Understanding Divan
The divan's history spans cultures and centuries. The word comes from the Persian "diwan," originally referring to a council chamber in Ottoman government offices where long cushioned benches lined the walls for officials to sit. These cushioned platforms evolved into residential furniture across the Middle East, North Africa, and eventually Europe. In the 18th and 19th centuries, European designers adapted the concept into elegant low couches and daybeds that appeared in salons and boudoirs. The divan took on different meanings in different regions: in the US and Continental Europe, it refers to a backless or low-backed sofa or daybed; in the UK, "divan" primarily means a bed base — the upholstered box foundation that sits under a mattress, often with built-in storage drawers. Both uses share the DNA of a low, cushioned platform for reclining.
Divan in Interior Design
As a seating piece, the divan brings a sense of relaxed sophistication to living rooms, bedrooms, and reading nooks. Its low, elongated profile and minimal structure make it particularly effective in small spaces and rooms where a full sofa would feel heavy. Placed against a wall with a collection of throw pillows, a divan creates a lounge-like atmosphere reminiscent of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern interiors. In bedrooms, a divan-style daybed serves double duty as both seating and an extra sleeping surface for guests. The clean, backless silhouette suits modern, bohemian, and minimalist interiors. Upholstered in velvet, a divan adds Hollywood glamour; in linen, it feels Scandinavian and relaxed; in kilim or Moroccan fabric, it evokes its Eastern origins. Divan beds (UK style) are popular for bedrooms with storage needs, as the base typically includes drawers.
