Upholstered Bed: The Basics You Need to Know

upholstered dark grey bed with grey sheets

Your bed is, without a doubt, one of the most important purchases you will make, from the bed frame to the mattress. After all, you spend almost a third of your life sleeping! As such, don’t settle for just any bed. You’ll want to invest in a bed that’s not only comfortable but also durable and visually appealing. One such type of bed is an upholstered bed.

What is an Upholstered Bed?

An upholstered bed refers to any bed with cushions made of fabric covering the bed frame. When it comes to beds, upholstery can be applied to the frame, headboard, and footboard. You can combine an upholstered frame, an upholstered headboard, and an upholstered footboard together, or you can leave your wooden headboard and footboard bare and only upholster your frame.

luxury upholstered bed with chandelier
Photo Source: Adobe Stock

The Benefits of an Upholstered Bed

An upholstered bed may be more expensive than regular bed frames, but there are several benefits to consider before making your bed purchasing decision. The benefits of an upholstered bed include:

Add a Touch of Style

An upholstered bed frame can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any bedroom.

Complement Your Bedroom Design

Upholstered bed frames often come in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics to choose from, so you can easily match your bedroom’s décor.

Add More Back Support

An upholstered bed is ideal for people with back pain because they provide more support than a traditional bed frame when sitting up in bed, such as reading a book or watching TV.

Get Rid of Sharp Edges

An upholstered bed softens the sharp edges of a bed frame, which means you’re less likely to hurt yourself if you accidentally bump into it.

upholstered bed modern
Photo Source: Adobe Stock

Upholstered Beds We Like

Amazon product

Types of Upholstered Bed Styles

If you’re interested in adding an upholstered bed to your room, you’ll want to know what types of upholstered beds are available. Almost any type of bed can be upholstered; however, the following are some of the most popular upholstered bed styles:

Platform Beds

A platform bed is a bed that doesn’t have a box spring or mattress. The frame is raised off the ground and has a solid surface. As such, an upholstered platform bed is a great option.

Standard Beds

A regular metal frame or a wooden bed frame can be upholstered to add a soft touch and aesthetic to your bed.

Canopy Beds

A canopy bed has a four-poster frame with curtains or drapes that hang from the top. This type of bed is perfect for upholstering because there’s a lot of fabric already available on the bed. Canopy beds are also commonly referred to as four-poster beds.

Ottoman Beds

An ottoman bed is a bed that has a hinged base that opens up to reveal storage space inside. This bed style is perfect for upholstering because the storage bed frame can be covered with foam and fabric then attached to a solid bed frame.

Sleigh Beds

A sleigh bed is a bed that has a curved headboard and footboard. This bed is perfect for upholstering because the bed frame is already curved, which gives the bed a more luxurious look.

Sleigh Beds We Like

Murphy Beds

A Murphy bed is a bed that folds down from the wall. This bed style is perfect for upholstering because the back (essentially the headboard) can be covered with foam and fabric. Once folded into the wall, the upholstered portion is hidden. If you don’t mind the upholstered look, then you can also install a murphy bed that’s completely upholstered — even when in a storage state.

family sleeping in upholstered bed
Photo Source: Adobe Stock

Types of Upholstery Fabric

Upholstery fabric is available in many different types of materials. The following are some of the popular kinds of upholstery fabric you can choose from for your upholstered bed:

Linen Bed Upholstery

Linen is made from 100% natural fibers, so it’s very soft and durable.

Cotton Bed Upholstery

Cotton upholstery is typically made with 80% cotton and 20% polyester for added durability. Cotton bed upholstery is a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable and durable fabric.

Polyester Bed Upholstery

Polyester is a good choice for those looking for durable and easy-to-clean fabric. It will also last a long time as a result.

Velvet Bed Upholstery

Velvet is usually made from a blend of cotton and silk, giving it a luxurious look and feel.

detailed of upholstered headboard
Photo Source: Adobe Stock

Leather Bed Upholstery

Real leather provides an incredibly high-end aesthetic, making it one of the most expensive upholstered bed options. Of course, if you want the leather look but don’t want to pay the high cost, you can always go with faux leather.

Leather Upholstery Beds We Like

Amazon product

Vinyl Bed Upholstery

Vinyl is a good choice if you’re looking for a waterproof and easy-to-clean fabric that’s also very durable. This material tends to be less expensive than most other types of bed upholstery fabric.

Felt Bed Upholstery

Felt is made with 100% wool, which means it’s very soft, durable, and warm.

How to Choose the Right Upholstered Bed for You

Now that you know about the different types of upholstered beds and the different kinds of upholstery fabric available, you’ll need to figure out exactly what type of upholstered bed will best suit your needs. The following are a few things to consider when choosing an upholstered bed:

Lifestyle

Start by considering your needs and what type of bed would best suit your lifestyle. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want a bed with an upholstery fabric made from nylon so that you can clean any spills or accidents easily.

Budget

Next, consider your budget and what type of bed upholstery fabric is within your price range. Keep in mind that the more luxurious the material, the higher the price.

Comfort

Consider your comfort needs and what type of bed upholstery would be most comfortable for you. If you prefer a softer fabric, choose a bed upholstery option like velvet or suede. If you prefer a more durable fabric, choose a bed upholstery option like cotton or polyester.

Style

Finally, consider your personal style and what type of bed would best match your home’s décor. The bed takes up a lot of visual space, which means you’ll want to make sure the type of upholstery you choose will match your bedroom furniture.

woman happy smiling sleeping in upholstered bed
Photo Source: Adobe Stock

Consider Buying an Upholstered Bed

Upholstered beds are a fantastic option if you want to boost the style and comfort of your bed frame. When choosing an upholstered bed, it’s essential to consider the different types of fabric available and your lifestyle and budget. Just remember, the more luxurious the material, the higher the price will be. So, choose the bed upholstery option that best suits your needs and budget.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo