Supplied/STUDIOJOS
If you’re looking to bring a touch of glamour to your bedroom, it’s time to buy an upholstered bed frame. From fashion to homewares, we’re seeing a return to luxury embellishments across the board, including plush fabric beds.
“I see upholstered bed frames as an enduring design choice,” Joss Knight, luxury interior designer and founder of STUDIOJOS, tells marie claire. “They bring softness and warmth to a bedroom, and the fabric, shape and proportions can completely change the mood of the space.”
More than a functional item (though, this is also a box they should tick), upholstered bed bases and headboards provide a valuable aesthetic enhancement. They have the potential to introduce an additional layer for styling, introducing new colours or textures unmet by metal or timber bed frames. This styling element can be particularly important in contemporary homes, where sharp lines and white walls create a harsher bedroom feel.
However, given an upholstered bed frame holds such significant visual weight, you’ll not only need to choose a frame that works—but style it well for your space.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Upholstered Bed Frame?
From a functional perspective, consider size, colour and durability before purchasing your bed frame. “Always view fabric samples in the bedroom before committing,” Joss Knight advises. Order your swatches first and then view them during the day and night times in your space. “Colour and texture can look quite different in natural daylight and under bedside lighting.”
While the size of your bed frame will depend largely on the size of your room and your mattress, the overall dimensions of the frame and bedhead are important to confirm. “An upholstered frame can extend considerably beyond the mattress, which affects circulation and the placement of bedside furniture,” Joss adds. Consider the ways in which your frame might unintentionally envelope your space.
Finally, when it comes to fabric choice, Joss offers a note on durability: “Choose the fabric with your lifestyle in mind, particularly if you have pets or children. Ask about durability, cleaning requirements and whether the upholstery or covers can be replaced.”
With these boxes checked, you can proceed to purchase.
How Can You Style an Upholstered Bed Frame to Suit Your Bedroom?
Treat the bed as the starting point for the room’s palette and proportions. Upholstery already introduces a substantial soft surface, so I like to balance it with timber or stone bedside tables, considered lighting and a few objects with more defined shapes.
“For the bedding, build a relationship with the upholstery rather than matching everything exactly,” Joss explains. “A chocolate bed frame paired with ivory linen and a muted tobacco throw, for example, creates warmth without feeling overly coordinated. If the upholstery has a strong texture or pattern, keep the bedding simpler.”
“Restraint matters. You want enough layering to feel inviting, but not so many cushions that the shape and detailing of the bed disappear.”
— Joss Knight, Founder of STUDIOJOS
EVA
Delve Bed Frame
SHEET SOCIETY
Eve Linen Quilt Cover
BED THREADS
Oatmeal Pillowcases (set of 2)
CULTIVER
Freya Linen Throw
The Best Upholstered Bed Frames, 2026
Classic fabrics and colours will stand the test of time, which is something you want in a bed frame. “My preference is for generous, softly sculptural forms with thoughtful detailing,” Joss shares. “Warm neutrals such as oatmeal, biscuit and mushroom create a calm foundation, while chocolate, olive and burgundy offer a richer expression. Linen and textured woven fabrics lend themselves to relaxed interiors, whereas velvet can introduce depth and a more tailored feel.”
However, your chosen bed frame should reflect your own style and bedroom feel. “The key is choosing something that feels connected to the home and that you will enjoy beyond the current season,” Joss reminds.
CASTLERY
Dawson Bed
ECOSA
Veya Cloud Bed Frame
KOALA
Brunswick Bed Base
MILANO
Ferraro Tool-Free Bed Frame
KOALA
Paddington Bed Base
ECOSA
Sierra Bed Frame
LOUNGE LOVERS
Arlo Floating Bed With Curved Headboard
JAMES LANE
Capri Gas Lift Bed
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