An important part of many aircraft’s configuration is the divan. The divan is usually an option to a cabin layout, and you will find the same model types with and without divans.
Mid and Super-Mid-size cabins
Many mid-size cabins offer a divan option of some kind. Most divans in this segment are usually not long enough to provide a place to lay down, but they do provide extra passenger capacity.
In the Citation XLS series, the cabin layout options are an extended galley or a single or dual-place divan in the forward cabin. The dual place option is overwhelmingly preferred by the resale market due to the extra passenger capacity. 
Citation XLS dual-place divan
(optional layouts include dual-place divan, single-place divan or no divan)
Citation XLS single-place divan
Some such as the Gulfstream G150 will have a forward divan option instead of a forward-facing seat, increasing passenger capacity.
Other models such as the Citation Sovereign, Hawker 800XP, or Falcon50 could have an aft divan to seat two or three passengers instead of the standard club seating. On both the Falcon 50 and the Citation Sovereign, the divan is long enough to lie down and use for sleeping.
Hawker 750 aft divan
(optional layout includes divan or two club seats)
Embraer Legacy 500 aft divan
(the majority of the 500’s have the aft divan but a few have no divan)
Large Cabins
Most large jets have a divan or the option of a divan (or two) in one of the cabin zones. In the large and long-range cabin segment where longer flights increase the demand for sleeping areas, the option to have a divan holds more importance for buyers. Further, given the more spacious cabins in this sector, there are usually many variations in cabin layout. We find a number of clients have particularly strong preferences to the cabin layout and divan configurations.
Bombardier Global XRS double aft divans
(optional layouts include double divan or a single divan and two-club seats)
Embraer Legacy 600 aft divan (divan is standard)
Embraer Legacy 650 aft divan berthed (divan is standard)
Gulfstream G550 mid-cabin divan
(optional layouts include an aft cabin divan with two club seats, double aft divans, a mid-cabin divan, or no divans)
Benefits of a Divan
A divan provides a relaxed, casual lounge area and a place to lie flat to sleep. Some berth to provide a wider space to sleep, and a few cabins offer a double divan option that can be converted into a bed. On long haul flights, this space can be very important to a passenger’s enjoyment of the flight.
Drawbacks to a Divan
When the aircraft is filled to max capacity for a trip with passengers, the divan can be an awkward space to sit next to someone. This is especially true if these people are professional acquaintances as opposed to personal relations. You are sitting quite close to them and in a very upright position as the divan does not recline. Many people do not count the divan as actual seats for this reason. They will consider the passenger capacity to be the VIP chairs only. This is particularly true for corporate aircraft as opposed to aircraft predominantly used for personal reasons.
When looking at different layouts in a jet, consider how you plan on using it most often. How many passengers and will they be family or business associates on most flights? Will you be taking many long-haul flights where the ability to sleep lying flat will be important? Your broker will guide you through your options and the pros and cons of each.
For more information on how we can develop a custom aircraft search for you based on your specific desires and needs, contact our team at enquiries@colibriaircraft.com or +44 (0) 203 551 8007.
*NOTE: It is important to know which divan seats are certified for take-off and landing. If they are not certified, then the divan is unusable during these times and limit your passenger load to only the seats. (see When A Seatbelt Does Not Mean What You Think It Does )