Divan Bed Assembly Guide: Setting Up Your New Bed

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Assembling your divan bed might seem like a big task at first, but in just a few simple steps, you’ll have your new bed set up soon. We also recommend that you have a helper with you, as setting up the bed with two people can make the process quicker and safer since the bases are heavy.

Whether you've chosen a standard divan base, a storage divan with drawers or a model with a headboard, the assembly process is designed to be simple. Most of the hard work has already been done, as your divan base arrives pre-built. You'll just need to fit the feet, join the two halves (if applicable) and attach your headboard before you're ready to add your mattress and enjoy a great night's sleep.

So, let's break down all the steps for you to set up your new divan bed and get better sleep, storage and a more enhanced bedroom space!

At A Glance

  • Learn how to assemble your divan bed in around 10–20 minutes.
  • Discover the tools and components you'll need before you begin.
  • Follow our simple step-by-step guide for a quick and hassle-free assembly.
  • Find out how to fit the glides or castors, join the base and attach your headboard.
  • Complete our final safety checks to ensure your divan bed is assembled correctly.

Estimated Time For Each Steps

Step What You'll Do Approx. Time
1 Unpack and inspect all parts 2–3 mins
2 Attach glides or castors 2–4 mins
3 Join the two base halves (if applicable) 2–3 mins
4 Remove drawer straps 1–2 mins
5 Attach the headboard (if applicable) 5–10 mins

Your Safety Comes First

Before getting started, it’s important to carry out some safety precautions. We always recommend that you assemble the bed in an area where there is enough space to move around it.

Ensure that all packaging and rubbish is kept away from children and pets, and dispose of the packaging responsibly.

Due to the fact that the bases are heavy, we recommend that two people set up the bed to handle it safely. Do not stand or jump on the divan base at any stage of assembly. Once assembled, only use the bed as intended and avoid placing excessive weight on any single area of the base.

What’s In The Box & Required Tools

Inside the packaging, you’ll find all of the components needed to set up your divan bed listed below in the table. Additionally, you’ll require some standard tools to help you throughout the process.

Qty Item / Tool Purpose / Details
What's Included in the Package
2 Divan Base Halves Pre-built main platform sections
4–8 Glides / Castor Wheels Varies by bed size Support feet fitted to the bottom of the base
2 U-Clips (Joiners) Metal clips to secure base halves together
2 Headboard Bolts Optional / Included with headboard Threaded bolts to fix headboard to base
Recommended Tools (Not Included)
1 Scissors For cutting drawer straps safely
1 Cross Screwdriver For attaching the two base halves together and fixing headboard bolts
1 Rubber Mallet To secure castors and glides firmly into sockets
1 Pliers For removing packaging staples easily

Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Unpack & Inspect All Items

Carefully remove all of the packaging and look for the bag containing all the fittings (this is often attached under the base). Check that the feet sockets are in place and check the base fabric for any signs where the headboard fixings should go (if applicable).

Step 2: Attaching The Feet (Glides Or Sockets)

Next, turn the base so the bottom is facing to the side. Put on each glide or caster to the corner sockets and gently tap them with a mallet until they’re fully secured. Repeat this step for each corner. If it’s a single size base, turn it the right side up and move it into position. If you have a headboard, you can now attach it at the headboard end now.

Step 3: Position The Base (Two-piece base)

Bring the two sides together so the edges meet evenly. Position the linking bar (attached to a bolt on one half of the base) and connect it to the other half on the single bolt. Tighten the bolts to secure the linking bar into place.

Step 4: Draw Bases (If Applicable)

During the delivery process, drawers are often held shut with fabric straps. Do not pull the straps off as this can tear into the fabric. Tuck the remaining strap inside the drawer or trim off any excess with your scissors to prevent it from catching. Once complete, check that each drawer opens and closes smoothly and sits square within the base.

Step 5: Attaching The Headboard (If Applicable)

Locate the headboard end of the divan base, where small labels indicate the fixing points. Carefully feel for the headboard fixings beneath the fabric and use scissors to make a small slit at each marked point.

With a second person holding the headboard in position, insert the supplied bolts and washers through the headboard struts (for strutted headboards) or through the slots (for floor-standing headboards). If you're fitting a strutted headboard, adjust it to your preferred height before fully tightening all bolts.

Some Extra Tips

  • If castors or glides won’t go in: Check that the socket hole is clear of any debris or stray fabric.
  • If two halves won’t fit flush: Reposition them on a flat surface. Check that both halves are facing the right way around and reattach the linking bar while the edges are fully aligned.
  • If a drawer feels stuck: Inspect for any leftover packaging inside the unit and ensure the restraining straps are completely removed.
  • Moving the bed: Always move the base by lifting with two people. Do not drag the base, especially across carpeted floors.

The Final Checks

After you have completed all the steps and finished assembling your bed, it’s a good idea to carry out some final checks to ensure your bed is secure and safe to use.

Confirm that all feet, castors and glides are fully seated and secure. For the two-piece bases, confirm that the joint is tight and the two halves are flush.

If you have assembled your bed with a headboard, you can also open the drawers gently to check they are moving smoothly.

Finally, you can place your mattress on top and check that the base sits nicely without rocking.

How To Care For Your Divan Bed

Now that you have set up your divan bed, you’ve checked all the components are secure, and you’ve spent many comfortable nights on it, it’s useful to know how you can look after it to get your money’s worth. Let’s take a look at these top handy tips to maintain and look after your bed.

Rotate Your Mattress Regularly

Rotating your mattress every 3 - 6 months helps to distribute wear more evenly and can extend its lifespan. Double check if your mattress is double-sided according to the manufacturer’s instructions: this can help distribute the weight across the surface even more.

Check Fixings Every Now & Again

Over time, everyday use can cause bolts and fixings to loosen slightly. Every few months, we recommend that you inspect the headboard bolts, linking bars and feet or castors to ensure they remain securely fastened.

Keep Your Divan Base Clean

Dust and debris can build up around and underneath your bed. Vacuum around the base regularly with a soft brush attachment and wipe the fabric with a soft, slightly damp cloth if needed. Avoid using harsh cleaning products, as these may damage the upholstery.

Avoid Excessive Weight

Your divan bed is designed to support your mattress and sleepers under normal use. Avoid standing, jumping or placing excessive weight on the base or headboard, as this can cause unnecessary strain and damage over time.

Use Storage Drawers Correctly

If your divan includes storage drawers, avoid overloading them with heavy items. Opening and closing the drawers gently will help keep the runners and fittings in good condition for longer.

Protect Your Mattress

Using a mattress protector helps guard against spills, stains, dust and everyday wear. It can also improve hygiene and make cleaning much easier, helping to keep your mattress in excellent condition.

Allow Airflow Around The Bed

Good ventilation helps reduce moisture build-up beneath your mattress. Avoid blocking airflow around the bed where possible, and lift the mattress occasionally to allow both the mattress and base to air out.

Move Your Bed Carefully

If you need to reposition your divan bed, always lift it with the help of another person rather than dragging it across the floor. This helps protect the base, castors or glides, and your flooring from unnecessary damage.

Enjoy Great Sleep & Storage

We hope you have found this guide useful: we’ve broken down all the steps required to set up your divan bed, with some extra tips and advice on how to maintain it once it has been set up. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us!

Visit us at our showroom to talk to our friendly members of staff and explore our product range in person. We can’t wait to see you there!

G & B Bedding Co Ltd — Factory Showroom
Address North Ln, Astley, Manchester M29 7AB, UK
Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday Closed