A diwan sofa set is a low, backless or low backed daybed (diwan or deewan) used as seating in the day, often sold with a matching sofa or chairs. Guests sit on it, children nap on it, and in many homes it becomes an extra bed at night.
A typical diwan is about 6 ft long and 2.5 to 3 ft wide, with a gaddi (seat mattress) 4 to 6 inches thick and two or three round bolsters (masnad). It sits 15 to 17 inches high, a little lower than a sofa seat.
Below you will find diwan sofa design ideas in wood, with storage and in a modern style, plus layouts for a living room with diwan and sofa together. If you need a proper bed mechanism, compare with sofa cum bed designs.
Wooden Diwan Sofa Set With Bolsters
The classic wooden diwan sofa set has turned or carved legs, a solid wood frame and round bolsters. Teak and sheesham are the usual woods.
- Seats
- Seats 3, sleeps 1
- Build
- Teak, cotton gaddi
- Fits
- 12 x 14 ft hall
A teak diwan, 6 x 3 ft, with turned legs and two masnad bolsters. The block print gaddi cover comes off for washing.
Maker's note: Ask for a 5 inch gaddi of HR foam or coir with a foam layer, not loose cotton.
- Seats
- Diwan + 1 chair
- Build
- Sheesham, walnut PU
- Fits
- 13 x 15 ft hall
A deewan sofa set with a carved low back and a matching single chair. The darker sheesham suits rooms with light walls.
Maker's note: Ask the carpenter to round the carved edges so they do not catch clothes.
- Seats
- Seats 3
- Build
- Mango wood, PU
- Fits
- 10 x 11 ft room
Plain square legs and a flat frame keep this one simple and lighter on the budget. Fits a narrow wall under a window.
Maker's note: Mango wood needs borer treatment; ask for it before polishing.
Diwan vs Sofa Cum Bed
| Point | Diwan | Sofa cum bed |
|---|---|---|
| Seat back | None or low | Full back |
| Sleeping | Ready as a single bed | Needs opening |
| Size | About 6 x 3 ft | Closed about 6.5 x 3 ft |
| Storage | Box or drawers common | Box common |
| Comfort sitting | Lean on bolsters | Better back support |
A diwan suits homes where people sit cross legged or nap often. For upright seating every day, a sofa wins.
Planning a Sofa and Diwan Set
A living room diwan sofa pairing works when the two pieces share one detail, such as leg shape or wood tone. If you order the sofa with diwan set from one carpenter, ask for both in the same polish batch so the colour matches. Some sellers call this a sofa diwan set; check that the quote covers both pieces and the gaddi.
- Keep the diwan at 15 to 17 inches seat height so it lines up close to the sofa.
- Match the wood or leg finish, then vary the fabric.
- Give the diwan the window wall or the shorter wall of the room.
- Use a cotton gaddi cover in summer and a heavier weave in winter.
More ideas for the room are on living room sofa design and sofa cushions.
Diwan With Storage
Many homes want a diwan that hides bedding. The seat board lifts or drawers pull from the front.
- Seats
- Seats 3, sleeps 1
- Build
- Ply box, teak edge
- Fits
- Guest room
The seat board lifts on hinges to show a full length box. Enough for two quilts and pillows.
Maker's note: Ask for a lid stay and BWR plywood in the box.
- Seats
- Seats 3
- Build
- Sheesham, honey PU
- Fits
- 12 x 12 ft hall
Two drawers below the seat let you reach sheets without lifting the gaddi. A good deewan sofa design for a busy hall.
Maker's note: Drawer runners should be metal; raise drawer bottoms 3 inches so the mop passes below.
- Seats
- Seats 3
- Build
- BWR ply, white duco
- Fits
- 9 x 11 ft room
Plywood in white duco paint with a lift up seat. Brightens a small room and keeps the guest bedding close.
Maker's note: Duco chips at sharp corners; ask for rounded edges.
Modern Diwan Sofa Design and Living Room Layouts
A modern diwan sofa design drops the carving for clean lines, metal or tapered legs and fabric upholstery. It sits beside a sofa without clashing.
- Seats
- Seats 2 to 3
- Build
- Pine, olive velvet
- Fits
- Living room
Upholstered in olive velvet with tapered walnut legs and one bolster. A stylish diwan sofa design that matches a modern 3 seater.
Maker's note: Ask for 32 kg/m³ HR foam under the velvet so the top stays flat.
- Seats
- 3 seater + diwan
- Build
- Teak, beige fabric
- Fits
- 13 x 15 ft hall
A sofa set with diwan placed at right angles. The diwan takes the window wall, the 3 seater faces the TV wall.
Maker's note: Keep 30 to 36 inches between diwan and centre table for walking.
- Seats
- Seats 3
- Build
- MS steel, grey cotton
- Fits
- Studio flat
A slim black metal frame with a grey gaddi. Light to move and suits a modern flat.
Maker's note: Ask for powder coat, not paint, and rubber caps on the legs.
Questions buyers ask
What is a diwan set sofa?
It is a diwan sold together with a sofa or chairs in the same wood and finish. Some sets have a diwan with two chairs and a centre table. It gives seating plus a spare bed.
What size should a diwan be?
Most are 6 ft long and 2.5 to 3 ft wide. For sleeping an adult, choose 6 ft 3 inches or more. Height with the gaddi is usually 15 to 17 inches.
Can I use a sofa set with diwan in a small living room?
Yes, if you drop the chairs. A 2 seater sofa with one diwan sits comfortably in a 10 by 12 ft room. Walking paths should be at least 30 inches, and 36 is easier.
Is a wooden diwan sofa set better than a fabric one?
Wood lasts longer and is easy to repolish. An upholstered diwan is softer to sit on and reads as more modern. Teak or sheesham frames hold up best in humid weather.
What gaddi is best for a diwan?
A 4 to 6 inch HR foam slab, density 32 kg/m³ or higher, works for sitting and sleeping. Coir with a foam top stays cooler in summer.
Is a divan sofa design the same as a diwan?
They are the same thing. Divan is the English spelling; diwan and deewan are common Indian spellings. All mean a long low seat that can be used as a bed.