The fabric changes how a bed looks, feels and wears. It is also the first thing a visitor notices. Our beds, bases and headboards come in a wide range of colours across plush velvet, linen, wool and Naples fabrics, which gives plenty of choice but also makes it hard to decide. This guide compares the fabric families, explains the practical differences and offers tips for pets, children and light.

Start with how the room is used

Ask three questions before you look at colours:

  • Is this a busy family room, or a calm main bedroom?
  • Do pets or children sit on the bed?
  • How much natural light does the room get?

The answers help you decide between a soft and rich finish or a harder-wearing, textured one. The fabric names below describe the look and feel in general. Always check the product page and swatch for the exact finish, because texture and colour vary.

Plush velvet

Plush velvet has a soft pile and a rich, luxurious look that catches the light. It is popular on winged and buttoned designs, and colours appear deep and saturated. Velvet can show pile direction and marks where it is brushed, which is normal. Keep it clean with an upholstery brush attachment, and blot spills. It suits main bedrooms and formal rooms. For examples, browse our headboards, such as the Valentino winged headboard and the Luna deep buttoned headboard.

Linen

Linen-effect fabrics have a woven, textured look and a relaxed, natural feel. They suit modern, Scandinavian and country interiors, and the texture hides small marks well. Colours are often softer and more muted. Linen is a good everyday choice for family bedrooms, because texture disguises wear.

Wool-effect

Wool-effect fabrics give a warm, tweed-like or flecked finish. They feel cosy and traditional, and the mixed texture hides marks and creases. Choose them for period homes and cosy rooms. Our range includes colours such as Clay, Latte and Pewter in wool.

Naples

Naples is one of the fabric ranges we offer, in a wide palette of colours such as Blue, Brown, Cream, Mink, Silver and Slate. The texture differs from the velvet and linen ranges, so check the swatch image and description on each product page to see the finish before you choose.

Which fabric for which situation?

  • Pets and children: textured weaves (linen, wool, Naples) hide marks and wear better than smooth velvet.
  • A luxurious main bedroom: plush velvet in a deep colour.
  • A bright room with lots of sun: lighter, textured fabrics hide fading better, and keep the bed out of strong direct light where you can.
  • A dark or north-facing room: lighter colours lift the space; rich velvets add warmth.
  • A guest room: a neutral textured fabric suits everyone.

Choosing the colour

  • Neutrals (cream, mink, silver, grey) are flexible and easy to change around.
  • Deep colours (green, navy, burgundy) give the bed presence and work well with a plain wall.
  • Soft colours (blush, duck egg, sage) feel calm and are easy to pair with white bedding.

Match the bed, headboard and storage box for a coordinated look, or choose a contrasting headboard on a neutral base. Browse our divan beds and ottoman storage boxes to match.

Test before you buy

  1. View the swatch images on the product page in daylight, and on more than one screen.
  2. Check the colour name against your walls and flooring.
  3. If you are unsure, choose a neutral that works with several colour schemes.

Keeping the fabric looking good

  • Vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment.
  • Blot spills, do not rub.
  • Avoid strong sun and heat sources.
  • Test any cleaning product in a hidden area first.

For more care advice, see how to care for your mattress and divan base.

Seasonal and room-by-room considerations

Light and fading

Strong sunlight can fade some fabrics over time. If the bed sits next to a south-facing window, consider a curtain or blind, and choose a colour that ages well. Mid-tones and textured fabrics tend to hide fading better than very dark or very light solid shades.

Warm and cool rooms

Plush velvet looks and feels warm, which suits a cool, north-facing room. In a warm, bright room, a lighter, textured fabric feels fresher.

Colour and mood

Deep greens and navy feel calm and luxurious, warm neutrals feel relaxed, and soft pastels feel airy. If you are unsure, choose a neutral and add colour with bedding.

Coordinating fabrics across the bed

  • One fabric throughout: a base, headboard and box in the same colour gives a calm, unified look.
  • Two tones: a neutral base with a bolder headboard adds interest.
  • Texture mix: a smooth headboard with a textured base, in the same colour family, adds depth.

Questions to ask before you choose

  1. Will pets or children use the bed?
  2. Do I prefer a smooth or textured surface?
  3. How much sun does the room get?
  4. What colour are my walls, floor and bedding?
  5. Do I want the bed to be the focus, or to blend in?

Once you have decided, browse our headboards, divan beds and ottoman beds in your chosen fabric family.

Fabric care at a glance

  • Velvet: brush in one direction, and blot spills. Avoid heavy rubbing.
  • Linen-effect: vacuum regularly, and treat marks quickly with a damp cloth.
  • Wool-effect: brush lightly, and avoid soaking. Keep away from heat.
  • All fabrics: test cleaning products on a hidden area first, and follow the care label.

Allergies and sensitive households

If anyone in the household has allergies, regular vacuuming of the bed and headboard helps remove dust. Choose a fabric that is easy to vacuum, and use a washable mattress protector and bedding. Smooth fabrics collect less dust than deep-pile ones, but a regular cleaning routine matters more than the fabric type. If allergies are a concern, speak to your GP.

Fabric and the rest of the room

A bed does not exist alone. Match the fabric to the other textiles in the room, such as curtains and cushions, so the effect is calm. A velvet headboard looks striking against plain bedding, while a textured linen headboard sits well with layered cotton. For more on headboards and how to choose, see our headboard styles guide.

Common questions

Which fabric is best for a headboard?

Velvet for richness, linen or wool for a textured, practical finish. It depends on the room and the use.

Does velvet mark easily?

It can show pile direction, but this is normal and can be brushed. Keep it clean and avoid heavy rubbing.

Can I choose the same fabric for the bed and the box?

Yes. You choose the fabric and colour on each product page.

Every bed is handmade in the UK with free delivery to mainland UK in 5 working days and a 3-year warranty.