A divan normally has an upholstered base that supports the mattress directly, while a traditional bed frame usually has side rails and a slatted mattress platform. Divans can also include built-in storage within the base.

6. Do divan beds come with mattresses?

Some divans are sold as bases only, while others can be purchased as complete sets with a mattress and headboard. Always check what is included with the specific product before ordering.

7. How many drawers should a divan bed have?

It depends on your room and storage requirements. Two drawers can work well where space is restricted on one side, while four drawers provide more storage when there is enough clearance around the bed.

8. Can I put any mattress on a divan bed?

The mattress should be the correct size and suitable for the chosen base. If you are buying the base and mattress separately, check the manufacturer's specifications and measurements before ordering.

9. Are divan beds suitable for small bedrooms?

Yes, a divan can be a useful choice for a small bedroom because its base closely follows the mattress footprint and storage can be built into the bed. However, you still need to allow enough space to access any drawers.

10. What size divan bed should I buy?

Start by measuring your bedroom and deciding how much sleeping space you need. Single and small double sizes suit smaller rooms, while double, king and super king sizes provide progressively more sleeping space. Also consider the clearance required around the bed and any storage drawers.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a divan bed?

It is a practical bed system built around an upholstered base that supports the mattress directly. Modern divans can include storage drawers, matching headboards and different mattress options, making them flexible enough for everything from compact guest rooms to larger master bedrooms.

The most important things to consider are the size of your room, mattress choice, storage requirements, drawer clearance and overall style.

If you want to make better use of bedroom space without adding unnecessary furniture, a divan bed could be a practical option worth considering.