The Upholstered Bed Guide From velvet luxury to easy-care woven fabrics, upholstered beds bring warmth, comfort and style to any bedroom. But with so many fabrics, colours and designs to choose from, where do you even start? This guide walks you through everything you need to know about upholstered bed frames, from selecting the perfect fabric to maintaining its appearance. Shop upholstered beds
What is an upholstered bed? An upholstered bed is exactly what it sounds like: a bed frame that's wrapped in fabric (or sometimes faux leather) rather than being made from bare wood or metal. The headboard, footboard, and side rails are all padded and covered, creating a soft, cushioned surface that's both comfortable and stylish. Think of it as the difference between sitting against a wooden chair and sinking into a plush armchair. Upholstered beds bring that same level of comfort to your bedroom, transforming your bed into a cosy retreat you'll actually want to spend time in - not just sleep in.
What are the benefits of an upholstered bed? Beyond looking gorgeous, upholstered beds offer a lot of benefits, including:
Comfort for sitting up in bed No more cold, hard surfaces behind your back. Upholstered headboards create a soft, cushioned support that's perfect for reading, working, or watching TV in bed. Sound absorption Fabric naturally absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. This means less noise bouncing around your bedroom - particularly handy if you're a light sleeper or share a wall with noisy neighbours. Warmer to touch There's nothing worse than accidentally brushing against a freezing metal frame or cold wooden headboard in the middle of winter. Upholstered beds feel warmer to the touch, making those late-night trips to bed much more pleasant. Softer edges With young children or anyone prone to bumping into things, padded edges are significantly gentler than hardwood or metal frames. Versatile styling Upholstered beds suit virtually any interior style, from glamour, classic elegance, or contemporary chic. Headboard creativity From simple padded panels to intricate button tufting, upholstered beds offer endless design possibilities.
What are the disadvantages of fabric beds? Fabric beds require more maintenance than wooden or metal frames. They can mark more easily, attract dust, and may show wear over time in high-traffic areas. However, regular vacuuming and prompt spot cleaning keep them looking great for years.
What types of fabric do upholstered beds come in? The fabric you choose sets the entire vibe of your bedroom. Here's what's available in our collection:
Woven fabric upholstered beds Classic, durable, and endlessly practical. Woven upholstered bed frames are brilliant for busy family homes where life happens. The textured finish is naturally more forgiving than smooth fabrics, hiding the inevitable wear and tear that comes with everyday use. Available in a range of neutral and statement colours, woven fabric beds offer a timeless style that complements virtually any bedroom aesthetic. Shop upholstered beds Bouclé upholstered beds Known for its stylish, teddy-like texture, bouclé has that designer-inspired look that's bang on trend right now. This cosy fabric brings warmth and texture to your bedroom, creating an inviting space that's perfect for snuggling up. Linen-blend upholstered beds Light, breathable, and effortlessly elegant. Linen upholstered beds create a laid-back, natural style that's perfect for relaxed, airy bedrooms. The slightly crumpled texture is part of the charm - it's that perfectly imperfect look that feels both comfortable and chic. Velvet upholstered beds Velvet-upholstered beds have a hotel-at-home feel, with a plush finish that catches the light beautifully. Soft, luxurious, and oh-so-glamorous, they're perfect for creating a statement bedroom that feels indulgent and sophisticated. The velvet-finish fabric we use has a rich texture that adds depth to any space. It's particularly stunning in jewel tones like navy, emerald, or our signature saffron. Shop velvet beds Faux leather upholstered beds Sleek and modern faux leather beds provide a polished, contemporary look without the high-maintenance drama. They are incredibly easy to maintain; a quick wipe with a damp cloth usually suffices to keep them looking smart. Perfect for minimalist bedrooms or anyone who wants style without the constant upkeep. Shop faux leather beds
Upholstered beds collection Elevate your bedroom with our luxurious and stylish upholstered beds Wilson Amarilla Sleepeezee Divan Davies Lucia
What styles do fabric beds come in? Upholstered beds aren't one-size-fits-all. Here's what's out there:
Buttoned and tufted headboards Classic elegance with a touch of vintage charm. Button-tufted headboards create visual interest and add a sense of luxury to your bedroom. They work beautifully in both traditional and modern spaces, depending on the fabric and colour you choose. Winged headboards Cocooning comfort at its finest. Winged headboards curve around the sides of your pillows, creating a sense of enclosure that's perfect for late-night reading or lazy Sunday mornings. They add a hotel-like feel to any bedroom. Sleigh beds Gently curved headboards and footboards create that classic sleigh silhouette. Sleigh beds bring traditional elegance to modern bedrooms, especially when upholstered in luxurious fabrics like velvet or soft woven materials. Shop sleigh beds Tall statement headboards Drama, comfort, and serious style. Tall, upholstered headboards make an instant impact, creating a focal point in your bedroom whilst providing plenty of cushioned comfort for sitting up in bed. Low-rise modern frames Clean lines and minimalist vibes. Low-rise upholstered beds suit contemporary bedrooms perfectly, offering comfort without overwhelming smaller spaces. Shop platform and low beds Fluted and panelled designs Contemporary detailing that adds texture and dimension. Vertical fluting or horizontal panelling creates visual interest whilst keeping the overall look sleek and modern.
What colours are fabric beds available in? From subtle neutrals to bold statements, there's a shade for every style: Grey upholstered beds: The ultimate modern classic. Grey beds work with virtually any colour scheme and never goes out of style. Beige upholstered beds: Warm, neutral, and endlessly versatile. Perfect for creating calm, sophisticated bedrooms. Blue upholstered beds: From soft powder blue to deep navy, blue beds bring sophistication and serenity to your bedroom. Black upholstered beds: Sleek, modern, and effortlessly chic. Black beds create a striking contrast in lighter bedrooms. Pink fabric upholstered beds: Soft, romantic, and bang on trend. From blush to dusty rose, pink beds create beautifully feminine bedrooms. Cream upholstered beds: Light, airy, and eternally elegant. Cream beds brighten up any space whilst maintaining a sophisticated look. Need inspiration? Our Inspire hub is packed with bedroom design tips, colour schemes and styling ideas to help you create a space you'll love retreating to.
What size upholstered bed frames are available? Our upholstered bed frames come in every size, so you can find the perfect fit for your space and sleep style: Single beds: Ideal for solo sleepers, kids' rooms, or compact guest bedrooms. Perfect when space is at a premium. Small double beds: A snug option for teenagers, adults who love a little extra wiggle room, or smaller bedrooms where a standard double feels too big. Double beds: The go-to choice for couples who don't mind getting cosy. Great for average-sized bedrooms. King-size beds: Extra room to stretch, cuddle, and still have space for the occasional tiny intruder - whether that's kids or pets. Super king size beds: The ultimate luxury. More space, more comfort, and absolutely no duvet hogging. From bedtime stories with the kids to stretching out like a starfish, the right bed size makes all the difference. Need help choosing? Check out our bed and mattress size guide.
Do upholstered beds come with storage options? Yes! Many of our upholstered bed frames combine style with seriously clever storage, great for smaller bedrooms or if you have collected far too many trinkets over the years. Find the style that’s best for you:
Ottoman upholstered beds The entire mattress lifts to reveal a huge hidden compartment underneath. This is excellent for stashing bedding, winter clothes, or that ever-growing collection of kids' toys. Ottoman beds open from either the end or side of the bed, depending on the model. Shop Ottoman Beds
Divan upholstered beds Discreet, practical, and easily accessible with slide-out drawers built into the frame. Divan beds store everything from spare blankets to bedtime reads. Choose from one to four drawers depending on your storage needs. These also sit flush with your mattress, creating a streamlined look that's perfect for smaller bedrooms. Shop Divan Beds
Storage bed frames with drawers Some upholstered bed frames feature built-in drawers at the foot end or underbed space for storage. The Delaware bed frame, for example, has a cleverly concealed drawer tucked into the curved foot end. For more models, check out our storage beds guide Shop Storage Beds
What kinds of upholstered bed bases provide the best support? The base is just as important as the frame. Here's what's available: Platform tops: A solid, flat surface with no springs. Platform tops offer firm, even support that's ideal if you prefer a firmer feel or have specific back support needs. They create a stable foundation for any mattress type. Sprung slats: Curved wooden slats arranged in sections that flex with your movement. Sprung slats offer shock absorption and extra support, creating a more cushioned base. They're brilliant for adding bounce and comfort to your sleep surface. Solid slats: Sturdy wooden slats that run across the entire bed width. Solid slats promote airflow beneath your mattress (important for hygiene and longevity) whilst offering firm, reliable support. Whichever base you choose, you'll get a solid foundation for great sleep.
How to measure your space for an upholstered bed Room dimensions Measure the length and width of your bedroom. Remember to account for other furniture like wardrobes, bedside tables, and dressing tables. Walking space Allow at least 60-70cm of clearance around the bed so you can move comfortably. Nobody wants to be squeezing sideways to get into bed every night. Door clearance Make sure your new bed will actually fit through the door. Measure the doorway width and height, and check whether you'll need to navigate any tight corners or staircases. Ceiling height If you're considering a bed with a tall headboard, check your ceiling height. You want the proportions to feel balanced, not cramped. Bedside table placement Think about where your bedside tables will sit. Measure the space between the headboard and where you'd like to position them.
How long does an upholstered bed last? With proper care, a quality upholstered bed can last 7-10 years or more. The lifespan depends on the quality of construction, the fabric type, and the level of maintenance. Woven fabrics tend to be more durable than delicate materials.
Are upholstered beds hard to maintain? Not really. Weekly vacuuming and quick spot cleaning of any spills keep them fresh. Faux leather is the easiest to maintain, whilst velvet requires a bit more care. It's all about little and often rather than intensive deep cleans. How to clean an upholstered bed Keeping your upholstered bed looking fresh doesn't have to be a chore. Vacuum regularly with a soft brush, at least once a week, to gently remove dust, pet hair, and other debris. Clean both the fabric and the area under the bed to prevent dust buildup. Act fast on spills and blot spills immediately with a clean, damp cloth and mild detergent. Rubbing can push stains deeper into the fabric. Let the cleaned area air dry thoroughly before use. Ensure your upholstered bed is kept out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and rotate your mattress regularly to prevent uneven wear on the base. Consider using a mattress protector to keep everything cleaner for longer. Fabric-specific care: Velvet - Use a velvet smoothing brush (often included with velvet beds) to keep the pile looking fresh. Brush gently in the direction of the nap. Woven fabrics - Generally more forgiving and easier to clean. A damp cloth with mild detergent usually does the trick. Faux leather - The easiest of all. Simply wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or bleach. Add our Bedcover service to protect your bed frame from damage for 5 years for peace of mind. Need more guidance? Our mattress care guide provides tips for maintaining the optimal condition of your entire sleep setup.
Choosing a headboard and footboard for your upholstered bed Most upholstered beds come as a complete package with matching headboards and footboards already included. But if you're customising or adding to an existing setup, here's what to consider: Match or contrast: Matching fabric creates a cohesive, coordinated look that's effortlessly elegant. Contrasting colours add visual interest and personality. For example, a grey headboard with cream side rails creates a subtle dimension. Headboard height: Low headboards suit modern, minimalist bedrooms and work well in rooms with low ceilings. Tall headboards create drama and are perfect for sitting up in bed. They work particularly well in rooms with high ceilings. Footboard or no footboard: Beds with a footboard create a complete, enclosed feeling. Perfect for traditional styles, such as sleigh beds. Beds without one are more modern and make the room feel more spacious. For more styling inspiration, check out our headboard inspiration guide.
Do you need help assembling your upholstered bed frame? We get it - not everyone loves wrestling with flat-pack furniture on a Saturday afternoon. That's why we offer an expert bed assembly service. Our team will deliver, unpack, and assemble your bed exactly where you want it, so you can skip the confusing instructions and put your feet up instead. Add the assembly service at checkout, and we'll handle the rest.
Find your perfect upholstered bed at Dreams From velvet to woven fabrics, upholstered beds bring comfort, style, and personality to any bedroom. Whether you're after statement luxury or understated elegance, there's an upholstered bed frame waiting to transform your sleep space. Ready to find yours? Explore our full collection of beds online, or visit your nearest Dreams store to see them in person. Our sleep experts can help you choose the perfect fabric, size, and style for your bedroom. Need more guidance? Check out our bed buying guide for everything you need to know about finding the right bed.