It’s all about the base
Don’t be base sick
So you've found your ideal mattress. But what’s the best base for it?
Bases are usually chosen based on design and aesthetics - it’s usually a personal choice based on the style or décor of your bedroom, and they’re not generally considered to influence your sleep.
But bases can have a notable influence on how cool or hot you get at night; they can increase or decrease the firmness of your mattress, or even how long your mattress will last before it needs replacing.
Never enough storage
And then there are other things you should consider when choosing your base - mattress compatibility, size, storage, style, sturdiness, manoeuvrability - to get the best sleep out of your mattress and make the most of the limited space in your bedroom.
Divan base or bed frame?
In this guide, we’ll outline the differences between the two most popular base options - divan bases and bed frames - and explain how to choose between them.
And if we’ve missed anything, feel free to send us a question on the Questions and Answers page.
Everything you need to know about bed bases
What’s a divan base?
Divans are the type of bed where the base looks like a fabric-covered box. They tend to come with options such as drawers, ottoman storage and sprung bases. In most cases, they also have castors or small feet. The headboard is optional and interchangeable.
What’s a bed frame?
Bed frames are the classic bed look. They can be metal, wood, fabric and leather, they tend to be more pleasing to the eye and have a bigger footprint than a divan. They come in all shapes and sizes. The headboard is normally part of the frame.
Divan bases vs. bed frames
People tend to make the choice between divan bases and bed frames for different reasons.
In this comparison, we’ll compare both base types head to head in terms of support, size, storage, personalisation, and manoeuvrability, to see which comes out best for you.
Support & Comfort
The most popular type of bed base, the divan base, is the better choice for people who prefer a sturdier feel - the mattress placed on top of it will have the ultimate deciding factor, but bases do influence the overall support and comfort of your bed. The wooden top of a divan base provides a sturdy strong surface for your mattress; it’s a tried-and-tested design that just works.
Bed frames have a more open structure and generally aren’t as sturdy as divan bases; but they do have one strong advantage in providing comfort.
Because of their open sides and slatted base architecture, bed frames encourage air to circulate through and around your mattress, thus enhancing the breathability of your mattress and helping to reduce overheating while you sleep. This “air circulation” effect of bed frames can also be better for people who suffer from allergies.
Bed frames do have some compatibility issues though. Some mattresses aren’t suitable for slatted bases – foam (spring-free) mattresses ideally need a flat level surface and if the slats are too far apart (say, more than 9cm apart) you’ll feel the gaps through the mattress, leading to restless and uncomfortable sleep.
Most mid-range to top range bed frames have sprung (curved) slats in bed which provide some extra cushioned softer comfort and can extend the lifespan of the mattress, thanks to the extra springs taking some of the load.. Cheaper bed frames usually have solid straight wooden slats which provide a firmer base. There’s no industry standard when it comes to slat sizes or design so this can be a bit of a gamble.
Divan bases can enhance the physical comfort and support of your mattress, in comparison to bed frames. Divan bases are generally built to an industry standard and are robust pieces of furniture, whereas bed frames, because they’re available in infinite shapes, sizes, and budgets, can vary massively in quality and may have some compatibility issues with your mattress. Bed frames do have a more open architecture though which is great for improving air circulation; a big advantage if you’re a hot sleeper.
WINNER: Divan bases
Size
Divans are sturdy wooden boxes encased in fabric. They’re usually just one box for a single bed or in two sections joined together for double and bigger sizes.
Divan bases take up less room than bed frames as they have the same width and length dimensions as the mattress. There are no bits that stick out, so they help you to maximise the available space in your bedroom.
Whereas bed frames can tend to take up much more valuable space because of bedposts, side-rails, headboards and foot-ends. A double bed frame generally takes up more space than a double divan bed.
But while generally taking up more room, bed frames can give the illusion of having more space in your room because of their open sides and slatted base architecture.
There’s no contest here; divan bases are more compact than the equivalent sized bed frames. They’re built to industry-standard sizes so you know exactly what you’re getting. And this can be particularly advantageous if you are positioning the bed between fitted wardrobes or in a smaller room.
WINNER: Divan bases
Personalisation & Style
Bed frames are generally about style. You can get them in an infinite array of designs and styles - from sleigh beds, TV beds, fairytale four-posters, adjustable bed frames etc. From traditional oak and antique brass to leather-clad and plush velvet, the options are almost endless.
Bed frames can be a bold focal point to a bedroom’s interior styling, and with such infinite possibilities, you can get the look you really want.
Divan bases are not generally thought to be as aesthetically pleasing.
But modern divan bases are available in wide ranges of fabrics and colours designed to be seen in all their glory; no need for old-fashioned frilly sheets.
The main aspect of a divan base that is eye-catching and customisable is the headboard. Again, there are endless options with headboards in terms of style, materials and colours; you can choose the mix and match the style of headboard you want to add to your divan base. Plus, because headboards can be replaced easily, you can change the aesthetics of your bed at a lower cost without having to change the whole bed base.
Again, no contest here. With an almost infinite range of styles, colours and materials, bed frames definitely offer the best choice for customising your bed. Divan bases have a wide range of colour options and headboard styles, plus the option to interchange your headboard regularly.
WINNER: Bed frames
Storage
Most divan bases offer ample internal storage, neatly hidden away, either the form of pull-out side drawers or a gas-powered lift-up ottoman; and they’re usually available in several options to find the best one for you.
This helps to keep your sleeping space tidy and clutter-free. It’s like having an extra hidden chest of drawers or wardrobe for clothes, shoes, or extra bedding. You can find some bed frames with storage options though.
With most open side bed frames you can store things underneath and there’s technically more space than a divan drawer as you have the whole floor space under the bed, but it is in a more visible way rather than the hidden storage of divan bases. Storing items under your bed frame can end up looking messy and chaotic if you don’t keep an eye on it.
With the range of storage options available; storage that is cleanly hidden away to keep your sleeping space less cluttered and busy looking without taking up any extra space in your bedroom, divan bases are the best choice for storage.
WINNER: Divan bases
Manoeuvrability
If you have narrow hallways, doors, staircases, or live in an apartment block, you might find it difficult to get the two halves of a divan base delivered into your bedroom. In contrast, most bed frames are flat packed, making it easier to squeeze into and out of small spaces.
But assembling and disassembling a bed frame can be hard work. They are usually split into multiple sections that come with a 100-page leaflet to tell you which of the 100 bolts and screws you need to set it up. Bed frames can be intensive in terms of assembly, and getting it wrong could impact the integrity of your bed base.
Divan bases are usually delivered in two halves that simply clip together, ensuring they’re sturdy and ready to use. Their simple box shape makes them easy to transport (assuming no space issues), and no dismantling challenges, which is handy when you’re moving house or decorating your room. Plus it also ensures your base remains intact and doesn’t lose its sturdiness.
But you will have to move the whole bed when you want to vacuum beneath a divan base, and if the drawers are full of stuff that might not always be easy.
Divan bases may have some delivery challenges if the space to your bedroom is limited, whereas most bed frames are flat packed and easy to get into your desired room.
WINNER: Bed frames
Overall Winner - DIVAN BASES
Divan bases can enhance the physical comfort and support of your mattress, in comparison to bed frames. Divan bases are generally built to an industry standard and are usually robust pieces of furniture that have been tried and tested for generations; whereas bed frames, because they’re available in infinite shapes, sizes, and budgets, can vary massively in quality, robustness and may have some compatibility issues with your mattress.
However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal choice and what advantages are right for you. When considering which bed you are going to choose it always pays to think carefully about your needs and your sleeping space. Don’t be a follower if it is not right for you.
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