Divan Beds & Bases

A divan bed is a frame and base built as a single upholstered unit, with the mattress sitting on top and a separate headboard usually bolted on behind. The format strips out the visible frame, footboard and posts of a traditional bed and replaces them with a clean, low-set rectangle. An added benefit is that the space inside the base is genuinely usable, and most divans are sold with drawer or ottoman storage built in as standard.

Bases come in two main types, and the type matters more than most people expect. Solid-top bases (also known as platform-top bases) are firm boards covered in fabric, giving the mattress a stable surface and the longest support life. Sprung-edge bases use springs across the entire top surface, mirroring the mattress and adding a softer feel. They tend to be the more comfortable option, especially with pocket-sprung mattresses. Solid-top bases are usually cheaper, firmer underfoot, and the better match for foam and hybrid mattresses.

Storage is the format's main selling point over an equivalent bed frame. A two-drawer base puts shallow drawers on one side, which are useful for bedding and seasonal clothing. Four-drawer bases double capacity by adding drawers on both sides. End-drawer options keep all access to the foot of the bed, which works better when one long side is against a wall. Ottoman divans lift the entire mattress on a gas-piston mechanism to reveal a deep storage cavity, and hold more than any drawer setup - but need overhead clearance to open fully.

Divans are popular in guest rooms and hotels, where the flexibility of a zip-and-link setup really shines. Two singles can zipped together into a double when required, or otherwise unzipped and kept apart as two singles.

Price ranges widely, with budget options starting at around £150 for a single base. Designer and luxury divans with hand-tufted bases and premium upholstery sit at the higher end. Most divans are sold as a base alone, a base-plus-mattress pair, or a full set with the headboard included, and the bundled options usually offer better value than buying each part separately.

Flitch consolidates divan beds from more than 100 UK retailers so you can compare the same size, base type and storage configuration across brands in one view. Use smart filters to narrow down your choice, and sign up for price drop alerts to be notified when the price of a divan bed you like is reduced. Our expert stylists are on hand should you want some personal assistance in finding the right divan bed for your taste, style and budget.

What is a divan bed?

A divan bed has the mattress sitting on an upholstered base unit rather than a slatted frame. The base usually contains storage drawers or a lift-up ottoman compartment, and a headboard fits separately.

Are divan beds more comfortable than bed frames?

Sprung-edge divans add a layer of give underneath the mattress that many sleepers find more comfortable than a solid slatted base. Solid-top divans feel firmer and suit foam mattresses particularly well.

How much storage does a divan base actually hold?

A four-drawer double divan gives around 8 to 10 cubic feet of storage. An ottoman double offers around 12 to 15 cubic feet, since the cavity uses the full footprint of the base.

Do divan beds come with a headboard?

Most are sold base-only or base-plus-mattress. Headboards attach to standard strut fittings on the back of the base, although full sets including the headboard are widely available and usually offer better value.

Can I use any mattress with a divan base?

Most mattresses work on most divan bases, but it pays to match where you can: sprung-edge bases pair best with pocket-sprung mattresses, while solid-top bases suit foam or hybrid mattresses well.