Assemble a Divan Bed | Guide (UK Edition)
Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Divan beds are a classic favourite in bedrooms throughout the UK. Not just simple to assemble, but they’re also sensible, with built-in storage and robust support for your mattress. If you’ve just bought one, you may be thinking: how do I assemble it? Don’t worry, this guide will take you through each step, and will also provide some useful information on selecting the most suitable mattress for your new bed.
Where to Find Your Divan Bed Instructions
Your divan bed instructions are first to be found within the packaging. The majority of manufacturers provide a printed leaflet or booklet with easy-to-follow assembly steps. The instructions themselves tend to be easy to follow, as divan beds are one of the easiest forms of bed bases to assemble.
If you can’t locate the paper instructions, look on the retailer’s website or in the manufacturer’s online support area. Some brands now provide downloadable PDFs or even video guides. You can also look at our bed guides, which include everything from assembly tips to mattress suggestions.
Tip: Keep your instruction leaflet safe, in case you need it again if you ever move house and need to reassemble the bed.
How to Assemble a Divan Bed (Step-by-Step Guidance)
Perhaps the greatest thing about divan beds is just how easy they are to put together. Unlike flat-pack furniture, you get to enjoy most of the hard work out of the way at the factory. Here’s an easy step-by-step tutorial:
- Carefully Unpack
Begin by unpacking all packaging materials and placing the parts tidily on the floor. A typical divan bed usually comes in two halves separately, along with a headboard (if bought), legs or castors, and joining clips or bars. Ensure all components match the parts list of the instruction leaflet. It is advisable to have scissors or a pocket knife near at hand when cutting packaging tape, but not so as to cut the fabric or edges of your new bed base.
- Fit the Feet or Castors
Turn each half of the divans over so the bottom is facing up. Find the pre-drilled holes where the feet or castors will fit. Most castors just slide in, but a few legs might have to be screwed or twisted in. Push or screw each one in until they feel tight—loose connections will lead to wobbling later. When all four are fixed to both halves, carefully tip the bases the right way again so they stand on their bases.
- Position the Bases
Put the two halves of the divan into the space in your bedroom where you’d like your bed to be positioned. Have a small gap on the sides to provide room for adjustment when putting them together. Ensure that the head of the bed aligns with the wall, particularly if you intend to include a headboard afterwards. Check at this point to ensure that both halves are level side by side.
- Join the Two Halves
Most divan beds have metal joining clips or bars that are used to hold the two parts together. These may be secured at the sides or along the bottom of the frame, depending on the design. Screw or slot the clips into position as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Once assembled, the bases should be one solid piece, making it impossible for them to separate when in use. Check and make sure that all is properly aligned and the edges of both halves are in line with each other.
- Install the Mattress
Finally, lift your mattress onto the completed divan base. Make sure it’s centered and lying flat, with no gaps or unevenness along the edges. If you’ve also purchased a headboard, now is a good time to attach it using the bolts and fittings provided. Once everything is in place, your divan bed is ready to use, time to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep on your new setup!
What to Do Before Joining Two Halves of a Divan Bed Together
Prior to fixing the two halves of your divan bed together, there are some crucial checks to perform:
- Check alignment: Make sure both halves are the correct way round, with any storage drawers (if fitted) accessible from your preferred side of the room.
- Check the connecting clips: Ensure that the clips or linking bars are present and undamaged. Without them, the bed will tend to slide apart when in use.
- Floor protection: If you have laminate or wood flooring, place felt pads underneath the castors to prevent scratching.
- Measure your space: Double-check the bed fits comfortably in your chosen spot, especially if you’re setting up in a tight room or loft conversion.
By taking a few minutes to check these points, you’ll save yourself the hassle of undoing and redoing your assembly later.
Mattress Tips: Choosing the Perfect Match for Your Divan Bed
Matching your divan base with the appropriate mattress is equally as crucial as the assembly process itself. Divan beds have been developed to offer even support, so they suit a wide range of mattresses. The following are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Pocket sprung mattresses pair wonderfully with divan bases, providing a combination of comfort and support.
- If you want something easier to move, a memory foam mattress is less weighty when rotating or cleaning.
- For guest rooms or occasional use, an affordable open coil mattress may be a convenient option.
Explore our full range of mattresses to discover the one that suits your comfort needs and sleeping style best.
Looking for a New Divan Bed?
If you’re still deciding on the right bed for your home, divan beds are a fantastic option. They’re versatile, easy to assemble, and available with useful storage drawers to help keep your bedroom clutter-free.
Explore our latest divan bed collection today and find a design that combines comfort, style, and practicality
