Types of Divan - How to Choose the Right Bed Base
Choosing the right divan bed base can dramatically affect the comfort and support of your mattress, improve its life span, and help you achieve better functionality in your bedroom. Our unbiased and expert advice will help you find the perfect divan solution.
What is a divan base?
A divan bed base is a sturdy, upholstered platform, typically consisting of a wooden frame covered in fabric, designed to support your mattress. Unlike traditional bed frames, divan bases often come with integrated storage options and are typically the same size as the mattress, making them ideal for space-saving.
Divan bases can often be customised with various fabrics, headboards, and storage configurations to suit your preferences.
Types of Divan Bed Bases
Understanding the different divan bed types can help you select the best option for your needs:
1. Platform-Top Divans
A platform-top divan base has a solid, non-sprung flat top panel, providing a sturdy, level platform for the mattress. This usually gives a firmer feel to the bed.
The amount of timber used inside, and the quality of fabrics and upholstery used to cover a platform-top divan varies on the manufacturer. Stronger timbers, glued and screwed together properly will naturally last longer.
Consider brands such as Vispring or Enchanted House Beds for the best timber bases or Relyon and Sleepeezee for more affordable options.
2. Open-Coil Sprung Divans
Also sometimes called a sprung-edge divan, an open-coil sprung divan base has a linked layer of springs built into the top layers of the platform. This provides additional support and comfort for the mattress above it. Open-coil sprung divans tend to offer a softer feel compared to a platform-top divan; they have a bounce, much like a trampoline, owing to the spring units all being linked.
Open-coil sprung divan bases can wear quicker than the newer version with pocket springs inside it (see below), sometimes within just a few short years. This renders it unusable as it causes your mattress to dip and sag in the middle.
3. Pocket-Sprung Divans
A pocket-sprung divan base has individual pocket springs laid out across the top surface of the timber frame, providing the best and most responsive support base for a mattress. Pocket-sprung bed bases tend to offer a softer feel compared to a platform top divan, and have less movement than open-coil sprung divans because the springs are independent of each other.
This very traditional type of sprung divan base has been proven to add up to 40% more comfort to a quality pocket-sprung mattress.
Browse Pocket-Spring Mattresses.
If storage is important to you, some manufacturers have incorporated full-depth storage drawers or ottoman storage solutions underneath the pocket-sprung layers inside their pocket-sprung divan bases. Ask us for recommendations.
Best Pocket-Sprung Divans
If you're after the finest build quality then choose a Vispring divan. They offer the strongest timber ply storage drawers and ottoman bases, and the finest quality pocket springs and upholstery fabrics.
Other great brands to consider would be Enchanted House Beds and Hypnos for a divan with a great build and plenty of choice.
4. Bedstead Divans
Instead of sitting your mattress on a slatted base fitted to a bedstead frame, you can purchase a specially made platform-top or pocket-sprung shallow bedstead divan base, which sits snugly inside a four poster, deep sleigh bed surround, or antique bedstead.
This provides you with the ultimate comfort and support. Corners are usually chamfered and shaped to cover any brackets or wooden blocks for a seamless fit.
If you’re interested in a bedstead divan, speak to our bed experts about your requirements and receive a quote within 24 hours.
5. Ottoman Divans
The ottoman divan base offers extensive storage by lifting the mattress to reveal the entire base area. It's perfect for maximising storage in smaller bedrooms.
Choose from manual side-lift, end-lift and powered motor end-lift for an effortless silent system, without the need to lift a finger. An ottoman divan base is usually reinforced underneath to cater for larger items.
There is a weight limit to what the pressurised gas arms inside the base can lift easily, so consider the weight of your mattress to make sure it’s suitable for an ottoman divan. We can guide you in this.
6. Zip and Link Divans
Zip and link divan bases consist of two separate long, single divan bases that can be joined together to create a super-king size bed. This offers flexibility for guest rooms or couples with different mattress preferences, and it’s a popular option in hotels, too.
Not all divan bases offer a zip and link option, but here’s a selection of quality divans that do.
7. Adjustable Divans
Adjustable divan bases are motorised and can be adjusted to different positions. This allows for customised sleeping positions, which is especially useful for people with specific medical or mobility needs, or for those who prefer to read or watch TV in bed.
Adjustable divan bases vary enormously in quality and can come with a slatted frame, padded firm-top divan lid, or pocket-sprung divan lids inside a stylish surround.
Opera Adjustable Beds are a great quality brand if you're looking for an adjustable bed base, with many different options to choose from.
Adjustable divans come in practical designs for easy mobility, and offer supremely stylish bedstead surrounds for the ultimate lifestyle option. Powerful and silent motor actions are essential when choosing an adjustable bed divan.
Learn about adjustable beds here
8. Shallow Divans
Shallow divan bases have a lower profile, making them suitable for rooms with lower ceilings or for those who prefer a minimalist, contemporary look. Shallow bed bases don't have storage options but come in stunning fabrics and stylish array of legs.
Storage Options in Divan Bases
Divan bases can be customised with various storage solutions. Not every model offers the same options, but generally you can choose from:
- Two drawers: One on each side at the foot end.
- Four drawers: Two on each side, maximising storage.
- Continental drawers: Two half-size drawers at the head end (leaving room for bedside tables), with two full-size drawers at the foot end.
- End drawer: A single full-size drawer at the foot of the bed.
- Ottoman Storage: Full base storage accessed by lifting the mattress.
When choosing any type of divan base, consider factors like the type of mattress you have, your storage needs, and your personal comfort preferences. It's also important to measure your bedroom to ensure that the size of the divan base fits comfortably in the space.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any mattress with a divan base?
A: Yes, divan bases are compatible with most mattress types. However, pairing the right base with your mattress can enhance comfort and longevity. We can guide you to a divan that works well with your mattress.
Q: Are divan beds suitable for small bedrooms?
A: Absolutely. Their compact design and storage options make them ideal for maximising space in smaller rooms.
Q: Do divan bases come with headboards?
A: Headboards are usually (but not always) sold separately but can be easily attached to most divan bases.
Q: Which divan beds do you recommend?
A: As with most things in life, quality varies enormously between brands, owing to the costs involved and where those bed brands position themselves in the market.
We stock divan bases from most well-known bed makers such as Vispring, Hypnos, Relyon, and even some fantastic up-and-coming brands such as Enchanted House, Luna Beds and others. No matter what your budget is, we will only recommend a good quality product.
Next steps
We're here to provide expert, unbiased advice to help you find the perfect bed solution. Explore our range of divan bases and discover how we can help you achieve a restful night's sleep.
Category: Divan Sets
