Are you looking to upgrade your bed and add some handy storage? A divan bed with built-in drawers is a fantastic choice. With a divan bed with storage, you can enjoy a spacious, supportive sleeping surface while gaining much-needed space for your stuff.
Divan beds with storage have some benefits, like taking up less floor space than standard bed frames and providing nowhere for cats and children to crawl under the bed.
We’ll explain how to choose the perfect divan with storage below.
Measuring up for the perfect fit
You want to ensure your new divan bed will fit your bedroom space – most people need at least 60cm of space around the bed perimeter for easy access to drawers (the last thing you want is drawers that get blocked).
Measure the length and width of the area where you plan to place the bed. A standard double divan beds are 135cm wide x 190cm long, minus the headboard. King-size divan beds are 150cm wide and 200cm long. If both sizes will fit your room, you have a choice – do you prioritise floor or sleeping space?
Double or King? How to decide
A king-size divan offers more generous sleeping space. Couples and young families may prefer this option. However, a double can work well for couples in smaller bedrooms.
Think about how much floor space you’re willing to give up. Measure both sizes out with tape if needed. A king will also cost somewhat more than a double. However, the extra room may be worth it if you can comfortably accommodate a king.
Get the most out of your storage drawers
One of the best features of a divan bed is the built-in storage drawers. But to maximise storage, you must choose the most suitable configuration.
Standard divans have drawers on each side. But for small bedrooms, opt for continental drawers instead. These include two or one full-width drawer at the foot of the bed so you can still open them with bedside tables in place.
It’s also worth looking at the drawer dimensions – deeper drawers are great for clothing, but longer drawers are best for shoes and other bits and bats.
Castors or gliders: Which are best?
Divan beds come with either castor wheels or non-moving glides. Castors make it easy to move the bed for cleaning on all floors. But gliders usually work better on hard floors to keep the bed from shifting.
Castors enable full mobility, including pivoting, while gliders allow you to slide the bed back and forth. Consider your flooring type and room layout to choose which works best.
Pick a solid base rather than sprung.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Four Way Split 4FT Small Double Divan Base. Available from Bedstar.
Divan bases come with either a sprung or solid platform. In most situations, we recommend solid platforms. These provide rigid, even support across the mattress, and have no moving parts (springs) that can break.
A solid platform also prevents sagging and optimises mattress comfort and longevity. A sprung base may feel softer at first but allows more ‘give’ over time, which can shorten your mattress’s lifespan. With a solid divan base, you can buy any mattress, from pure foam to hybrid, for customised comfort and support.
Choosing a new mattress
A divan base provides excellent support for any quality mattress. When selecting a new mattress, you have several options:
- Open coil mattresses: These contain interconnected metal springs in a single unit. Open coil mattresses provide good support at an affordable price point.
- Pocket spring mattresses: Individual fabric pockets around each spring prevent motion transfer between coils for better support and reduced partner disturbance.
- Hybrid mattresses: Hybrids combine pocket springs with layers of foam comfort materials for a balance of responsiveness and body-cradling comfort.
Pictured: Sleepeezee Beautyrest Lexington Mattress. Fillings include 30mm of Staycool gel, 5-year Guarantee, Awarded a Which? Best Buy in June 2019. Available from Bedstar.
- Memory foam mattresses: Pure memory foam mattresses contain several layers of body-moulding foam for cushioned comfort and even weight distribution.
Any quality mattress over 25cm thick will perform well. Focus on comfort features and price to find the best mattress for your sleep needs.
