An upholstered bed features a padded, fabric-covered frame that adds instant comfort and style to your bedroom. Available in luxurious materials like velvet, boucle, chenille, linen and leather, these beds create a soft, inviting centrepiece that transforms your sleep space into a cosy sanctuary. This guide covers everything from fabric types and bed styles to cleaning tips and maintenance advice, helping you choose the perfect upholstered bed that suits your needs and budget.
What Is an Upholstered Bed?
An upholstered bed is a bed frame that's been wrapped and padded with fabric or leather, rather than left as exposed wood or metal. The upholstery typically covers the headboard, footboard (if present), and side rails, creating a soft, cushioned surface throughout. This padding provides comfort when you're sitting up reading or watching TV, whilst the fabric covering adds texture and warmth to your bedroom design.
Unlike traditional wooden or metal frames, upholstered beds come in a vast range of materials—from practical, hardwearing fabrics to sumptuous velvets and textured boucle. This versatility makes them suitable for any bedroom style, whether you're after modern minimalism, classic elegance, or boutique hotel luxury.
Pros and Cons of Upholstered Beds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior Comfort: The padded headboard and frame provide excellent support when sitting in bed without the discomfort of hard surfaces. | Requires Regular Cleaning: Upholstered beds require weekly vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to keep them looking fresh. |
| Enhanced Aesthetics: Upholstered beds act as a stunning focal point, adding texture, colour and visual interest. | Can Trap Allergens: Fabric naturally harbours dust, pollen, and pet dander, which may aggravate allergies. Severe allergy sufferers might prefer leather or non-upholstered alternatives. |
| Noise Reduction: The padded construction naturally dampens sound, meaning less creaking and rattling. | Prone to Staining: Spills and marks are more visible on fabric than hard surfaces, and not all stains can be fully removed. |
| Versatile Design Options: With numerous fabric choices, colours, and styles available, upholstered beds easily complement any décor. | Wear Over Time: High-contact areas, particularly the headboard, may show signs of wear, pilling, or flattening after several years of use. Durable fabrics help extend appearance. |
| Added Safety: Soft, padded surfaces reduce the risk of bumps and knocks, making upholstered beds a sensible choice for children's rooms or smaller bedrooms where space is limited. |
Types of Upholstered Beds
If an upholstered bed sounds good so far, the next step is choosing the type of fabric. There are seven main types, including fabric, linen, boucle, chenille, velvet, velour, and leather. Let’s cover what these are, the benefits, and which material you should choose.
1. Fabric Beds
Fabric beds represent the most versatile category of upholstered beds, typically crafted from durable woven materials that balance style with practicality. These beds offer excellent breathability and often feature stain-resistant treatments, making them ideal for everyday use.
Benefits of Fabric Beds:
- Highly durable and resistant to wear
- Available in countless colours and patterns
- Generally, more affordable than luxury materials
- Easy to coordinate with existing bedroom textiles
Best For:
Family homes, guest bedrooms, and anyone seeking a practical yet stylish bed that stands up to daily use.
2. Linen Beds
Linen upholstered beds bring a natural, relaxed elegance to your bedroom. This breathable fabric has a characteristic slubby texture that creates a casual, organic feel whilst remaining sophisticated. Linen naturally softens over time, developing a lived-in charm that many find appealing.
Benefits of Linen Beds:
- Breathable and temperature-regulating
- Natural, organic aesthetic
- Improves with age
- Hypoallergenic properties
Best For:
Coastal or country-style bedrooms, eco-conscious buyers, and those who appreciate natural materials and a relaxed, effortless aesthetic.
3. Boucle Beds
Boucle beds feature a distinctive textured fabric with looped yarns that create a nubby, tactile surface. This on-trend material has surged in popularity thanks to its contemporary appeal and textural interest, bringing a modern, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic to bedrooms.
Benefits of Boucle Beds:
- Highly textured, visually interesting surface
- Hides minor marks and wear exceptionally well
- Creates a relaxed, contemporary feel
- Naturally forgiving fabric that's family-friendly
Best For:
Modern and contemporary bedrooms, trend-led interiors, and households with children or pets where texture helps conceal everyday wear.
4. Chenille Beds
Chenille fabric has a distinctive fuzzy pile that's incredibly soft and slightly heavier than velvet. The material drapes beautifully and offers excellent durability, making it a practical choice for beds that need to withstand regular use whilst maintaining their luxurious appearance.
Benefits of Chenille Beds:
- Exceptionally soft and comfortable
- Durable and hardwearing
- Sophisticated appearance
- Less prone to showing wear than velvet
Best For:
Family bedrooms, guest rooms, and anyone seeking a balance between luxury aesthetics and everyday practicality.
5. Velvet Beds
Velvet beds bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to any bedroom. The distinctive soft pile creates a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully, whilst the dense weave provides a plush, inviting texture. Velvet works particularly well in contemporary and glamorous bedroom schemes.
Benefits of Velvet Beds:
- Luxurious appearance with rich colour depth
- Soft, tactile surface that feels wonderful to touch
- Creates an upscale, boutique hotel aesthetic
- Available in jewel tones and classic neutrals
Best For:
Master bedrooms, statement pieces, and anyone wanting to add a touch of elegance and drama.
6. Velour Beds
Velour offers a similar aesthetic to velvet but with a slightly different texture and typically a more budget-friendly price point. This knitted fabric has a soft, plush feel and maintains the luxurious appearance that makes upholstered beds so appealing.
Benefits of Velour Beds:
- Comfortable and soft to lean against
- More affordable than genuine velvet
- Rich colour options
- Easier to maintain than some luxury fabrics
Best For:
Those wanting the velvet look on a budget, or bedrooms that see frequent use where durability is key.
7. Leather Beds
Leather bed frames offer a sleek, contemporary alternative to fabric upholstery. Whether crafted from genuine or faux leather, these beds provide a smooth, wipeable surface that's incredibly easy to keep clean. Leather develops a beautiful patina over time, adding character to your bedroom.
Benefits of Leather Beds:
- Extremely easy to clean and maintain
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sophisticated, modern appearance
- Hypoallergenic (doesn't trap dust or allergens)
Best For:
Modern bedrooms, allergy sufferers, and anyone wanting a low-maintenance upholstered bed with a contemporary edge.
Upholstered Bed Styles
Upholstered beds are available in virtually every style, ensuring you'll find the perfect match for your space and needs.
Popular Bed Types:
- Ottoman and Storage Beds: Combine upholstered elegance with practical storage beneath the mattress
- TV Beds: Feature integrated television units within the upholstered footboard
- Divan Beds: Offer a streamlined, upholstered base with storage options
- Day Beds: Multi-functional upholstered pieces perfect for guests or smaller spaces
- Sofa Beds: Provide comfortable seating that transforms into a guest bed
Want to know which model is right for you? Check out our bed buying guide for a full comparison of every bed type.
Choosing the right Upholstered Bed Size
Our upholstered beds come in all standard UK sizes to suit every bedroom and sleeper.
- Single Beds (90cm x 190cm): Perfect for children's rooms, guest bedrooms, or compact spaces where floor area is limited.
- Small Double Beds (120cm x 190cm): Ideal for solo sleepers wanting extra room or couples in smaller bedrooms, offering a comfortable compromise between space-saving and sleeping comfort.
- Double Beds (135cm x 190cm): Best for couples in standard-sized bedrooms, providing ample sleeping space without overwhelming the room.
- King Size Beds (150cm x 200cm): Perfect for couples who want generous sleeping space and master bedrooms with room to spare, offering extra length and width for ultimate comfort.
- Super King Size Beds (180cm x 200cm): Best for spacious master bedrooms where you want to create a luxurious hotel-style retreat with maximum sleeping comfort.
For guidance on choosing the right size for your space, explore our UK bed sizes and mattress size guide.
How Long Does an Upholstered Bed Last?
A quality upholstered bed typically lasts 10-15 years with proper care, though this varies depending on the fabric choice, usage, and maintenance routine. Hardwearing materials like leather, chenille, and good-quality fabric beds often outlast more delicate options like velvet.
The bed frame itself—usually constructed from solid wood or robust materials—can last even longer. It's often the fabric that shows age first, developing worn patches or losing its original colour vibrancy. Investing in a well-made bed from the outset and maintaining it properly ensures you'll enjoy many years of comfortable, stylish sleep.
To keep your upholstered bed looking its best throughout its lifespan, pair it with a quality mattress that provides proper support. Explore our guide on how to choose a mattress to find the perfect match for your new bed.
Are Upholstered Beds Hard to Maintain?
No, upholstered beds aren't particularly difficult to maintain with regular care. Weekly vacuuming takes just a few minutes and prevents dust build-up, whilst occasional deep cleaning keeps the fabric looking fresh. The key is consistency—regular light maintenance is far easier than dealing with accumulated dirt and stains.
Certain fabrics require less maintenance than others. Leather and linen are particularly forgiving, whilst boucle's textured surface naturally conceals minor marks. If you're concerned about maintenance, opt for darker colours or patterned fabrics that won't show every mark, and consider applying a fabric protector when your bed arrives.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Upholstered Beds?
Regular maintenance keeps your upholstered bed looking fresh and extends its lifespan. Vacuum your bed weekly using an upholstery attachment to remove dust, pet hair, and allergens. For deeper cleaning, most upholstered beds benefit from a thorough clean every 3-6 months, though high-traffic bedrooms or homes with pets may require more frequent attention.
Spot-clean spills immediately to prevent staining, and consider using a fabric protector spray when your bed arrives to make future cleaning easier.
How To Clean an Upholstered Bed
Weekly Maintenance
- 1. Vacuum the entire bed frame using an upholstery attachment, paying particular attention to seams, tufting, and crevices where dust accumulates
- 2. Check for any marks or stains and address them promptly
- 3. Fluff and smooth any cushioned areas to maintain their shape
Deep Cleaning
- 1. Check the care label first—some fabrics require professional cleaning whilst others tolerate home methods
- 2. Vacuum thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris
- 3. Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't damage or discolour the fabric
- 4. For fabric, velvet, chenille, and boucle beds: Mix a small amount of gentle upholstery cleaner with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently blot (never scrub) the fabric. Work in small sections and avoid over-wetting
- 5. For leather beds: Wipe down with a damp cloth, then apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple
- 6. Allow to air dry completely before making the bed—good ventilation speeds this process
Stain Removal: Act quickly when spills occur. Blot (don't rub) the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess liquid. For stubborn stains, use an appropriate upholstery cleaner following the product instructions. Always work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to prevent spreading.
Is an Upholstered Bed Bad for Allergies?
Upholstered beds can potentially aggravate allergies because fabric traps dust mites, pollen, and other allergens. However, this doesn't mean allergy sufferers must avoid them entirely—regular maintenance makes a significant difference.
Tips for Allergy Sufferers
Practical ways to keep allergens at bay:
- Vacuum your bed weekly using a HEPA-filter vacuum
- Wash bedding frequently in hot water (60°C minimum)
- Use hypoallergenic mattress and pillow protectors
- Consider leather upholstery, which doesn't trap allergens
- Choose linen fabric beds for their naturally hypoallergenic properties
- Ensure good bedroom ventilation to reduce humidity and dust mites
If you have severe allergies, leather beds offer the best solution—they're easy to wipe clean and don't harbour allergens like fabric does. For those preferring fabric, regular cleaning combined with quality mattress protectors creates a healthier sleep environment.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Upholstered Bed?
Browse our extensive collection of beds to find a variety of different types, upholstered in fabrics, velvet, and leather.
Enjoy competitive prices with fast and free UK delivery on our upholstered beds. You can also visit us at our showroom in West Yorkshire to see our beds in person before you buy. If you have any questions, our FAQ page may help, or you can contact our customer service team.