Bed Buying Guide
Sleep Better Tonight: Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Bed
Buying a new bed can be exciting, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many types, sizes and features to choose from, finding the perfect bed may feel daunting. A good bed, however, is essential for a restful night’s sleep — which is vital for your health and well‑being. Our Bed Buying Guide covers everything you need to make an informed choice, from selecting the right bed size and type to understanding different materials and important features. Whether you’re looking for a budget‑friendly option or a long‑lasting luxury bed, this guide has you covered. Let’s find your dream bed!
When should I replace my bed?
It’s time to consider replacing your bed when it no longer gives the comfort or support needed for a good night’s sleep. Bed lifespan depends on material quality and maintenance, but a general guideline is to consider replacement every 7–10 years. You might need a new bed if you notice:
- Back or joint pain: Waking up sore or experiencing discomfort at night — a sign the bed may lack proper support.
- Visible wear and tear: Sagging, lumps, or structural wear show your bed is past its best.
- Loss of comfort: Tossing and turning or difficulty getting comfortable — the bed may no longer meet your needs.
- Poor sleep quality: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or restless nights can indicate it’s time for a replacement.
What are the different types of bed frames?
Bed frames come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different spaces and needs. Below are standard UK bed frame sizes — each linking to a selection of matching frames on our site:
- Small Single (75 cm × 190 cm)
- Single (90 cm × 190 cm)
- Small Double (120 cm × 190 cm)
- Double (135 cm × 190 cm)
- King Size (150 cm × 200 cm)
- Super King (180 cm × 200 cm)
When deciding on a bed frame, consider the size of your bedroom and the space you need for comfortable sleeping. Also think about the style and material of the frame to ensure it suits your décor and preferences. Finally, choose a mattress that fits the frame properly to guarantee support and comfort. Explore our full range of bed frames — including divan beds, ottoman beds, and standard frames — to find the perfect match for your bedroom.
Popular types of bed frames
What are the Benefits of a Divan Bed?
Divan beds are a popular choice for many reasons, combining comfort, style, and practicality. Here are the main advantages of choosing a divan bed:
- Storage Space: Many divan beds come with built-in storage options such as drawers or ottomans, providing extra space for bedding, clothes, or other items. They are ideal for smaller bedrooms or rooms with limited storage.
- Comfort: Divan beds typically offer a comfortable sleeping experience thanks to their supportive bases and a variety of mattress options. The sturdy base provides a strong foundation, helping ensure a good night's sleep.
- Durability: Designed to last, divan beds often feature robust materials such as wood or metal. High-quality mattresses combined with a solid base make them a long-term investment for your bedroom.
- Style: Divan beds are available in a wide range of styles, colours, and upholstery options, from classic fabrics to modern patterns. This makes it easy to find one that complements your bedroom décor and personal taste.
- Versatility: Suitable for bedrooms of all sizes and for sleepers of all ages, divan beds can be used in master bedrooms, guest rooms, or children’s rooms. They also pair perfectly with headboards to create a stylish and comfortable sleeping area.
Types of Divan Bed Feet
Divan beds come with different types of feet, which can influence both the look and functionality of your bed. Here are some of the most common types of divan bed feet:
- Wooden Feet: Traditional wooden feet are available in a variety of finishes, including natural wood, painted, or stained options. They add a classic touch to your divan bed.
- Chrome Feet: Sleek and modern, chrome feet provide a minimalist and contemporary look to your divan bed.
- Castors: Small wheels attached to the base, making it easy to move your divan bed around the room. Castors are typically made of metal or plastic and are ideal for flexible room layouts.
- Glides: Stable, low-profile feet that keep your divan bed sturdy and in place. Glides are usually made of metal or plastic and come in various shapes and sizes.
- Ottoman Feet: Specifically designed for ottoman divan beds with lift-up storage, these feet support the mechanism and can be found in wooden, chrome, or plastic finishes. Explore our ottoman beds for more options.
Base Only
Crafted from sustainable solid timber and available in various upholstery styles, our divan bases are designed to complement your ideal mattress. When choosing your perfect base, consider your storage needs and whether you prefer wheels or castors for added convenience.
Divan Sets
We've made it easy for you by pairing our best-selling mattresses with our top divan bases for the perfect combination of comfort and support. Our collection of divan bed sets is an ideal choice for upgrading your bedroom, enhancing both your sleep quality and overall relaxation.
What Storage Options do Divan Beds have?
Standard bed drawers are a stylish and practical storage solution. They effortlessly slide out from under your bed on rails and come in pairs, making them perfect for corner or wall placement.
With Continental drawers, you get a large and a small drawer that allow you to keep a bedside table next to your bed while still providing easy access to all the storage space under your bed.
The ultimate secret storage solution. The ottoman has heaps of hidden storage space that is easily accessible by simply lifting up the mattress. Perfect for storing all of those bedroom essentials.
This bed storage option has a sliding door, usually located at the foot of double or larger beds and at the side for single beds. It's ideal for small spaces where pull-out drawers may not be feasible.
The hideaway is an open space storage option beneath the bed that's covered with fabric. It provides more storage space than conventional drawers, making it suitable for bulkier items.
What headboard options are available for divan beds?
There are a variety of headboard options available for divan beds, including:
Upholstered headboards: These are fabric-covered headboards that can come in a range of colors and designs. They offer a soft and comfortable surface to lean against while sitting up in bed.
Wooden headboards: These are made from wood and come in a variety of styles and finishes. They are durable and add a classic and traditional touch to a room.
Metal Headboards: These are headboards made from metal and come in a range of styles, from sleek and modern to more traditional designs. They are typically lightweight and easy to clean.
Wall-mounted headboards: These are headboards that are attached directly to the wall rather than the bed. They can be customised to any size or shape and offer a minimalist and modern look.
Floor standing headboards: These headboards are tall and extend all the way to the floor, providing a statement piece for your bedroom.
Strutted headboards: These are that are mounted on struts or legs and sit above the bed, offering a contemporary look.
Bookcase Headboards: These are headboards with built-in shelves and compartments for storing books, lamps, and other bedside essentials.
Types of Divan Bed Feet
Divan beds come with different types of feet, which can influence both the look and functionality of your bed. Here are some of the most common types of divan bed feet:
- Wooden Feet: Traditional wooden feet are available in a variety of finishes, including natural wood, painted, or stained options. They add a classic touch to your divan bed and are compatible with all bed sizes, including Small Single, Single, Small Double, Double, King, and Super King.
- Chrome Feet: Sleek and modern, chrome feet provide a minimalist and contemporary look to your divan bed, perfect for modern bedrooms.
- Castors: Small wheels attached to the base, making it easy to move your divan bed around the room. Castors are typically made of metal or plastic and are ideal for flexible room layouts.
- Glides: Stable, low-profile feet that keep your divan bed sturdy and in place. Glides are usually made of metal or plastic and come in various shapes and sizes.
FAQs
A divan bed has a solid base that provides support for the mattress, while a regular bed frame typically includes a slatted base or a more open design. Divans are often lower to the ground and offer more storage options, whereas traditional frames may have a more decorative or structured appearance.
Yes, you can attach a headboard to most divan beds. Many divan bed bases are designed with headboard fixing bolts, allowing you to easily attach a compatible headboard. When selecting a headboard, make sure it is suitable for the divan bed base and matches your bed's size. Some headboards may require additional fixings or specific designs for secure attachment, so always check the manufacturer's instructions for compatibility.
Yes, divan beds are generally easy to assemble. They typically come in two parts - the base and the mattress - and are simple to set up. Most divan beds come with clear instructions and require minimal tools, making the process straightforward for most people.
Divan beds come in a variety of sizes to suit different needs. The most common sizes are:
- Single (90 x 190cm)
- Small Double (120 x 190cm)
- Double (135 x 190cm)
- King (150 x 200cm)
- Super King (180 x 200cm)
No, not all divan beds come with storage options. However, many divan beds are available with built-in storage options like drawers or a lift-up base. If storage is important to you, look for models that specifically mention storage features, such as divans with drawer storage or ottoman-style bases.
Divan beds are typically sold as a base only, meaning the mattress is sold separately. However, many retailers offer divan bed and mattress bundles, where the base comes with a mattress that is pre-selected to fit. Be sure to check the product description to see if the mattress is included or needs to be purchased separately.
Yes, divan beds are generally very sturdy. They are made with a solid wooden or metal frame and provide excellent support for both the mattress and sleeper. The base is designed to be durable and long-lasting, ensuring stability and strength.
Yes, divan beds are suitable for children, especially if you're looking for extra storage space for toys, clothes, or bedding. The solid base of a divan provides excellent support, and the low height is often safer for younger children. Just make sure to choose a mattress appropriate for your child's age and size.
