To get a divan bed up narrow stairs, take it upstairs in pieces: carry the mattress first, then each half of the divan base on its side, and the headboard last. Before delivery, measure the narrowest point of your stairs, the tightest turn and the bedroom door, and compare them with the size of each piece, not the size of the whole bed. A split divan base, which arrives in two halves, is the easiest way to get a double, king or super king divan up a tight staircase.

Narrow stairs are one of the most common worries when buying a divan bed in the UK, especially in terraced houses, flats and older homes with winding staircases. The good news is that a divan bed almost never goes upstairs as one big block. This guide explains how to measure, how to carry each part safely, how to get round tight turns, and what to do if a piece still will not fit.

Quick answer: 5 steps to get a divan bed up narrow stairs

1. Measure first: check the narrowest width of the stairs, the headroom, the landing turn and every doorway on the route.
2. Choose a split base: a divan base that comes in two halves is far easier to carry than a solid one-piece base.
3. Clear the route: take down pictures, move rugs and furniture, and prop open or remove doors.
4. Carry one piece at a time: mattress first, then each base half standing on its long side, then the headboard.
5. Use two people: one person guides from the top and one supports the weight from below.

How to measure your stairs for a divan bed

Most delivery problems happen because people measure the bedroom but not the route to it. Grab a tape measure and check these points in centimetres:

• Stair width: measure from the wall to the handrail or banister at the narrowest point, not the widest.
• Headroom: measure from the edge of a step straight up to the ceiling, especially where the ceiling drops above the stairs.
• The turn: if your stairs turn or have winding steps, measure the width and depth of the landing. This is usually the tightest point.
• Doorways: measure the width and height of the front door, any hallway doors and the bedroom door when fully open.
• Banister height: note how high the banister is in case a piece needs to be lifted over it on the landing.

Then compare these numbers with the largest single piece of the bed. For a divan, that is usually the mattress or one half of the base.

Divan base sizes: whole base vs split base

This table shows why a split base makes such a difference. Each half is the same length as the bed but only half the width, so it is much easier to stand on its side and carry up a staircase. Sizes are approximate, so always check the exact measurements on the product page.

UK size	Whole base (approx.)	Each half of a split base (approx.)	Comes in two halves?
Single	90 x 190cm	Usually one piece	No, already narrow
Small double	120 x 190cm	60 x 190cm	Yes
Double	135 x 190cm	67.5 x 190cm	Yes
King size	150 x 200cm	75 x 200cm	Yes
Super king	180 x 200cm	90 x 200cm	Yes

Because a base half is carried on its long edge, the measurement that matters most on the stairs is its depth (the height of the base), not its width. That is why a 75cm-wide king size half can still go up a fairly narrow staircase. Not sure which size you need? See our UK bed size guide.

Step-by-step: how to carry a divan bed upstairs

1. Clear the route

Remove pictures, mirrors and hooks from the stairway walls, lift loose rugs and stair runners, and move anything on the landing. If the bedroom door is tight, take it off its hinges. It only takes a few minutes with a screwdriver and can give you an extra few centimetres.

2. Take the mattress up first

Carry the mattress up on its side, keeping it as upright as you can. Do not fold or bend a sprung mattress, as this can damage the springs and fillings. Taking it up first gets the floppiest, most awkward piece out of the way while the route is still clear. If you are buying a new one, choose it in the same size as your base from our mattresses range.

3. Carry each base half on its side

Stand the first half on its long edge, with the top of the base facing the wall. One person goes first at the top and guides, the other supports most of the weight from below. Go one step at a time and keep the piece close to the wall rather than leaning on the banister. Repeat with the second half.

4. Bring the headboard up last

The headboard is a separate piece, so it travels on its own. Carry it on its edge and keep the fabric facing inward to avoid scuffs. Our divan beds use a tall floor-standing headboard of around 130cm, which slots behind the base once everything is in the room.

5. Assemble in the bedroom

Place both base halves together, connect them with the clips or brackets supplied, add the headboard and then the mattress. Our step-by-step guide on how to assemble a divan bed walks you through it, and our headboard fitting guide covers attaching the headboard.

How to get a divan base round a tight turn

Winding stairs and small landings are where most beds get stuck. These tricks help:

• Go vertical: at the landing, stand the base half upright on its end and rotate it, then tip it back onto its edge for the next flight.
• Use the height: lift the piece over the banister on the landing if there is more space above it than beside it.
• Lead with the right end: try going up with the other end first. A piece that will not turn one way often fits the other way.
• Protect walls and fabric: wrap corners in a blanket or the original packaging so the upholstery and paintwork stay clean.
• Do a dry run: use a piece of cardboard cut to the size of a base half to test the turn before the bed arrives.

Safety tips when moving a bed up stairs

• Always use at least two people. A divan base half is heavy and awkward to hold alone.
• Wear shoes with good grip and gloves to protect your hands and the fabric.
• Keep your back straight, bend your knees and lift with your legs.
• Agree simple words before you start, such as "stop", "lift" and "turn", so you move together.
• If a piece gets stuck, stop and take it back down rather than forcing it. Forcing it can damage the base, the walls or your back.

What if the divan bed still won't fit up the stairs?

If even a split base will not get round your staircase, you still have options:

• Choose a narrower size: a small double or double half is narrower and lighter than a king or super king half.
• Remove the banister section: some banister spindles or rails can be taken off and refitted, giving you more room on the landing.
• Use a window: in some homes, professional movers lift large pieces through a first-floor window with ropes. Never try this yourself.
• Choose a bed frame instead: a flat-packed bed frame comes in smaller pieces than a divan base. Read our comparison of a divan bed vs a traditional bed frame to see which suits your home.

Why a split divan base is best for narrow stairs

A split divan base gives you the same strong, supportive bed as a solid base, but in two easy-to-carry halves that join together in the room. Once assembled, you will not notice the join under the mattress. It is the simplest way to get a double, king or super king divan into a terraced house, a flat with a narrow stairwell or a loft room.

At British Bed Co, our small double, double, king and super king divan bases arrive in two halves, and the headboard comes as a separate piece, so they are designed to get through tight spaces. You can choose a solid base or an ottoman gas-lift base with around 30cm of hidden storage. Browse our full range of divan beds with storage, or see favourites such as the Westminster Divan Bed and the Chesterfield Divan Bed.

New to divans? Start with our guide to what a divan bed is.

Frequently asked questions

Will a divan bed fit up narrow stairs?

Usually, yes. Most double, king and super king divan bases split into two halves, and the headboard and mattress are carried separately. Measure the narrowest point of your stairs and the tightest turn, and compare them with the largest single piece.

Do divan beds come in two parts?

Most larger divan beds do. Small double, double, king and super king bases often come in two halves that join together in the room. Single divan bases are usually one piece because they are already narrow.

Is a split divan base as strong as a solid one?

Yes. Once the two halves are clipped together and the mattress is on top, a split base gives the same support as a solid base for everyday use.

Can you bend a mattress to get it up the stairs?

You should not fold or bend a sprung mattress, as this can damage the springs and fillings. Carry it on its side instead. Some foam mattresses can flex slightly, but check the manufacturer's advice first.

How wide do stairs need to be for a king size divan?

There is no single figure, because a split base half is carried on its edge. What matters is that the stairs are wider than the depth of the base and that the landing is big enough to turn a 200cm-long piece. Measuring the turn is the most important check.

What if my divan bed won't go up the stairs?

Try turning the piece upright at the landing, removing a door or a section of banister, or bringing it up the other way round. If it still will not fit, a smaller size or a flat-packed bed frame may be a better choice.