Divan Bed Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Divan Bed

A good bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture you'll buy for your home. It needs to be comfortable, supportive, practical and suitable for the space available in your bedroom.

For many households, a divan bed ticks all of these boxes. Divans are practical, versatile and available with a wide choice of mattresses, storage configurations, fabrics and headboards.

But with so many options available, which divan bed should you choose? This guide explains the key things to consider before buying your next divan bed.

What Is a Divan Bed?

A divan bed consists of a specially designed upholstered base combined with a mattress. Unlike many traditional bed frames, which use slats to support the mattress, a divan provides a solid or sprung platform.

Divan bases are usually upholstered in fabric and are available in numerous colours and styles, making it easy to coordinate your bed with the rest of your bedroom furniture.

One of their biggest advantages is flexibility. Depending on the model, you can choose different mattress types, storage options and headboard designs to create a bed that suits your requirements.

Why Choose a Divan Bed?

Divan beds have remained popular for good reason. They offer an excellent combination of comfort, practicality and style.

Because the base is designed specifically to support a mattress, a divan can provide a stable sleeping surface while making efficient use of the available floor space.

They're also particularly useful if you need additional bedroom storage.

Depending on the design, drawers can be incorporated directly into the base, providing storage without taking up additional floor space.

Choosing the Right Divan Bed Size

The first decision is choosing the correct size.

Common UK divan bed sizes include:

Remember that these measurements generally relate to the sleeping area. Headboards and certain designs may increase the overall dimensions of the bed.

Before ordering, measure your bedroom carefully.

You need enough space not only for the bed but also to comfortably walk around it and access wardrobes, drawers and other bedroom furniture.

Choosing Your Mattress

Your mattress is arguably the most important part of your new divan bed.

There isn't one mattress that's perfect for everyone, so consider your preferred sleeping position, comfort level and support requirements.

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual springs housed in separate fabric pockets.

Because each spring can respond independently, the mattress can adapt to the sleeper's weight and movement.

They're particularly popular with couples because movement on one side of the mattress is less likely to affect the other sleeper than with some interconnected spring systems.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam responds to body heat and pressure, allowing the material to contour around your body.

Some people enjoy the cushioning sensation and pressure relief offered by memory foam, while others prefer the more traditional feel of a sprung mattress.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine different technologies, commonly using pocket springs together with comfort layers such as foam.

They're a good option to consider if you want the support and responsiveness of springs combined with additional cushioning.

Natural Filling Mattresses

Some mattresses use materials such as cotton, wool and other natural fibres within their comfort layers.

These can appeal to sleepers looking for a more traditional mattress construction and materials with naturally breathable characteristics.

What Mattress Firmness Should You Choose?

You'll commonly see mattresses described as soft, medium, medium-firm or firm, although firmness ratings can vary between manufacturers.

Body weight, sleeping position and personal preference can all influence what feels comfortable.

This is one of the main reasons we recommend trying mattresses in a showroom whenever possible.

Don't assume that a very firm mattress automatically provides better support. The objective is to find a mattress that feels comfortable while supporting your body appropriately.

Divan Bed Storage Options

Storage is one of the biggest reasons people choose divan beds.

Instead of taking up additional space with storage boxes or separate furniture, you can use the area underneath your mattress.

Two-Drawer Divan Beds

A two-drawer divan provides useful everyday storage without filling the entire base with drawers.

They're ideal for storing items such as bedding, towels and spare pillows.

Four-Drawer Divan Beds

If storage is a priority, consider a four-drawer divan.

These provide significantly more storage and can be particularly useful in bedrooms where space for additional furniture is limited.

However, remember that you'll need sufficient clearance around the bed to open the drawers.

Continental Drawers

A continental drawer configuration can be useful when you have bedside tables.

Rather than having full-sized drawers that could be obstructed by your bedside furniture, smaller drawers towards the head of the bed can provide easier access.

Ottoman Divan Bases

If you need even more storage, an ottoman-style divan base may be worth considering.

Rather than using individual drawers, the mattress platform lifts to reveal a much larger storage area underneath.

This can be particularly useful for storing bulky items such as spare bedding, duvets and seasonal clothing.

For more advice, read our guides: [Divan Bed vs Ottoman Bed: Understanding Key Differences.]

Consider Where Your Bedside Tables Will Go

This is an easily overlooked detail when choosing divan storage.

If you select a four-drawer bed but position bedside cabinets immediately alongside the top drawers, you may struggle to open them.

Think about your complete bedroom layout before selecting your drawer configuration.

If bedside cabinets will sit alongside the bed, continental drawers or drawers positioned further towards the foot of the bed may be more practical.

Choosing a Headboard

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

There are numerous designs available, from simple upholstered headboards to larger statement designs.

Popular choices include:

Strutted headboards – attached to the bed using wooden struts and generally easy to adjust.

Floor-standing headboards – extend from the floor upwards and can create a more substantial, luxurious appearance.

Buttoned headboards – offer a traditional upholstered appearance.

Panelled headboards – ideal for creating a contemporary bedroom look.

Winged headboards – feature projecting sides and can turn the bed into a striking focal point.

Consider the size of your bedroom when choosing. A large floor-standing or winged headboard can look fantastic in a spacious room but may dominate a particularly small bedroom.

Choose a Fabric and Colour

Modern divan beds are no longer simply functional bedroom furniture.

Many are available in an extensive range of fabrics and colours, allowing the bed itself to become part of your bedroom design.

Grey remains versatile, while neutral shades can create a calm bedroom environment. Deeper colours can create a stronger statement.

Think about your existing wardrobes, carpets, curtains and wall colours when choosing your upholstery.

If you're planning to redecorate, consider choosing a relatively versatile bed colour that will work with future colour schemes too.

Check the Height of Your New Bed

Don't forget about bed height.

The combination of the divan base and mattress determines the overall height of the sleeping surface.

A deeper mattress can make the finished bed noticeably higher.

When trying a divan in a showroom, sit on the edge of the bed. Ideally, you should be able to get in and out comfortably.

Will the Divan Fit Through Your Home?

Measuring your bedroom is only half the job.

Your new bed also needs to reach it.

Check doorways, hallways, staircases and landings before ordering.

Fortunately, larger divan bases are often supplied in separate sections, which can make them easier to manoeuvre than some large bed frames.

If access to your bedroom is particularly difficult, discuss this with the retailer before ordering.

For more advice, read our guide Furniture Delivery in Liverpool: What You Need to Know.

Divan Bed or Traditional Bed Frame?

Both have advantages.

A traditional wooden, metal or upholstered bed frame can create a distinctive decorative feature within a bedroom.

A divan, meanwhile, is often particularly practical when you want to maximise storage and make efficient use of floor space.

Your choice ultimately comes down to appearance, storage requirements, mattress choice and the space available.

For more advice, read our guides:

[Fabric Bed Frames: Combing Luxury and Comfort.]

[Metal Bed Frames: Style, Strength and Modern Design.]

Should You Buy a Divan Bed Online?

Shopping online is an excellent way to research different divan beds, compare specifications and narrow down your choices.

However, if possible, visiting a showroom before buying can be particularly worthwhile.

You can see fabrics and colours properly, examine the construction and, most importantly, try different mattresses.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Before ordering your divan bed, make sure you've considered the essentials:

• Correct bed size and bedroom dimensions
• Mattress type and firmness
• Number and position of storage drawers
• Clearance for opening drawers
• Headboard style and overall height
• Fabric and colour
• Access through doors, hallways and stairs
• Delivery arrangements

Spending a little extra time considering these details can help you choose a bed you'll be happy with for years.

Find Your Perfect Divan Bed at Paul Antony Beds & Bedrooms

At Paul Antony Beds & Bedrooms, we offer a range of divan beds and mattresses with different comfort, storage and headboard options.

If you're unsure which combination is right for you, visit our Widnes or Huyton showroom where you can see different beds, try mattresses and talk to us about your requirements.

Whether you're looking for a practical two-drawer divan, additional bedroom storage, a luxurious floor-standing headboard or simply a comfortable new bed, we'll help you explore the available options.

Ready to Find Your New Divan Bed?

Browse our divan beds online or visit Paul Antony Beds & Bedrooms in Widnes or Huyton to see our ranges and try different mattresses for yourself.

Choose your size. Choose your storage. Find your comfort. Build the divan bed that's right for you.