700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee 700+ 5-Start Review 22,500+ Happy Customers Luxury Looks, Affordable Prices 30 Day Guarantee

A divan bed is an upholstered box base that sits low on the floor on feet or castors, with the mattress on top and a headboard fixed to the back. The base replaces a frame and slats in one piece, and many divans have storage drawers built into the sides.

What is inside a divan base?

A timber frame, a top that supports the mattress, and fabric stretched over the outside. Our bases use a solid timber frame with a platform top: a flat, firm board rather than springs. That gives even support and suits pocket sprung, memory foam and orthopaedic mattresses. Our divan base types guide explains platform top against sprung edge.

Does a divan bed come in two parts?

Ours do. Every divan base is built as two upholstered halves that bolt together in the bedroom. That's the main reason divans get up narrow Victorian staircases and round tight landings where a one-piece frame won't.

Beds from our range for this

Brooklyn Divan Bed

Brooklyn Divan Bed

From £189.99

View bed
Oxford Divan Storage Bed

Oxford Divan Storage Bed

From £319.99

View bed
Harrow Button Panel Headboard

Harrow Button Panel Headboard

From £129.99

View headboard

Do you need a headboard with a divan?

No, but most people add one. Without it the pillows slide into the gap by the wall. Our headboards are floor-standing on struts and bolt to the base, in 24, 54 and 60 inch heights. The 54 inch is our standard height, tall enough to sit up against to read.

Should you get drawers?

If you have the floor space to open them, yes; they turn dead space into storage. Choose two drawers on one side for a bed against a wall, or four (two each side) where both sides are clear. Our drawer guide goes into the options.

Are divan beds good for your back?

The base matters less than the mattress. A platform top divan gives a firm, flat foundation, which helps a supportive mattress do its job. If you have back pain, pair it with a firmer mattress such as our Memory Orthopaedic and check it again after a few weeks.

Browse the full Divan Beds range. Every bed is handmade to order in our UK workshop, with free UK delivery in 5 to 7 working days.

Frequently asked questions

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

A divan is an upholstered box base that sits on the floor. A bed frame has side rails and slats, with open space or an ottoman base underneath.

Do divan beds come with a mattress?

Not usually. Our divan beds are sold as base and headboard; you can add any of our mattresses at checkout.

How long does a divan bed last?

A well-made divan base lasts many years. Replace the mattress when it sags; the base usually outlives it.

Can you put a divan base on legs?

Divans sit on short feet or castors. Taller legs change how the bed looks and how much weight each foot carries, so ask before swapping them.

How do you clean under a divan bed?

Most divans sit close to the floor. Pull the bed out from the wall a few times a year and vacuum underneath with a flat nozzle.

Related guides