Why measuring for a divan bed matters
Choosing the correct mattress size is only part of getting the right bed. A divan also needs enough space around it for drawers to open, people to walk around the bed and doors, wardrobes and other furniture to remain usable.
You also need to think beyond the bedroom. A bed that fits comfortably into the room may still be difficult to deliver if it cannot pass through the front door, hallway, stairs, landing or bedroom doorway.
The 4 measurements you need
1. Bed footprint
Measure the full floor area the divan will occupy, including its length and width.
2. Drawer clearance
Allow enough open space for every drawer to extend without hitting walls, furniture or other obstacles.
3. Room circulation
Check that there is enough usable space to walk around the bed and access other furniture.
4. Delivery route
Measure the route from outside your home to the bedroom, including doors, halls, stairs and tight turns.
1. Measure the bed footprint
Start with the actual floor space available for the bed. Measure the bedroom rather than relying on memory or assuming your existing bed is the same size as the new one.
BED FOOTPRINT
Measure the width and length of the complete divan base, not simply the mattress dimensions. The overall dimensions can vary depending on the particular bed design, upholstery and construction.
If the divan has a headboard, remember that the headboard may extend beyond the base. Check the product dimensions before deciding exactly where the bed will sit.
Check the space for your chosen bed size
Bed sizes are standardised around mattress dimensions, but the complete bed can occupy slightly more space. Use the manufacturer's stated dimensions when planning your room.
| Bed size | Typical mattress size | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 190 cm | Usually easier to position, but drawer and walking space can still be limited in smaller rooms. |
| Small Double | 120 × 190 cm | Check both sides carefully if you want drawers accessible from either side. |
| Double | 135 × 190 cm | Allow additional room around the sides and foot of the bed for circulation. |
| King | 150 × 200 cm | Check the full room layout before choosing a storage configuration. |
| Super King | 180 × 200 cm | The larger footprint makes clearance and delivery measurements especially important. |
2. Measure drawer clearance
A divan can fit into a room but still be unsuitable if its drawers cannot open fully. This is one of the most important differences between measuring for a standard bed and measuring for a storage divan.
ALLOW SPACE IN FRONT OF THE DRAWER
When measuring, open the drawer on your existing bed if possible and measure how far it extends. Then check what would occupy that area on the new bed.
Consider wardrobes, bedside tables, chests of drawers, radiators, doors and other furniture. A drawer needs usable space in front of it — not simply a few centimetres of empty floor.
Measure differently for different storage options
2 drawers
Check which side the drawers open from. A wall or wardrobe on that side can make the storage difficult or impossible to use.
4 drawers
With drawers on both sides, measure both sides of the bed. Do not assume that because one side has clearance, the other side will too.
Continental drawers
Check the position of the larger and smaller drawers and how they interact with bedside tables and surrounding furniture.
3. Measure room circulation
The remaining floor space is just as important as the bed footprint. You need to be able to get into bed, move around the room and access other furniture without constantly squeezing past the bed.
ROOM CIRCULATION
Think about more than walking around the bed
Can they fit without blocking drawers or making the route around the bed too narrow?
Can wardrobe doors open fully without hitting the bed?
Does the door still open properly once the bed is positioned?
Avoid planning the bed where it interferes with access to windows, heating controls or ventilation.
Measure the room before choosing where the bed goes
Measure the room's length and width, then mark the proposed bed footprint on the floor. You can use masking tape, newspaper or cardboard to create a full-size outline.
This is particularly useful for larger divans. A king or super king may technically fit in a bedroom but leave much less usable space around it than a double.
4. Measure the delivery route
A bed can fit perfectly in the bedroom and still be difficult to deliver. Before ordering, trace the complete route from the point of delivery to the room where the bed will be assembled or positioned.
Front door
Measure the clear opening, not just the door itself. Remember to account for door frames and anything restricting the opening.
Hallways
Check narrow sections and measure at the tightest point, especially where the route turns.
Stairs
Measure stair width, landings and the space available to turn larger bed components.
Bedroom doorway
Measure the clear doorway width and check whether the bed sections can be manoeuvred into the room.
Don't forget tight turns
The narrowest part of a delivery route is not always a doorway. A hallway corner, stair landing, low ceiling or awkward turn can be the real restriction. Measure the route as a three-dimensional space rather than checking door widths alone.
Your delivery-route checklist
DOOR
LANDING
DOOR
POSITION
What to measure before ordering
Bedroom
- Room length
- Room width
- Available bed footprint
- Ceiling height where relevant
Around the bed
- Side clearance
- Foot-end clearance
- Drawer opening space
- Bedside table position
Delivery route
- External access
- Doorway widths
- Hallway widths
- Stairs and landings
- Tight corners and turns
Common measuring mistakes
Measuring only the mattress
The mattress size does not always tell you the complete footprint of the divan, headboard or other components.
Ignoring drawers
A storage bed needs room to open. Measure the drawer operating area as well as the bed itself.
Forgetting furniture doors
Wardrobe and cupboard doors need their own opening space. Check how they interact with the new bed.
Checking only the bedroom
The bed has to reach the bedroom first. Measure the complete delivery route before ordering.
Divan bed measuring checklist
Use the manufacturer's complete bed dimensions.
Make sure every drawer can open and be used comfortably.
Leave practical space to walk around the bed and use other furniture.
Make sure doors, wardrobes and drawers can still open.
Check the actual clear opening available for delivery.
Check the narrowest sections and any tight turns.
Consider both width and manoeuvring space.
Check the exact dimensions and storage configuration before ordering.
Once you've measured, choose the right divan
Your room measurements can help you decide not just which bed size fits, but which storage configuration makes the most sense for the space.
Read the Divan Bed Buying GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Should I measure the mattress or the divan?
Measure the complete divan footprint for room planning. Mattress dimensions are useful for identifying the bed size, but the base and headboard can affect the overall space required.
How much space should I leave around a divan bed?
There is no single clearance that works for every bedroom. The practical amount depends on the room layout, furniture, bed size and storage configuration. Prioritise a clear route around the bed and enough space for drawers to open fully.
Do I need extra space for divan drawers?
Yes. Drawer storage needs usable floor space in front of each drawer. If a drawer opens towards a wall, wardrobe or bedside table, check that it can still be opened and used.
Can I put a divan against a wall?
You can position a divan against a wall, but check the storage configuration first. Side drawers may need clearance on the side facing the wall, while other configurations may be better suited to tighter layouts.
What should I measure for bed delivery?
Measure the complete route to the bedroom, including the entrance, doors, hallways, stairs, landings and tight corners. Check the narrowest points rather than only measuring the largest areas.
Why might a bed fit in my bedroom but not be deliverable?
The bedroom is only the final destination. Large bed components may need to pass through narrow doorways, hallways, staircases or corners before they reach the room. Measuring the route in advance helps identify potential access problems.
More Bed Buying Guides
Measure first. Order with confidence.
Check the bed footprint, drawer clearance, room circulation and delivery route before choosing your new divan bed.
Explore Help & Advice