Good news: a divan bed is one of the easiest beds to put together. Most take between 20 and 45 minutes, and you only need a few basic tools. In this guide we explain how to assemble a divan bed step by step, including how to join a two-piece base, fit the feet, attach a headboard and set up a gas-lift ottoman divan safely.

New to divans? Start with our guide: What Is a Divan Bed?

What you will need

• The fixings supplied with your bed (keep them in a bowl so nothing gets lost)
• A cross-head screwdriver
• An Allen key or spanner, if included
• A second person, especially for king size and super king beds
• A soft blanket or rug to protect the fabric and your floor while you work

Before you start

• Measure your room and doorways. Check the base will fit through doors and up the stairs. Larger divans often come in two halves to make this easier.
• Clear the space. Remove the old bed and give yourself room to turn the base on its side.
• Unpack carefully. Use scissors gently so you don't cut the fabric, and check every part against the instructions.
• Read the instructions. Each design is slightly different. The steps below are a general guide, so always follow the instructions that come with your bed.

How to put a divan bed together: 6 steps

Step 1: Bring the base into the bedroom

Carry each part of the base into the room where the bed will stay. Divan bases are heavy, so lift with a partner and keep your back straight. Assembling in the bedroom means you won't have to move the finished bed through a doorway.

Step 2: Fit the feet or castors

Turn each section of the base on its side on a soft blanket. Screw the feet or castors into the pre-drilled points underneath. Hand-tighten them so they are firm, but don't over-tighten, as this can damage the thread.

Step 3: Join the two halves of the base

If your divan comes in two halves, stand them upright and push them together so the edges line up. Connect them using the clips, bolts or zip supplied. The two halves should sit level, with no gap or step in the middle.

Step 4: Set up the ottoman mechanism (storage divans only)

On a gas-lift ottoman divan, the top of the base lifts up on gas struts so you can reach the storage inside. Follow the instructions exactly when fitting or checking the struts.

• Keep fingers clear of the hinges and struts at all times.
• Only test the lift once the bed is fully assembled.
• The lift is designed to work with a mattress on top. Without the mattress's weight, the lid may spring up quickly.

All our divan beds with storage use a gas-lift ottoman base with up to 30cm of deep storage.

Step 5: Attach or position the headboard

There are two common types of divan headboard:

• Bolt-on headboards attach to the back of the base with bolts or struts. Line up the holes, insert the bolts and tighten them by hand first, then with the tool provided.
• Floor-standing headboards stand on the floor behind the bed rather than bolting on. Place the headboard against the wall, then push the base back so it sits snugly in front. Many of our divans, including The Ritz Divan Bed and The Balmoral Divan Bed, come with a tall 130cm floor-standing headboard.

Step 6: Add the mattress

Remove all packaging from the mattress and lay it centrally on the base. If it arrived rolled or vacuum-packed, unroll it on the bed and give it time to expand fully before sleeping on it. Then make the bed and you're done.

Common problems and quick fixes

• The bed wobbles: check every foot is screwed in fully and the floor underneath is level.
• There is a gap between the two halves: loosen the connectors, push the halves firmly together, then tighten again.
• The ottoman lid won't stay up or close: make sure the mattress is on the base and the struts are fitted the right way round, as shown in the instructions.
• The headboard is loose: re-tighten the bolts, or for a floor-standing headboard, push the base back so it holds the headboard against the wall.
• The bed squeaks: tighten all fixings and check nothing is rubbing against the wall or the headboard.

Safety tips

• Always use two people to lift and turn the base.
• Keep children and pets away while you assemble, especially around ottoman mechanisms.
• Don't stand on the base to reach anything.
• Check the fixings every few months and tighten them if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to assemble a divan bed?

Most divan beds take 20 to 45 minutes. An ottoman divan with a headboard may take a little longer.

Can one person put a divan bed together?

A single divan can sometimes be assembled alone, but for doubles, king size and super king beds you should always have two people, as the base is heavy.

Do divan beds need tools?

Usually only a screwdriver and the Allen key or spanner supplied with the bed.

Can I take a divan bed apart to move it?

Yes. Simply reverse the steps: remove the mattress, detach the headboard, separate the two halves and unscrew the feet.

Shop divan beds

Looking for a new divan? Browse our divan beds with storage, handmade to order in the UK, such as The Lowry Divan Bed and The Westminster Divan Bed. Need just the base? See our divan base, and complete your bed with one of our mattresses, discounted when bought with a bed.