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When deciding the perfect base for your bed, the debate between a more conventional Bed Frame and a Divan Bed often divides opinions. Both of these wonderful bed options offer distinct advantages depending on your needs, the style you are looking to achieve, and the level of comfort you’ve been dreaming about.
Divan Beds, with their sleek and minimalist design paired with clever built-in storage space, make them great for utilising most of your bedroom space. On the other hand, Bed Frames, known for their dependability and sturdiness often do just the job, which is to provide many nights of dreamy sleep. This comparison will delve into the key differences, helping you make an informed decision on which type of bed base is right for you.
What Are Divan Beds?
Divan Beds are a type of bed base that consists of a solid rectangular frame, often upholstered in a stylish looking fabric. This bed base serves as the supporting structure for your mattress, so you can have a comfortable and flat surface to lay on at night.
Unlike conventional Bed Frames, which have slatted supports, Divan Beds feature a solid platform, often offering a firmer, more even surface, that can also prevent the mattress from sagging over time. The simplicity and streamlined design of Divan Beds make them a wise choice, fitting seamlessly into a range of bedroom aesthetics, from modern to traditional styles.
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What Are Bed Frames?
A bed frame, at its simplest, is a structural base that holds up the mattress above the floor, providing a suitable place to lay your mattress. Most Bed Frames will have at least a headboard, footboard, side rails, and some slats or some type of platform to keep the mattress in place. Unlike Divan Beds , which have a solid (divan) base, Bed Frames often come with slatted foundations that improve airflow to your mattress, prolonging its life and enhancing its breathability.
An open frame will create an illusion of space and lightness in your room, which is why it's the most versatile choice for many styles of bedrooms. What’s more, Bed Frames are available in a diverse range of styles and materials, giving you plenty of options to choose a frame that matches your bedroom style as well as your personal taste.
Divan Beds and Bed Frames each come with their own unique characteristics that make them stand out as fantastic choices. Let’s take a look at the key differences, to help you decide which type is best suited to you.
Style and Appearance
Divan Beds: If you prefer a clean, understated look, Divan Beds are a great choice. Their compact design, often upholstered in fabric, provides a seamless and cohesive appearance. Perfect for those who value simplicity and function in equal measure.
Bed Frames: Bed frames can sometimes offer more variety, with options ranging from classic wooden frames to sleek metal designs. If you want your bed to be a focal point, a bed frame can enhance the character of your room, whether you are planning for it to be the main focal point, or to seamlessly blend into the design of your bedroom.
Practicality and Storage
Divan Beds: One of the standout features of a Divan Bed is how practical the storage makes it. With built-in storage space, Divan Beds are perfect for those looking to make the very most of their space. Whether you need extra room for bedding, clothes, or other essentials, a Divan Bed helps keep your room tidy and organised.
Bed Frames: While most Bed Frames don’t come with storage space built in, the space underneath can still be put to use. Depending on the height of the frame, you can place storage boxes and blankets beneath. As a result, this makes Bed Frames a flexible option for those who prefer an open and airy look but would still benefit from storage space. You can always use the foot of the bed to have an ottoman box for example, to store all those bits and bobs you need nearby but out of sight.
Ease of Assembly and Portability
Divan Beds: Divans are well known for how easy they are to set up. Arriving in two easy to put together sections, they’re convenient for homes with tight bedroom spaces or narrow staircases. If ease of use and practicality are important to you, a divan will not let you down.
Bed Frames: Bed Frames often require a bit more effort during setup. With multiple components like slats, headboards, and side rails to put together. However, once in place, a bed frame provides a sturdy, long-lasting foundation for your mattress, promising you many nights of peaceful sleep.
Comfort and Mattress Support
Divan Beds: The sturdy, solid base of a Divan Bed provides an even, reliable support, perfect for a comfortable mattress. This design prevents sagging and ensures your mattress maintains the shape it should as time passes, offering a firmer and more supportive sleep. If you’re looking for a bed you can really rely on, a Divan Bed is a fantastic choice.
Bed Frames: On the other hand, Bed Frames typically use slats to support the mattress, and the type of slats used on any given bed frame can impact the overall comfort you feel. Solid slats provide a firmer foundation, whilst sprung slats have a slight curve to them, offering a more cushioned feel by adjusting to the movements of your body when you sleep. Whilst a traditional bed frame can be more flexible in terms of support, it's important to pair your bed frame with a mattress that you find as comfortable as it is supportive
Weighing Up Your Options When It Comes To Cost
Divan Beds: If space in your bedroom is at a premium, a Divan Bed can be a very wise investment indeed. For example, by utilising the Divan Beds built in drawers, you can save money on additional wardrobes, chest of drawers or storage boxes. Plus, let’s not forget you’re getting a bed that is as fantastic as it looks.
Bed Frames: Bed Frames vary widely in price, depending on the material and the design. Whilst there are more affordable options, Bed Frames made from premium materials, such as oak, pine, or upholstered fabrics look absolutely brilliant, as well as providing the sturdy structure your mattress needs to become a super comfortable bed.
So, Which Bed is Better for You?
The decision of a Divan Bed or a bed frame is purely subjective and depends on what suits you best, from aesthetics to budget.
Consider Your Bedroom Size and Layout
Your bedroom size and setup play a big role in the choice of bed base. Due to their space-saving design and built-in storage space, Divan Beds provide a functional way to make use of smaller spaces. The built-in drawers eliminates the need to include bulky storage furniture, keeping the room clutter-free. This makes Divan Beds perfect for a studio apartment, small bedroom, or loft room where every inch of space matters.
Bed Frames, on the other hand, can lend larger or open-plan rooms a sense of openness and visual interest. Plus, a tall headboard can further enhance the dimensions of the space for a balanced, cohesive aesthetic.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is one of the most important things to consider when choosing which bed base to go for. For households with infants or toddlers, Bed Frames with sharp edges or metal parts can be dangerous, but upholstered Divan Beds provide a softer, safer option. Conversely, if you like changing your bedroom decor regularly, a bed frame might suit you better. Both Divan Beds and Bed Frames provide flexibility to work with if your tastes or room themes change, since they have interchangeable headboards.
Consider Your Seasonal Needs
Cosy climates and seasonal changes may also affect your decision to go with a Divan Bed or bed frame. The insulated material of the upholstered base of a Divan Bed makes it warmer in the winter. The base is solid and covered with fabric to retain heat, resulting in a warmer sleeping environment, especially if you live in a climate that gets very cold in the winter.
Slatted bases are more suitable for warm spaces, whereas a frame with a solid foundation is better in a colder environment. The open design improves the airflow of the mattress, so it's cooler and more breathable — which can be more comfortable on hot and humid summer nights.
Final Words
When choosing between a Divan Bed and a bed frame, it comes down to your personal needs, what you like the look of the most, and the overall setup of your bedroom. Both come with different perks, so knowing what you value the most with both options can help you make the right decision. With cleverly in-built storage space in the form of drawers, there’s no extra furniture needed to keep your space organised.
If style and customisation are more important, though, a bed frame might be better for you. Bed Frames are available in different materials and styles, including wood or metal frames and the more decadent upholstered options. Bed Frames also tend to have more flexibility in both height and under-bed space, which can be helpful if you want to use those nifty storage bins or just prefer an open and airy feel.
Customisation isn’t exclusive to just traditional Bed Frames, though, as at Aspire Store, you can customise all of our Divan Beds to the exact fabric and colour you desire, by choosing from any of our wonderful options.
Ultimately, the right fit for your bedroom will depend on what style, shape and design works best for you. We recommend choosing a Divan Bed if you need additional storage and enjoy the clever space-saving design. However, if you’re not in need of the additional storage space, and still want a supportive and dependable frame for your mattress, a traditional bed frame could well be the way to go.
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of beds, check out our ultimate bed guide—your go-to resource for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about beds.