Upholstered beds

What are upholstered beds?

An upholstered bed has padding and fabric over parts of its frame, most often the headboard and side rails. The fabric gives a soft, finished look.

Upholstered describes the finish, not the support. Underneath there may be slats, a solid deck, a divan box or an ottoman lift. Always ask what holds up the mattress.

Many UK upholstered beds are one frame shape sold in many fabrics and colours. The model name often just describes the headboard shape.

Colour names such as mink, putty or slate grey are shop labels, not fixed shades. The same name can look different from one seller to the next, so a real swatch matters.

What types of upholstered beds are there?

Chesterfield beds

Deep buttons pulled into the headboard fabric in a diamond pattern. The look comes from classic Chesterfield sofas.

Wingback beds

The headboard has side panels, or wings, that curve forward. Wings add width, so measure them.

Panelled and channel headboards

Vertical stitched panels or rounded channels run up the headboard. They give a clean, modern look.

Upholstered sleigh beds

Curved headboard and footboard, both padded. The curves add length to the bed.

Upholstered ottoman beds

A padded frame whose mattress platform lifts on gas struts for storage underneath.

Low and platform upholstered frames

A padded frame with low rails and a slatted base. It sits closer to the floor.

What are the pros and cons of upholstered beds?

What sizes do upholstered beds come in?

Upholstered beds are made for UK mattress sizes: Single 90 × 190 cm, Small Double 120 × 190 cm, Double 135 × 190 cm, King 150 × 200 cm and Super King 180 × 200 cm.

The frame is often several centimetres wider and longer than the mattress because of padding. Wingback and sleigh styles add more.

Ask for the outside width (including wings), outside length, headboard height from the floor and the height of the mattress top.

Frames and headboards can be bigger than the mattress. Ask for the outer size in centimetres.

What should you check before buying upholstered beds?

• Outside size: measure the full frame including headboard wings, not just the mattress size.
• Fabric content: “velvet” describes the surface, not the fibre. Ask for the fibre content and the cleaning code.
• Support: slats, a solid deck or a divan box. Check the slat gap matches your mattress maker’s rules.
• Centre support: Double and larger frames need a centre rail with legs to the floor.
• Headboard height: check how much shows above your mattress and whether it blocks sockets or windows.
• Swatches: order a fabric sample and look at it in daylight and lamplight.
• Fire safety: upholstered beds must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Ask to see the label.

Will upholstered beds fit your room?

Mark the full headboard width on the wall with removable tape. Check bedside tables and sockets still fit.

Wingback and sleigh beds take more floor space than the mattress. Plan for the full outline.

Leave about 50–60 cm to walk beside the bed if you can.

Light fabrics can make a small room feel brighter but show marks sooner. Dark fabrics hide marks but can show dust and pet hair.

Plan it with the bed room planner.

Delivery and assembly

Upholstered beds usually arrive flat-packed. The headboard is often the largest box.

Measure doors, stairs and landing turns against the headboard box size.

Assembly usually needs two people. Keep the fabric off rough floors while you build it.

Ask whether the seller offers assembly, and keep the plastic cover on the headboard until the frame is built.

Check your doors, stairs and turns with the delivery fit checker.

How do you look after upholstered beds?

Vacuum with a soft brush attachment often to lift dust.

Follow the fabric’s cleaning code. Test any spot cleaner on a hidden area first.

Keep the bed out of strong direct sunlight to slow fading, and brush velvet pile in one direction.