---
title: "Chenille"
description: "What chenille fabric is and how it is used on UK upholstered bed bases and headboards."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/glossary/chenille/"
category: "glossary"
primary_entity: "chenille bed fabric"
date_published: 2026-08-03
date_modified: 2026-08-03
---

# Chenille

> Chenille is a soft upholstery fabric with a fuzzy yarn character. It is used on UK divans and headboards. It usually looks more matte than plush or crushed velvet. Retail colourways often include cream, grey, black, mink, and bright accents such as lime. Chenille names the cover, not the bed’s storage layout.

**Definition.** Chenille is a soft upholstery fabric with a fuzzy, caterpillar-like feel. It is used on divans and headboards as a less shiny alternative to velvet.

Also called: chenille fabric.

Compare fabric families in
[bed upholstery fabrics and colours](/beds/bed-upholstery-fabrics-and-colours).

---

Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/glossary/chenille/ · BedGuide — educational encyclopedia, no affiliate commission. Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.