Emma Divan Bed in white, in off-white coloured bedroom

What is a Divan Bed?

Written by: Editorial Team

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Time to read 4 min

A Divan bed is an increasingly popular option while shopping for a new bed - but many shoppers don't know what the terminology means, and why it differs so greatly from other beds. Here's everything you need to know about the bed design, and why it has been trending with those furnishing their home.

What is a divan bed and how does it differ from a normal bed?

A Divan bed is a type of bed specially made with a matching base and mattress, designed to perfectly fit one another. Typically, the base is made of wood, with a fabric outer layer. One key element of a divan bed is its built-in storage compartments within the base, often far larger than a standard bed would allow for, with the matching mattress built to accommodate the large storage capacity. 

Although divan beds are similar to ottoman beds with their built-in storage, ottoman beds have to be lifted from the bottom of the mattress to access the goods kept in storage. Divan beds have drawer storage for easy, immediate access. 

Emma Ottoman Bed - Dark Grey
Emma Ottoman Bed - Dark Grey

What are the benefits of divan beds?

Divan beds have made a name for themselves thanks to their numerous benefits for sleepers, including:

  • Better value rather than buying a bed, storage, and a mattress individually
  • Greater storage than buying boxes and trying to make room for them all in one bedroom
  • Mattress and frame are made for one another, ensuring a perfect fit with no gapping or smushing of the mattress, and no need to measure one to find the right size for the other
  • Ideally fitted bed frame and mattress offers better spinal support, better for the body and preventing aches and pains during the waking day

There are some slight drawbacks, however, that shoppers should be aware of before they make a purchase.

Divan beds

  • are bulkier and heavier than standard beds, making them difficult to move around
  • Are more difficult to clean quickly and effectively
  • May not be suitable for certain bedroom sizes and types
  • Can be more expensive than other beds, depending on brand and type
Emma Ottoman Bed - Dark Grey
Emma Ottoman Bed - Dark Grey

How to use a Divan bed

Divan beds are one of the easiest beds to attain and build, with many brands offering models that require no assembly whatsoever - simply arrange for a delivery with your chosen furniture retailer and make sure there's a space for it in your bedroom! For divan beds that do require assembly, however, the process remains simple.

  • Remove any and all outer packaging before beginning to assemble your bed. Do so carefully without damaging the bedding and dispose of it before building.
  • Turn base of the bed upside down and fit the feet of each corner of the base, ensuring they click into place.
  • If headboard is customisable and therefore separate, do this after feet are safely installed and base is flipped over to the right side. 
  • Flipping over the base to the right side should allow gravity to help ensure the feet are tightly fitted into their designated holes.
  • If the drawers are fastened shut, remove straps carefully after work on the base is completed. 
  • If there is a strap keeping the drawers shut, cut strap with scissors either completely or to desired length (check design to see if straps are meant to be visible)
  • If u-clips are included for the base of the divan, fasten the two parts of the divan using u-clips to fasten the parts together. Ensure the mattress can be placed on top 
  • If link bars are used, fasten the two parts of the divan together by passing bolts through the pre-existing bolt holds. Then, use the link bar to link the two bars together and into position.

Always check the instructions of your divan bed first and foremost for any nuances with your specific bed's instructions.

Recommended Products

Emma

Handmade in the UK, Emma's all-in-one divan bed comes with integrated storage capacity with maximum efficiency with the custom, included mattress. With no tools required for assembly, this bed is as simple as beds can be.

Tempur

Tempur Buckingham divan beds twist the traditional format by offering beds with and without drawers but with the same storage capacity. Each bed is made to order with customisable mattresses and headboards to mix and match with your preferred style.

Divan beds offer co-ordinating pieces and ultimate storage that no other bed can offer. 

They are easy to assemble and can help the buyer save money on bed frames and mattresses in the long-run.

Are Divan beds the same as Ottoman beds?

No, while both share a similarity with built-in storage, Ottoman beds require lifting the mattress to access your storage, whereas divan beds have drawers for easy access.

Do Divan beds require tools for assembly?

Most divan beds, like the Emma Divan Bed listed above, require no tools for assembly. However, some other models may need basic tools for attaching headboards or linking base parts.

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The Myza Editorial Team

The Myza Editorial Team works together to create and curate The Sleep Journal, a series of blog posts designed to help our customers with frequently asked questions and curiosities regarding everything in the world of sleep, from sleeping positions to skin and hair care. We also provide regular shopping guides, interviews, and reviews to provide insight into our hand-picked brand collaborations and the benefits they have to offer.

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