Everything You Need to Know About Upholstered Beds

What’s at the center of every bedroom and the final goal at the end of every day? That’s right—the bed! No matter what brand or model you choose, you need to pick a bed that provides comfort, coziness, warmth, and style. One uncommon bed type to keep in mind is the upholstered bed.

This design is an attractive option for any room, enhancing aesthetics while providing a snug and lovely place to snooze. Whether you’re updating your current bedroom or furnishing a new one, here’s everything you need to know about upholstered beds to make an informed decision about buying one.

What Are Upholstered Beds?

When you think of upholstery, you probably think of couches, recliners, ottomans, and similarly cushioned furniture. Upholstered beds are alike. They feature a frame covered with padding and fabric, offering a soft and cushioned feel all around.

Unlike traditional wooden or metal beds, upholstered beds come with a headboard, footboard, and often even side rails that are padded and wrapped in fabric, leather, or another plush material. The upholstered element not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides extra comfort for resting against while relaxing, reading, watching TV, or what have you.

Types of Upholstery Materials

Bed upholstery comes in many forms. Here are the basics:

• Leather: Both real and faux leather offer a sleek and sophisticated look. Both are easy to maintain, highly durable, and can modernize your bedroom.
• Velvet: Soft and luxurious, velvet feels decadent. It comes in rich colors and adds regality to your bedroom.
• Linen: Light and breathable, linen is perfect for a casual and airy bedroom vibe.
• Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic material, but don’t discount it. Microfiber is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for homes with kids or pets.
• Cotton: Cotton offers a natural and soft texture. It’s comfortable and comes in a tremendous variety of patterns and colors.

Benefits of Upholstered Beds

Why bother getting an upholstered bed? They’ve become increasingly popular among homeowners for several reasons. Here are a few:

• Aesthetics: Upholstered beds can add sophistication to your bedroom. There are countless design options available, so you can find a style that suits your personal taste. These beds always look smart and indulgent in all the right ways.
• Comfort: The padded frame provides more comfort than traditional beds, making it perfect if you enjoy reading or lounging in bed. Plus, there’s a lower risk of banging an arm or shin against a hard wooden frame or headboard!
• Customization: Upholstered beds come in multitudinous fabrics, colors, and patterns, allowing greater opportunity for personalization and matching any bedroom decor.
• Noise reduction: The fabric and padding do their part to reduce noise, offering a quieter sleeping environment.

Choosing the Right Upholstered Bed

When selecting an upholstered bed, consider the following factors.

Size and Space

Common sizes for upholstered beds include twin, full, queen, king, and California king. But as much as you want to stretch out in your bed, make sure it fits the room! Measure your room before you attempt wedging an overlarge bed into it. You want to determine how much space you can dedicate to your bed.

Consider the size of the bed frame and headboard to ensure these pieces fit comfortably in your room without overwhelming it. Also, remember to consider traffic patterns and however much space other pieces of furniture are occupying.

Style and Design

What sort of look are you going for? Do you prefer a modern, minimalist bedroom, or are you drawn to traditional, classic styles? Upholstered beds come in various designs, such as sleigh beds, platform beds, and canopy beds. Whether you’re feeling traditional or daring, there’s an upholstered bed style to match your mood and motivations.

Color and Material

Naturally, choose a color and material that complements your bedroom decor. Neutral tones are versatile and timeless, and bold colors are better at making a statement.

Also, different textures and hues look better or worse under different lighting. Think about how much natural light, or the lack thereof, your bedroom gets, as this will impact how the bed’s color looks throughout the day. You should also consider the electric lighting scheme already present.

Maintenance and Care

Keep it clean! To keep your upholstered bed looking pristine, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to ensure its longevity:

• Vacuum regularly: Upholstered beds attract more dust than traditional ones. Therefore, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the fabric. This will prevent the buildup of dirt and allergens. Clean the floor and surrounding areas as well, and consider installing an air purifier to keep your room dust-free.
• Spot clean: Fabric usually soaks up liquid and hangs onto stains, so address these accidents immediately with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Always test the cleaning solution on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Of course, every fabric or material is different. Some stain more easily and some require tougher cleaners. Look at the label and read up before you clean up!
• Protect it from sunlight: Remember how we mentioned sunlight earlier? It can make your bed look terrific, but it can also bleach and leach colors away from the fabric. Position your bed away from direct sunlight or use curtains to protect it during the brightest hours of the day.

Shopping for Upholstered Beds and Bedroom Sets

If you’re looking to create a cohesive look in your bedroom, consider exploring affordable bedroom furniture sets that incorporate upholstered beds. These sets often include matching dressers, nightstands, and other pieces, making it easier to coordinate your entire space in one go. Here are a few final thoughts about trends and innovations in upholstered beds to look for as you shop.

Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly materials are gaining popularity as more homeowners seek sustainable living options. Look for beds made with responsibly sourced wood, organic fabrics, and nontoxic finishes.

Custom Designs

Customizable upholstered beds are becoming more accessible, allowing homeowners to select specific fabrics, colors, and features to create truly unique pieces that reflect their personal style.

Minimalist Designs

Minimalism continues to be a popular trend in interior design, and upholstered beds are no exception. Clean lines, neutral color palettes, and simple yet elegant designs are favored for creating a serene and uncluttered environment. These designs often focus on subtle textures and high-quality materials instead of ornate details. Minimalist upholstered beds cater to those who prefer a sleek and understated aesthetic.

Hybrid Styles

Hybrid styles combine traditional and contemporary design elements, providing a unique blend of aesthetics that appeals to a wide range of tastes. These styles allow for creativity and flexibility, enabling homeowners to mix and match different decor elements seamlessly.

That’s basically everything you need to know about upholstered beds! Have questions? Contact us for a consultation about outfitting your bedroom—and the rest of your home—with style and comfort.