How do you choose upholstery for a bedroom bed? A guide to fabrics

The bedroom is the most private space in the home. The bed plays a major role in it - it provides sleeping comfort, but also gives character to the whole interior. An upholstered model is a great choice if you want high comfort and a cosy effect. We explain which upholstery fabric to choose and what to look for when making your decision.

Why is the choice of fabric so important? Because it determines not only the appearance of the furniture, but also the degree of comfort, durability and also functionality. The ideal fabric for upholstering a bed should match the lifestyle of the household. Whether you have pets in the bedroom, are bringing up small children or are going for elegance - in all cases, the ease with which the bed can be kept clean proves to be crucial.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN UPHOLSTERY FABRIC FOR MY BEDROOM BED?

The choice of upholstery fabric should be adapted to the real conditions of use. Not only its colour and texture should be considered, but also its resistance to abrasion, stains or fuzzing.

1. ABRASION RESISTANCE, OR AN UPHOLSTERED BED THAT WILL LAST FOR YEARS

Before deciding on a fabric, it is worth making sure how it has performed in the Martindale test. The test uses a machine to rub the fabric with a certain amount of force to determine its resistance. The higher the score expressed in Martindale cycles, the more resistant it is.

In VOX, there are upholstery fabrics available that can withstand up to 100,000 cycles and will last for many years. These include elegant chenille (e.g. Perfecto and Geco) or natural fabrics such as flame-retardant Wool Premium. Upholstered beds are generally not as heavily used as sofas, so in practice an upholstery with medium abrasion resistance is sufficient.

2. EASY TO CLEAN - EASY CLEAN AND WATER REPELLENT UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

Stains from cosmetics, snacks or pet marks will be removed more quickly and easily if you choose Easy Clean fabric. The Heartland polyester fabric can be wiped with a soft cloth dampened with water (clean or with detergent) to get rid of a variety of stains.

If you don't like to worry about extra, it's worth inviting fabrics with hydrophobic properties into your bedroom. Thanks to a special coating, they repel liquid, which instead of penetrating deep into the fabric, stays on the surface. Examples include the melange fabric Solid or the tweed-like fabric Portland. Such a solution ensures that the bed remains practical and aesthetically pleasing for a long time - without the need for an additional cover.

3. SAFE AND HYPOALLERGENIC - FOR A PEACEFUL NIGHT'S SLEEP

When choosing upholstery for your bed, it's worth paying attention to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate. This guarantees that the material does not contain harmful substances and is safe for children or allergy sufferers. Hypoallergenic fabrics help to create a healthy sleeping space.

Explore different bedroom design ideas with an upholstered bed.

STYLE AND AESTHETICS - WHICH BED UPHOLSTERY SUITS YOUR BEDROOM?

By choosing the right fabric and colour, you can emphasise the style of your interior and create a space that is pleasant to relax in. To make this process easier, we have divided our palette into four groups of fabrics that differ in appearance and properties:

Textured - fabrics with a clearly visible fibre weave, such as boucle. They are pet-friendly, as the fabric's fine pulls and hair are less visible. They suit japanese and boho style interiors, but will also work well on a sofa in a minimalist living room. See also our guide to sofa upholstery fabrics.

Smooth - pleasant to the touch, soft upholstery fabrics that add elegance to furniture, such as velour or chenille. An excellent choice for lovers of the glamour aesthetic. You may be interested in: How to clean velour furniture?

Natural - fabrics that contain linen or cotton. They have a fine texture and a matt finish. They suit rooms decorated in the Scandi spirit.

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Melange - they are characterised by a combination of fibres in different shades, thanks to which they mask minor dirt well. They allow to create cosy, retro interiors, but can also successfully fit into many other design trends. They are perfect for furniture renovation - they can refresh the look of worn-out upholstery, giving it a new character and a second life.

The colour of the upholstery should be matched to the character of the bedroom. Light colours make the interior appear larger and lighter. They are practical, as you cannot see dust on them, but they do get dirty more easily. Dark colours can overwhelm a small space and steal light. On upholstered beds, however, they are more functional - you can't see stains or minor signs of use. Choosing intermediate shades - grey, beige or olive - that combine elegance with comfort can also be a good option.

Discover more useful tips: How to decorate a bright bedroom?

DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE - STITCHING, HEADRESTS, LEGS

The perfect bed can mean something different to everyone. That's why the VOX range includes many customisable models. Different types of headrests - straight, quilted, stitched or rounded - allow you to match the style of the bed to your interior, while giving comfortable support for your back and head. Models without a headrest can be enriched with a soft, upholstered wall of Soform panels, and those fitted with a wooden backrest with removable, hanging headrests.

A wide choice of fabrics is an easy way to tailor a bed to suit your own style and needs. With a variety of colours, textures and material properties, you can create a piece of furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. We know how important it is to tailor comfort to individual needs, which is why at VOX you can choose your own mattress, and in selected models - such as the Nook and Reli youth beds - also your preferred frame. In the case of many upholstered beds, such as Puric, an additional element of personalisation is the option to choose the legs.

UPHOLSTERED OR CONTINENTAL BED - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

At first glance, the two models may look similar. Although they have an upholstered headboard in common, they differ in construction and therefore in comfort of use and visual effect. The frame of an upholstered bed is covered with fabric and a frame and mattress are fitted inside. A continental bed, on the other hand, has a layered construction: a high mattress rests on a stable base with springs, and the whole is often complemented by a topper.

If you want elegance straight from a hotel interior, it is worth paying attention to simple VOX upholstered bed models with large bedding containers, set on low legs - such as Quatro or Line. Their geometric form and uniform upholstery give the arrangement a minimalist character, while ensuring maximum practicality in everyday use.

TEST THE BEDDING MATERIAL BEFORE YOU BUY IT

If you match the bed to your needs and style, you will be able to relax in the most conducive environment possible. Before buying your bed, it's a good idea to ask for samples of the upholstery fabric in the VOX showroom to see it in natural light and touch it in person. This makes it easier to judge how the fabric will look in the bedroom. Take your teenager along for the visit - our range also includes upholstered beds perfect for the teenage kingdom, such as the Nook corner bed.