But after about a week of sleeping on the floor, it’s safe to say that my perspective changed. I had to get a bed! So I started looking online and I realized that I needed a lot more than just a bed. I needed storage, a lot of storage because my room didn’t have a closet and all I had for my clothes was a small hand-me-down dresser from my older brother.

All I kept finding were futons and other “college” beds, like bunk beds. And that’s when I heard about divan beds from one of my neighbors who had been living there for a year. He was like, “you have to get a divan bed!” So I checked them out and he was right. These beds have drawers built into them, which is awesome because I can store so much stuff without using another piece of furniture.

Of course, I started looking at the double divan beds right away because I wanted to have the biggest bed possible. But then reality hit me when I realized that my tiny dorm room was built for single divan beds, not doubles. It was cool though. I was still able to find a single divan bed that had tons of storage space in its drawers. And the mattress… wow, don’t even get me started. It’s amazing! I feel like I’m sleeping on a could every night. The flipside to that, though, is that I literally have to drag myself out of bed every morning because I just don’t want to leave it.

It’s been about a month since I bought my divan bed and I couldn’t be happier. It looks great and stores all my clothes and my towels! I didn’t need much more to turn my dorm room into a comfortable pad, just a night stand, a writing desk and a couple of lamps. The best part is that with the money I saved buying my cheap divan bed, I was able to get a sick flat screen! Ahhh… college life!

Size

The first matter to consider is the size of your bed and the greatest deciding factor in the size of your perfect bed is the size of the room you will put it in. For example, if you’re redoing your 10-year-old son’s room, then it makes the most sense to pick a nice, practical single divan bed. It will give your youngster plenty of room to get his nightly zzz’s without crowding the rest of his furniture. Or you if you wanted to spruce up a guest room, a double divan bed is all it takes.

Generally speaking, divan beds come in the following standard sizes:

• Micro Single – 2′6″ ( 76cm x 190cm)
• Single – 3′ (90cm x 190cm)
• Super Single – 4′ (122cm  x 190cm)
• Double – 4′6″ (135cm x 190cm)
• King Size – 5′ (150cm x 200cm)
• Super King – 6′ (180cm x 200cm)

Storage Options

One of the main reasons people decide to purchase a divan bed is because of the built-in storage options they offer. Depending on how you configure your storage options, you can quite literally double the storage available in your room simply by choosing the best fit for you. Typically, the divan bed base can be configured to hold drawers or built-in cabinets. You just need to choose what’s best for you.

Many people like to store their linens in their bed. For them, the best solution is usually to go with a set of drawers, whether it’s a couple of large side by side drawers or a set of four stackable drawers. Either solution provides perfect storage space for all your sheets, pillows and extra blankets.

Others like to use the storage space for more stackable items, such as books, cd’s or dvd’s. For them, cabinet options are usually best. These solutions typically consist of exposed shelves in the base of the bed. They’re also great for storing children’s toys.

Finishes

The other major deciding factor is the finish of the bed. This is the best way to a divan bed your personal touch. For a traditional look, try a simple pine finish. It’s classic, easy to maintain and durable. Of course you could also go for a more elegant look with an iron frame and a fine upholstery, such as velvet or suede. There really are no limits when it comes to the finishes of your divan bed.

And if you really want to give it that divan feel, be sure to add your favorite cushions to spruce it up.

In the end, all the choices come down to need and personal choice. Choose a bed that fits your room and meets your needs. There is no space that isn’t perfect for a divan bed.