Summer Refresh: Choosing the Perfect Divan Bed for Your Bedroom

As those warm sunny days roll in, it’s the perfect moment to upgrade your sleep sanctuary. A plush new divan is just the ticket for creating an ultra-comfy yet ultra-chic bedroom retreat to help you fully relax and recharge all summer long.

Room to stretch out 

When sizing up divans, don’t just eyeball standard mattress dimensions. Factor in additional width to sprawl out blissfully—that 15cm step up from a double divan bed to a king size divan bed is basically like snagging an extra person’s space for yourself on the diagonal. 

For singles looking to finally graduate from that cramped childhood twin bed, a lush 120cm small double divan bed is a gloriously roomy upgrade over a 90cm single – petite couples can also get by with a small double just fine. 

Low and loungy or upright ease

Pondering base height makes all the difference in daily bed experiences. Lower divans lend that chill, sunken-in vibe where you can lounge effortlessly. But if mobility is a consideration, go for a taller waist-height base that’s easier to slide in and out of.

A low-profile divan epitomises cosy lounging—whether you are habit-scrolling on your tablet, bingeing a new streaming obsession, or getting lost in a juicy novel’s pages while lying front-and-centre enveloped in pillowy softness.

Pictured: Giltedge Beds Half Opening 4FT 6 Double Ottoman Base. Priced £358 (Save £72 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.

But if mobility poses a challenge, a taller, waist-height divan base provides blessed accessibility. Rather than grinding through up-and-down workout routines to get into bed, you can perch on the higher mattress edge and swivel in with relative ease.

Base or base + headboard

While a simple divan base trims 10cm off your overall bed length footprint (key for snug rooms), springing for a base-and-headboard combo piles on the style points. 

A simple divan base ensures you can waltz through tight spaces with ample walking room around the bed – perfect when every centimetre counts.

Upholstered headboard wings or dramatic floor-length headboards beckon you to sink back into pure cloud-like comfort as you read or veg out streaming shows.

Pictured: Sweet Dreams Ottowa 4FT 6 Double Fabric Headboard. Priced £298 (Save £60 on RRP)

Soft surroundings

Cosy up your divan bed with ultra-cuddly fabrics that turn your sleep sanctuary into an irresistible nest. Nubby, nap-worthy teddy bear upholsteries envelop you in sumptuous, bear-hug softness – like burrowing into your favourite chunky knit blanket fresh from the dryer. Each time you slide between the sheets, you’re met with a welcoming texture and cushiony warmth that beckons for indulgent weekend lie-ins.

For those who prize relaxed yet refined comfort, divan bases swathed in nubbly linen weaves or touchable textured cottons are ideal. The natural fibres add organic dimension with their delicate knots and clubby irregularities, keeping things feeling laidback and liveable.

For a more contemporary take on indulgence, faux leathers seduce with their buttery hand and a slight sheen. The smooth, supple upholstery maintains that au courant edginess while still being warm and inviting to the touch.

Stash space solution

Most divans offer the option of built-in storage drawers (two or four at the sides or foot end), perfectly camouflaged to blend right into the frame.  

Drawers are ingenious for squirrelling away extra bedding, off-season wardrobe overflow, and other bits and bobs hanging around. You’ll pay an extra £50 to £120 for drawers – worth it if you don’t have space for a drawer chest. 

Value without sacrificing quality

You can easily outfit your sleeping quarters with a dream divan bed without blowing the budget. Many well-constructed bases with cosy fabric cost under £300 for doubles, and you will spend around £350 for a king.

Pictured: Giltedge Beds 5FT King size Divan Base. Priced £259 (Save £130 on RRP) Available from Bedstar

Stepping up from there, expect to invest around £500 for all the bells and whistles—sturdy construction, upscale upholstery, functional drawers, and a striking headboard.

With all their comfort-driven features and decorative versatility, 2024’s divan beds effortlessly transition your bedroom into a contemporary cocoon of tranquillity all summer long. Why wait to elevate your sleep-and-lounge game?