Divan Bed Base vs. Bed Frame: Which Option Fits Your Room?

In choosing the right bed to buy, one needs to remember that he also has to think about the bed base upon which the mattress will rest. The bed base can affect storage space, organization, mattress stiffness, ventilation, and overall decor of the room. Divan bed base and bed frame are two most common types of bed bases.

They may be comfortable and useful, however, each of them works differently. In recent surveys of UK mattress buyers, 60.4% of people use slatted bed frames, and 31.4% use divans. Thus, we may state that both bed bases are commonly chosen and used, although the choice of the better one will depend on the peculiarities of the bedroom.

Let us consider the differences between them in order to choose the best for your bedroom.

What Is a Divan Bed Base?

The divan bed base refers to the solid and upholstered bed base that is located underneath the mattress. This type of bed base does not have large side rails or legs. In most cases, the divan bed base takes on the size of the mattress hence making it neat and compact.

Among the factors that make individuals purchase a divan bed is the storage capacity. Divan beds can either have two or four drawers. On the other hand, Ottoman divan beds can be lifted up creating space for storing items below the bed. As per the Sleep Council advice on bed purchasing, divans can be helpful in the event of lack of space due to their storage capabilities.

What Is a Bed Frame?

The bed frame is a more traditional form of bed frame which generally features the use of side rails, legs, a headboard and slatted base made of wood or metal.

The design possibilities for the bed frame are endless, since you could opt for a wooden frame, metal frame, upholstered frame, platform bed or the more classic form. Since most of the construction of the bed frame is visible, the bed frame could turn into a feature of your bedroom decor.

Since the slatted base leaves room underneath the mattress, there will be more circulation of air underneath it than in the case of the solid divan base.

Which Is Better for a Small Bedroom?

In case you have limited space, a divan bed frame is an excellent choice. The regular divan is usually quite compact due to the fact that the frame is about the same size as the mattress itself. On the contrary, a bigger bed frame would require additional space owing to its side rails, legs and headboard.

There is plenty of storage capacity as well. Instead of acquiring a storage box or an additional cupboard, one can use the drawers located below the mattress for various purposes.

It is also essential to consider the available space surrounding the bed itself. Prior to purchasing a divan, one should measure the space in the bedroom and the gap between the bed, wardrobe, bedroom door and furniture.

Which Has More Storage?

This might be the key distinction between the two.

A divan will allow you to use the area under your mattress as storage space. Drawer divans are especially handy since you will not need to lift the mattress in order to access the drawers. An ottoman base takes this even further by raising the mattress to expose an area for storing things.

A standard bed frame will leave you with an open space under the mattress. You can store some items there but you might find it difficult to reach them.

Therefore, if you need storage options in your bedroom, a divan is something you should take into account. British guides to buying beds have been highlighting this aspect for years.

Which Gives Better Mattress Support?

No straightforward answer, as it depends on the particular design of the base and mattress.

The platform-top divan creates a level surface beneath the mattress.

A bed frame utilizes slats. They can be made from hard material or can be springy. Hard slats are more stable than sprung ones.

The main feature to consider is the gap between slats. The advice by the Sleep Council is to follow manufacturer guidelines about the gap because wider gaps can cause wear to the mattress, and different models need specific gap size. It also recommends keeping the gap to not exceed the manufacturer's recommendation, up to 9-10 cm as an approximate upper limit for many rigid slatted bases.

In case of a foam or memory foam mattress, consult manufacturer guidelines when selecting the slatted frame.

Which Bed Base Has Better Airflow?

This is one aspect that slatted frames have an edge on.

Due to the gaps that exist between the slats, it will allow air flow under the mattress. There is far less gap underneath a divan base.

Airflow is helpful in managing both heat and moisture around the mattress. It should be noted though that bedroom ventilation and mattress materials are also important factors.

If you are a hot sleeper or just someone who likes an open frame underneath your mattress, this is definitely something that could be considered.

Which Looks Better in a Bedroom?

Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference.

The bed frame will allow the bed to serve as the centerpiece of the room. The use of upholstered beds with high headboards will provide a luxury look while wood or metal beds will provide a more classic or contemporary style.

A divan, on the other hand, has a more simple look. But you can always add a headboard to it for a more stylish look. A separate headboard will also give you the ability to change the headboard in the future without replacing the whole base.

If you would like to see your bed as a centerpiece of the furniture, then a bed frame will allow you to do this. If you prefer a more minimalistic approach, then a divan might be more suitable for you.

Which Is Easier to Clean?

The bed frame has a lot of open space below it, which means that it is much easier to sweep or vacuum the floor under it. This could be helpful if you want to keep the space under your furniture clean.

The divan sits closer to the ground compared to the bed frame, especially when it has drawers or a solid base. Cleaning the area under it might be challenging.

But there is also a minor advantage: there is not a lot of open space where dust and other things can collect.

Is a Divan or Bed Frame Better for a Guest Room?

Both have advantages that could prove suitable for a guest bedroom.

A divan would come in handy if there is a need for storing extra things in addition to the guest bedroom functionality. Extra clothing, towels, and other paraphernalia would fit right into the drawers without requiring extra space.

A bed frame would be more suitable if aesthetics are of primary importance. A nice bed frame could add elegance to the guest bedroom without cluttering it with furniture.

What Should You Consider Before Buying?

Before choosing between a divan and a bed frame, think about these five things:

Room size: Measure the available floor space, not just the mattress size.

Storage: If your bedroom has limited storage, look at drawer or ottoman divans.

Mattress type: Check the manufacturer's requirements for the base and slat spacing.

Bedroom style: Choose a visible bed frame if you want the bed to be a major design feature.

Cleaning: Consider whether you want open floor space underneath the bed for easier cleaning.

Also remember that a double, king or super king bed can feel much larger once you add the headboard and frame, so check the full external dimensions before ordering.

FAQs

Is a divan bed better than a bed frame?

There is no inherent superiority of one piece over the other. Divan beds tend to be much more useful in terms of storage and space-saving capacity compared to bed frames.

Are divan beds good for small bedrooms?

Certainly. The portability and storage capacity inherent in the product make it especially suitable for areas lacking floor and cupboard space.

Can I use a memory foam mattress on a divan?

The proper solid top divan bed is perfect for use with many memory foam mattresses. But always remember to check with your mattress maker first.

Do bed frames have storage?

It is worth mentioning that a typical bed frame rarely features storage space, but modern ottoman bed frames offer lift-up storage options.

Are slatted bed frames comfortable?

Absolutely, yes. A well-made slatted base can be quite comfortable. Sprung slats would be somewhat flexible and the solid slats will be relatively firm. It is also important to consider a mattress and the quality of the bed base itself.

Which is easier to move, a divan or bed frame?

Both of them are movable, but the construction differs. A large number of divans are delivered as two separate pieces, while the bed can easily be taken apart into separate pieces.

Final Thoughts

The decision whether to choose a divan bed base or a bed frame actually comes down to personal preference.

A divan would be ideal if you need some storage space, a minimalistic design and a base that is easy to use. This may be particularly helpful if your room is small and you need all the storage space possible.

A bed frame would be ideal if you desire a stylish look, open space underneath and multiple design options. A slatted frame could also be useful for creating some ventilation space under the mattress.

What is more important, however, is not to choose the bed base only because of how it looks. You should take into consideration the size of your room, your storage preferences, mattress, cleaning habits and the style of your room.