Divan Bed Buying Guide: Types, Storage Options & Sizes Explained (2026)
A divan bed is a bed base made from a solid, fabric-covered wooden platform — without a traditional slatted or sprung frame. Divan beds are the most popular bed type in UK bedrooms because they maximise storage, support the mattress evenly, and sit lower to the floor for a clean, contemporary look. This guide covers every type of divan base, all storage configurations, UK sizes from single to super king, and what to look for before you buy.
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan base is a box-shaped wooden frame upholstered in fabric (usually brushed cotton, chenille, or velvet). It provides a firm, even sleeping surface that extends the life of your mattress. The base can be supplied as a single unit or split into two halves (common on king and super king sizes for easier delivery through narrow hallways and stairs).
Unlike a traditional bed frame — which uses slats or a sprung base — a divan sits directly on the floor or on legs (castors) and typically includes integrated storage.
Types of Divan Base Storage
Storage is the main reason buyers choose a divan. There are four main configurations:
1. Drawer Divan Beds
Drawers are built into the sides or foot-end of the base. They pull out horizontally, making them easy to access without lifting a heavy mattress. Common configurations:
- 2 drawers: One drawer on each side. Ideal for smaller bedrooms or where access to only one side is needed.
- 4 drawers: Two drawers on each side. Maximum side-pull drawer storage — the most popular choice for double and king sizes.
- End drawer: A single wide drawer at the foot-end of the bed. Useful when one side of the bed is against a wall.
2. Ottoman Divan Beds
Ottoman bases use the entire internal volume of the base as a single storage cavity. The mattress lifts on gas-assisted struts (opening from the side or foot-end) to reveal a large, open storage area — ideal for bulky items like duvets, pillows, and seasonal clothing. Ottomans offer significantly more total storage than drawer bases. Opening direction matters: end-lift ottomans need space at the foot of the bed; side-lift ottomans need clearance on one side. See our ottoman bed buying guide for the full-lift version of this idea.
3. No Storage (Plain Base)
A plain divan base without storage is the most affordable option and suits beds placed on raised platforms, beds in rooms where under-bed storage is not needed, or where storage is provided elsewhere.
4. Combination Base
Some divan bases combine 2 drawers on one side with an ottoman compartment on the other — giving both easy-access drawer storage and a deep ottoman cavity in a single base.
Divan vs Ottoman: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Drawer Divan | Ottoman Base |
|---|---|---|
| Access ease | Very easy — pull and push | Lift full mattress weight |
| Total capacity | Limited to drawer dimensions | Entire base interior |
| Best for | Everyday items (socks, books, remotes) | Bulky seasonal storage (duvets, suitcases) |
| Price | Lower | Higher (gas struts) |
| Access direction | Either side | End-lift or side-lift (must plan clearance) |
UK Divan Bed Sizes
UK bed sizes are standardised. Here are all standard sizes and their dimensions:
| UK Size | Width | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Single (2ft6) | 75cm | 190cm | Children's rooms, box rooms |
| Single (3ft) | 90cm | 190cm | Single sleepers, guest rooms, teen bedrooms |
| Small Double (4ft) | 120cm | 190cm | Compact couples, tight master bedrooms |
| Double (4ft6) | 135cm | 190cm | Most couples — UK's most popular size |
| King (5ft) | 150cm | 200cm | Couples who want more width + length |
| Super King (6ft) | 180cm | 200cm | Maximum space; often split-base for delivery |
Divan Bed Fabric Choices
Divan bases are upholstered in a range of fabrics. The most common options:
- Brushed cotton / mink: Soft, neutral-toned, and the most widely available. Works with most headboards.
- Chenille: Slightly textured, warm feel, available in grey, mocha, and natural tones.
- Faux leather / PU leather: Easier to clean, modern look, common in charcoal and white.
- Velvet: Premium look, rich colour depth — popular in emerald, navy, and slate.
Our own Upholstered Divan Bed Base comes in 30+ fabrics across all these families, from Small Single to Super King, from £94.99.
Do Divan Beds Need a Headboard?
Divan beds are designed to be paired with a separate headboard — they do not come with a built-in headboard. Headboards attach via strut fittings that slot into pre-drilled holes in the back of the base. Standard UK headboard fittings are compatible with all UK divan bases. Choose a headboard width that matches your base size. Popular pairings from our own range include the Westminster (from £89.99), Florence, Chesterfield and Cubed Wingback upholstered headboards, all UK-made in 30+ fabrics.
Mattress Compatibility
Divan bases support all mattress types — pocket sprung, memory foam, latex, open coil, and hybrid. A firm divan base suits any mattress. If your mattress is two-sided (needs flipping), an ottoman base may make this awkward — a drawer base is easier. Always match mattress dimensions to base size exactly.
Because the base itself rules nothing out, the decision comes down to firmness and size rather than construction. Our specialist mattress site, justmattresses.direct, lets you filter the full mattress range by size and firmness so you can match one to your new divan base exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a divan bed and an ottoman bed?
A divan bed is a general term for a fabric-upholstered base. An ottoman bed is a specific type of divan where the entire base interior opens as a single storage cavity via gas-assisted struts. Drawer divans store items in pull-out drawers; ottomans store items in one large compartment under the mattress.
Are divan beds better for your back?
Divan bases provide firm, even support across the full mattress surface — generally considered better for mattress lifespan and spinal support than slatted frames, which can allow the mattress to sag between slats. For back support specifically, the mattress choice matters most; the divan base ensures consistent underfloor support for any mattress.
How do I know if an ottoman opens end or side?
End-lift ottomans open from the foot of the bed, so you need clear floor space at the end to raise the mattress. Side-lift ottomans open from one side, so you need clearance there instead. Most product listings specify the opening direction — check before purchasing if your room layout is constrained.
Can you use a divan bed without a headboard?
Yes — a divan bed is fully functional without a headboard. However, the back of the base will be visible, so many buyers choose a headboard for aesthetics and for comfortable sitting up in bed. Headboards are sold separately and fit all standard UK divan bases.
Are divan beds suitable for children?
Yes — divan beds in single (3ft) and small single (2ft6) sizes are suitable for children and are widely used in children's bedrooms. The low profile and absence of sharp frame edges makes them safe. Storage drawers are useful for toys, books, and bedding.
How long does a divan bed last?
A quality divan base typically lasts 8–15 years with normal use. The fabric upholstery may show wear before the structural frame. Replacing a mattress on an ageing but structurally sound divan base is common practice.
How long does delivery take for a divan bed?
In-stock divan beds from Online And are typically delivered within 3 working days on a free UK mainland delivery service. Made-to-order divan beds (custom fabrics, non-standard configurations) typically take 1–3 weeks.
Delivery
All divan beds from Online And come with free UK mainland delivery. In-stock items dispatch within 3 working days. Made-to-order items take 1–3 weeks. We deliver to all mainland UK postcodes.
Our Divan Range
- Upholstered Divan Bed Base — 30+ fabric options, Small Single to Super King, from £94.99
- Pair with a UK-made upholstered headboard: Westminster (from £89.99), Florence, Chesterfield, Cubed Wingback
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