Shopping for a divan bed base to give you a comfortable, supportive place to sleep each night? There’s plenty to think through to find the best fit.
First up – what size works in your room? This impacts price and model availability with seasonal stock. Also, consider any storage needs, as some divans feature handy drawers built into the base. The type of mattress you plan to use will determine if you need a sprung or platform-style divan.
Once you settle on size and features, look at fabric and colour options to match your decor. Long-lasting, durable fabrics that feel soft to the touch may cost more.
Finally, keep an eye on pricing between local and internet retailers to get the best deal on a divan bed that will provide years of restful sleep.
Size Matters
Divan bases come in all the standard UK bed frame sizes:
- Single – 90 cm x 190 cm.
- Small double – 120 cm x 190 cm.
- Double – 135 cm x 190 cm.
- King – 150 cm x 200 cm.
- Super King – 180 cm x 200 cm.
Measure your bedroom to find the maximum dimensions for your new bed, consider existing furniture layouts, and allow adequate access around at least one side.
Sturdy Construction
Pictured: Giltedge Beds reinforced divan base, designed to support higher weight capacities compared to standard bases. Available from Bedstar. Priced £238 with Next Day Delivery. (Variety of colour options)
The best divan bed base incorporates hardwoods like oak within the interior slat system to offer durability and prevent sagging over time.
These rigid slats act as the foundation and spine of the bed. Softwoods like pine are often used for the exterior sides and less visible areas of the base frame to reduce costs while still providing stability when screws and wood glue hold these sections together.
Many divan bed bases also utilise versatile man-made wood sheets known as medium-density fibreboard (MDF), mainly when veneers or laminates cover visible outer surfaces to give a smooth, consistent look. MDF is a cheap product but extremely strong – ideal for durable and long-lasting divan bases.
Fabric Finishes
Velvet and crushed velvet upholsteries have a luxurious, plush look. Faux leather gives a wipe-clean practicality. Both suit bold and contemporary rooms.
Consider cotton blends, linen, or textured teddy bear fabrics for a cosy, natural feel. These lend themselves to shabby chic, French country, or traditional interiors.
Choosing Colours
Bold, saturated jewel-toned shades like a rich ruby red or striking sapphire blue make quite a dramatic style statement. Both regal colours instantly glamorise a space for those seeking something more adventurous than a neutral backdrop.
Vibrant navy and deep forest green divans also hold great visual intrigue. These flex between classic and modern depending on the decor details you accent them.
Vivid solids in these darker shades complement contemporary styles beautifully or add a bold, masculine edge – especially when paired with sleek metals and crisp white linens.
On the more soft, romantic side of the colour spectrum, light chalky pastel divans in shades like gentle dove grey or blushing ballerina pink create a sweet, feminine backdrop.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Westbury Divan Bed Frame. Available from Bedstar. Priced £498 with Next Day Delivery. (Variety of colour options)
Hidden Storage Solutions
One of the most valuable perks many modern divans offer is discreet storage space cleverly built into the base. Drawer divans are popular, featuring two to four spacious, upholstered drawers that smoothly slide out from the sides to tuck sheets, clothing, or other bedroom clutter neatly out of sight.
Pictured: Abby 4FT 6 Double Ottoman Bed Frame – Black. Available from Bedstar. Priced £269 with Next Day Delivery.
Ottoman beds take the concept even further for even more impressive hidden storage. These bases look like a standard divan from the outside but conceal a unique hydraulic lift system on the inside.
By gently raising the hinged mattress platform a few feet into the air, you reveal a giant hollow cavity underneath that runs the entire span of the base. You can store bulky items like out-of-season clothing and bedding or many larger possessions here.