Divan Bed, Bedstead or Storage Bed: How Do You Choose?

Given that we spend almost a third of our lives sleeping, shopping for a new bed requires careful consideration. There’s lots of information out there about finding the right mattress, but there’s not so much on offer about the bed frame itself. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s only your mattress that matters when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. A good bed starts with a decent bed frame. The bed base you choose is just as important as the mattress.

So, with so many different types of bed to choose from, how do you know which type of bed frame is best for you. The different types of bed frame include adjustable beds, waterbeds, folding beds, trundle beds, daybeds, 4-poster beds, canopy beds, futons, cabin beds, bunk beds, and cot beds. Here we concentrate on the 3 main styles of bed frame, which can be categorised as divans, bedsteads or storage beds.

I’ve put together a quick buyers’ guide to help you decide which bed frame is right for you and your home.

The low-down on Divans

Divans are the most popular bedframe in the UK. Essentially, a divan bed consists of a simple, but sturdy wooden frame, covered in material (upholstered). Most divan beds come with castors, meaning they are easily manoeuvrable, and divan beds larger than 3ft are usually built in two sections, making them easy to manoeuvre and get into most property types.

Divans come in a variety of fabrics, with a range of storage solutions and can be customised with headboards and various platforms. Platforms include sprung-top divans, which have a layer of open coil or pocket springs to give extra support, and some have a layer of padding to make the base firmer. Divans also come in a wide range of sizes and heights, making them a popular bed choice for those who need shorter or longer length beds, or find it harder to get in an out of low beds. Electrically adjustable divans can even help you get out of bed in the morning.

Divan beds work particularly well in smaller bedrooms as they take up less space than a bedstead. With divans, the base is the same size as the mattress, whereas besteads tend to be larger. Divan bases can be purchased separately, or paired with a mattress of your choice. If you want to know more about divan beds, speak to a bed expert, such as Snug Interiors.

The heads up on Bedsteads

Bedsteads are slatted frames (as opposed to the solid frame of a divan) and are generally made from either metal or wood. A bedstead consists of a frame, legs and a headboard. Ranging from simple pine frames to 4-posters, bedsteads are definitely the most decorative option when it comes to bedframes. Sleigh beds and 4-posters take up the most space, and only really work in larger bedrooms. You’ll also need to consider the height of your ceiling if you fancy a 4-poster.

The inside story on storage beds

Storage beds are as they suggest, big on storage space under the bed. They’re a bit more stylish than divans with drawers, but are heavier and more bulky to move around. Storage beds are a popular choice for small bedrooms where additional storage furniture might not fit in.

8 questions you simply must ask when purchasing a new bed

1. Does the bed come with a headboard?
2. Is the mattress included?
3. Will the bed come fully assembled, or will it require assembly?
4. Are there flexible storage options?
5. How long is the guarantee and what does it cover?
6. Is there a delivery cost?
7. How soon can you deliver my new bed?
8. Can you take my old bed away?

And don’t forget the number one rule when shopping for a new bed – try before you buy! Take more than a few minutes to test out the bedframe you like with the mattress of your choice. Try lying on the bed in the same position you sleep in for 5 minutes or so to see how comfortable it is.