What Is the Difference Between Divan and Bed Frame?
What Is the Difference Between Divan and Bed Frame?
Curious about upgrading your bedroom but not sure whether to choose a divan or a traditional bed frame? In this guide, we break down the key differences between divan beds and bed frames - including design, storage, support, and maintenance - to help you make an informed decision for getting your new bed.
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What Is the Difference Between a Divan and a Bed Frame?
Storage and Customisation Options
Upgrade Your Sleep with ComfoRest
What Is the Difference Between a Divan and a Bed Frame?
A divan bed features an upholstered solid base with built‑in storage, while a bed frame is just the structure that supports your mattress and often needs extra components like slats or a box spring.
What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed features a sturdy, upholstered base designed to support your mattress. Often, divan beds include built‑in storage options like pull‑out drawers or conti drawers, offering a sleek, unified design that helps keep your bedroom clutter‑free. They are popular in modern, organised homes where space efficiency is key.
What Is a Bed Frame?
A bed frame is the structure that supports your mattress and often defines the aesthetic of your bedroom. Traditional bed frames can be made from wood, metal, or upholstery and typically do not include built‑in storage.
They might require additional accessories - like a box spring or slats - to create a supportive sleeping surface.
Divan Bed vs Bed Frame: Key Differences and Benefits
Construction & Support:
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Divan Beds: Built with two halves solid, upholstered base offering uniform support and drawers underneath. NOTE: 3FT beds come with 1 solid base only.
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Bed Frames: Often use a series of slats or a box spring to support the mattress, focusing primarily on basic support, with no storage space.
Storage Options:
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Divan Beds: Feature built‑in storage like drawers or lift‑up compartments for clutter-free organisation.
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Bed Frames: Generally do not have integrated storage, so additional furniture may be needed.
Design and Aesthetics:
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Divan Beds: Offer a sleek, unified look with modern finishes that complement contemporary décor.
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Bed Frames: Come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern.
Price and Value:
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Divan Beds: Typically a premium option due to integrated storage and design features.
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Bed Frames: Often more budget-friendly and offer flexibility with different mattress supports.
Key Takeaway
Divan vs Bed Frame: Choose a divan bed if you want an all‑in‑one solution with storage and a sleek look. Opt for a traditional bed frame if you prefer a simpler, more modular approach with potential for customisation.
Storage and Customisation Options
- Divan Beds: Offer built‑in storage like pull‑out drawers or hydraulic lift‑up compartments like in ottoman beds, ideal for small rooms or those needing extra storage space.
- Bed Frames: May require additional storage furniture, but you can choose frames with integrated shelves or pairing with a box spring, depending on how much storage you need.
Key Takeaway:
Divan beds excel in integrated storage, while traditional bed frames allow you to customise with separate storage solutions. If you’re looking to free up space and create a more open feel in your room, a divan bed is a great choice.
Comfort and Support
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Divan Beds: Their upholstered base provides extra comfort, even support across the mattress, like pocket sprung and memory foam, often resulting in a softer sleeping experience.
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Bed Frames: With slats or box springs, they deliver excellent support, which can be ideal for those who prefer a more traditional sleep surface.
Key Takeaway:
If you want a firmer, consistently even sleep surface backed by a solid base, a divan with drawers is the way to go; if you prefer a less firm feel and a more traditional bed base feel, a classic bed frame may better suit your needs.
Mattress Options
A great sleep system is only as good as the mattress it supports. Pairing your new bed base with the right mattress is crucial for comfort and longevity. ComfoRest recommends several options to complement both divan beds and bed frames:
For Divan Beds:
Divan beds come with a solid, upholstered base and integrated storage, offering a uniform support surface. They pair exceptionally well with:
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Memory Foam: Provides excellent pressure relief, body contouring, and a softer sleeping surface for those who favour a cushioned feel.
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Hybrid: Combines foam cushioning with spring support for balanced comfort, making it an ideal match for the even support of a divan base.
For Bed Frames:
Traditional bed frames, which typically rely on slats or a box spring, deliver a firmer, more classic support. They work best with:
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Pocket-Sprung: Offers firm, even support with good airflow, perfect for back and stomach sleepers who appreciate a structured surface.
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Latex: Delivers natural cooling, resilient support, and is great for hot sleepers or eco-conscious buyers seeking a responsive mattress.
Key Takeaway:
Selecting the right mattress enhances your sleep quality by complementing your bed base’s unique support system. For more detailed guidance, check out our Divan Bed Mattress Buying Guide at ComfoRest.
Shop Divan Bed with Mattress
Maintenance and Durability
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Divan Beds: Divan beds require periodic cleaning of the upholstery and maintenance of storage mechanisms. Divan beds comes are built to be durable but may need occasional reupholstering, regular vacuuming, and spot cleaning.
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Bed Frames: Bed frames are generally easier to maintain with simple cleaning routines; however, the longevity depends on the quality of materials like solid wood or metal.
Key Takeaway:
Both options offer lasting value - choose based on your maintenance preferences and desired longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a divan better than a bed frame?
It depends on your needs. Divan beds offer integrated storage and a sleek, unified design that enhances support and organisation, while traditional bed frames provide basic support and can be more modular.
Is divan bed more comfortable than wooden frame?
Divan beds offer firm, even support thanks to their solid, upholstered base, creating a stable surface for your mattress. Wooden bed frames with slats or box springs can feel slightly springier and more traditional. Comfort ultimately comes down to personal preference and the mattress you choose.
Which is better for back divan or bed frame?
Divan beds often provide more even support and better back alignment because of their solid, upholstered base. However, a well-designed bed frame paired with the right mattress can also offer excellent back support. It really depends on your individual comfort needs.
Is a wooden bed frame better than a divan?
A wooden platform top bed frame can provide a classic, sturdy structure and a firm sleep surface, but it usually lacks the integrated storage and modern design features of a divan bed. The best option depends on whether you prioritise storage and a streamlined look or a traditional, robust build.
Why Choose ComfoRest for Your Divan Beds?
At ComfoRest, finding your ideal divan bed base is easy. All our beds are designed to accommodate UK standard sized mattresses.
Whether you’re after ottoman divan beds, a divan bed base for a sleek, low-profile look, or a divan bed with headboard and convenient pull-out drawers, our wide range of divan bases and storage bed frame selections offer the perfect blend of comfort and practicality.
Our divan bed set collection comes in different sizes - single divan beds, small double, double, king size, and super king - all with divan drawers storage options or with a mattress included to tailor to your needs.
Prefer single foot end drawer, four drawers, two drawers on one side, two or four storage drawers, one on each side? We’ve got it covered. We even offer continental storage options with smaller drawers for those with winged headboards and bedside tables.
Discover more in our Divan Bases Collection
Upgrade Your Sleep with ComfoRest
Explore our wide selection of high-quality ottoman beds, divan bed bases, and divan bed sets with built in storage space. All our divan beds feature elegant finishes and practical storage solutions that fit seamlessly into your bedroom and guest rooms.
With a range of sizes, different divan bed styles, different colours, storage options, and divan bed frame designs to choose from, there’s something to suit every home and lifestyle. Sweet dreams start with ComfoRest!