Even if you’ve heard that term before, you might be wondering “What is a divan bed?”. In this post we’ll answer this and all the other frequently asked questions about divan beds.
There are many things you need to consider when choosing a bed and mattress. Finding the right mattress is a massive task by itself because you have to think about your sleeping position, back support as well as any aches or problems you may have. But you also have to consider the bed frame you’re choosing.
Ideally you’ll want a bed that’s comfortable, practical and fits well with the décor in our room. More importantly, you have to think about the available space in your bedroom as well. If your room is smaller and a huge bed will affect the storage space you have, a solution might be getting a divan bed.
What Is a Divan Bed?
Divan beds are usually made up of two parts, which then fit together, on top of which the mattress will sit. The divan base is usually made from a solid wooden frame and then upholstered in fabric and has wheels or legs at the bottom to allow moving the bed easier. You can also choose to have drawers that can be used as additional storage, which is what makes this type of bed so popular for rooms where storage space is at a premium.
Often the base and the mattress come together as a complete package, however, you can purchase just the divan base separately and add a mattress of your choice on top. Divan beds are a popular choice, because they’re easy to put together, come with a variety of extra features and are often great value for the price.
How To Put a Divan Bed Together?
If you’re worried about how to build a divan bed, then we have some good news for you - divan beds are by far the easiest type of bed to assemble. If you’re ordering a single-sized divan bed it’ll arrive in one whole piece. Bigger sizes usually arrive in two halves together with the divan legs and a headboard (if you’ve selected one).
To assemble your bed you simply need to turn the two base halves upside-down to attach the legs, then flip them and push them together, fastening them with the attached locking clips. Finally, if your divan bed came with a headboard you need to attach that by screwing it into the sockets on the end of the bed.
Are Divan Beds Comfortable?
How comfortable a bed feels depends on your individual needs and preferences. A bed that feels comfortable for you might not be comfortable for someone else. You might find that because of your build and sleeping position you might need a softer or firmer mattress.
The great thing about divan beds is that you can purchase the base separately and put your preferred mattress on top. This allows for virtually endless options to customise your bed to fit your personal needs.
One thing to consider is whether to purchase a sprung base or solid top base. The difference between the two is that the sprung option will have a layer of springs on the surface, which adds a bit more bounce to the bed, whereas the solid top option is a layer of board which offers no movement at all. There is no right or wrong option, no matter which mattress you choose, but it is strongly recommended that a medium to firm mattress is used on a solid top base.
Are Divan Beds Sturdy?
Divan beds have a solid rather than slatted base which makes them stronger than regular bed frames. The solid base also helps distribute the weight placed on top more evenly, allowing for an even wear and ultimately meaning that both your bed and mattress are more durable.
This makes them a great choice for people with a heavier build as the solid divan base can usually support about 25 to 30 stone on each side.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Divan Beds
Divan beds are preferred by many for their simplicity and convenience, but just like other types of bed bases they can have drawbacks as well. If you’re thinking of buying a divan bed, then here are some of the advantages and disadvantages for your consideration.
Advantages:
- Built-in storage
The big hollow base makes divan beds ideal for adding extra storage to your bedroom. Whether it’s a gas-lift ottoman mechanism or concealed drawers on the side of the bed, this is the perfect choice of bed if your room is crammed.
- Compact
Divan beds are designed to be the same size as the mattress they support which makes them less bulky compared to other bed frames, which are often wider and longer than the mattress, as the mattress sits within the frame. Divan Bases are particularly useful in small rooms where saving as much space as possible is a priority.
- Mix and Match
You can match any mattress with any divan base. There can be a myth told by some retailers that if you buy a certain brand of mattress, you must have that brand's base too, but in reality; this is not the case. Because of this, you can tailor the budget you have towards your new mattress (the more important part of your new bed) and opt for a ‘non-branded’ base, saving money that can be invested in a higher quality mattress.
- Easily customisable
Divan beds come in all sorts of materials and colours, which means you are sure to find the perfect bed to fit your room. Some of them come with headboards, but there are also options without a headboard. There are thousands of options when it comes to fabric choices, storage options and colours.
Disadvantages:
- Don’t fit every aesthetic
Although they’re widely customisable divan beds might not always fit the aesthetic of your bedroom. They tend to be plainly panelled or upholstered, which sometimes looks more modern, whereas bed frames can offer more options and a greater variety of styles.
- Hard to clean underneath
Due to the fact divan beds are so low to the floor some people find it difficult to clean underneath when cleaning the room. However, unless the storage drawers of your bed are filled, the base itself isn’t too heavy so you can get someone to lift it up while you clean underneath.
We hope we have managed to answer your questions regarding divan beds. If you’re looking to replace your old bed and think this might be a suitable choice for you, then you can browse our full range of divan beds here. Our team is also available if you have any additional questions! Simply fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call on 0116 402 0243!
