12 Elegant & Luxurious “Upholstered Bed Frames” We Love

You must sift through endless styles, colors, and sizes when looking for a new bed frame. There are so many options it can be overwhelming. 

If you’re considering an upholstered bed frame, you can create a luxurious and homey look in your bedroom and allow it to add to the decor style of your bedroom. But, it is important to know what you are looking for and learn a few things about these bed frames before spending the money.

Consider this your complete buying guide for upholstered beds. This article will discuss the pros, the cons, the different styles, the various fabrics, and our favorite options available on the market.

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12 Beautiful Upholstered Bed Frames

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Introduction to Upholstered Bed Frames

So what is an upholstered bed frame? Upholstered bed frames use a fabric covering, usually stapled to a hard surface underneath. Many upholstered bed frames also feature cushioning or padding underneath the fabric, making it more comfortable and soft. 

An upholstered bed frame means all the surfaces, usually excluding the legs, have a fabric covering. But you can also opt for just an upholstered headboard, meaning the rest of the bed frame may be exposed metal or wood. 

Upholstered Bedframe Styles

If you want an upholstered bed frame, there are many styles to choose from. You can pick all styles from minimalist to maximalist to fancy to modern; the options are practically endless. 

To give you a feel for the upholstered bed frames, this section will discuss the fabric and style options so you can choose your favorites. 

Material Options

First off, there are many, many upholstery materials to choose from. Some are more comfortable, others are more stylish, and certain fabrics are much easier to clean and care for. 

• Polyester
• Velvet
• Cotton
• Leather
• Silk 
• Satin
• Flannel
• Chenille
• Woven 
• Linen 
• Suede 
• Boucle 
• Wool 

These are just a few materials you can find upholstered beds in. But you can use practically any material for a headboard and bed frame, depending on what style you want and what fabrics you’re willing to care for. Velvet and silk are the most luxurious options, while linen and leather are often the most durable and easy to care for. 

Style Options

Now that you have an idea of the fabric choices available, you should browse the different frame styles to see what suits your tastes best. Below are twelve of the most popular bed frame styles for upholstered frames. Consider what design you would be comfortable having in your bedroom. 

1. Canopy Frame

A canopy bed frame is a dramatic frame style. It typically consists of four posts on each corner of the bed that go almost to the ceiling. There may be a roof, or not, which some people find cozy while others feel the closed in top and posts make the bed cramped. 

These beds often have a fairytale vibe and a bold effect on the bedroom. For added privacy, you can add curtains along the posts to make your bed extra secluded and homey. 

2. Tufted Headboard

A Tufted bed is when there are buttons or studs throughout the headboard that create a tufted pattern on the headboard. These headboards typically have extra cushioning and a luxurious look.

 A tufted headboard can be a great statement piece in your bedroom and give your bed a luscious and dreamy aura. Tufted headboards are one of the most popular varieties of upholstered frames. 

3. Low Profile

If minimalism is your thing, you’ll probably prefer a low profile upholstered bed. A low profile means the headboard is simple, and the frame is not bold or flashy. 

Low profile upholstered frames are often slim and won’t overpower other decor or furniture in the room. Low profile options are best for smaller bedrooms without a lot of extra space for a massive, dramatic bed frame. 

4. Maximalist Headboard

If you want to go the other direction and create a statement with your headboard, you can get a maximalist, large headboard. These can be headboards that dramatically reach the ceiling or expand significantly farther than the side of the bed. 

A popular trend uses giant Halfmoon headboards that touch the floor and extend beyond the sides of the bed, creating an artistic frame for your bed. 

5. Invisible Bed Frame

It’s not actually invisible, but it’s close. You can have an upholstered bed frame super thin with no headboard, so your cozy mattress will always be the center of attention. 

These frames are another option for smaller bedrooms where you want to limit the space your bed takes up. But even with one of these subtle frames, you can still choose a bright fabric that will accent your bed beautifully. 

6. Sleigh Frame

A sleigh frame is exactly what it sounds like, a bed frame that looks like a sleigh. So it has a prominent headboard and a raised end at the foot of the bed. 

These frames give you the feeling of being cradled and closed in, similar to how canopy beds are. If you love the fabric you’ve chosen for your upholstery, you can incorporate more of it by having a sleigh bed. 

7. Winged Headboard

A winged headboard is another dramatic option where the sides of the headboard curve in or make a corner. 

Once again, this style makes the bed more inviting and warm, as there’s the extra fabric that makes it look softer. The wings can be subtle and small or bold with a curved design that is eye-catching and elegant. 

8. No Headboard

If you don’t want a headboard that will take up more space in your room, you can still have a beautifully upholstered bed.

 Underneath the mattress and on the sides, there will still be fabric, so you can choose a stunning color to frame your bed and some coziness to the room, so it’s not just a plain mattress in a boring wooden or metal frame. 

9. Storage Frame

If you have a small bedroom, you can get an upholstered bed frame with storage drawers underneath or a ledge above the headboard. 

This is an excellent choice if you don’t have room for nightstands because the bedroom is too tight. And upholstered drawers often go unnoticed, while wood or metal drawers may be obvious. 

10. Oversized Frame

To make your bed feel like a giant pillow or heavenly cloud, you can get an oversized bedframe that extends beyond the size of the mattress on all sides. These bed frames are often paired with maximalist headboards, but they don’t have to be. 

11. Upholstered Panel Headboard

A panel headboard is similar to a tufted headboard. Instead of buttons or studs pressed in the fabric throughout the headboard, the fabric tucks into horizontal or vertical lines. This creates a classy and linear appearance. 

12. Studded Headboard

Lastly, many people enjoy the modern and decorative appearance of a studded headboard. This is when small metal studs frame the headboard, adding a flair and making the headboard look more expensive in some cases. 

Caring for an Upholstered Bed Frame

How you care for your upholstered bed frame will depend on the fabric. Check manufacturer care instructions or research how to care for the particular fabric. But below are some helpful tips!

• Vacuum with a handheld vacuum or attachment
• Use a soft brush or lint roller every so often
• Spot clean with a damp white cloth 
• Hire an upholstery cleaner if you have stains or trouble cleaning

Considerations When Shopping

Even if you love an upholstered bed frame you see online or in-store, it may not be the right choice. 

Before you start shopping, consider the following aspects of the bed frame. Keep these in mind while shopping so you can make your choice confidently and choose the right upholstered bed frame. 

Cost

Bed frames can be a hefty expense. Luckily, many places like Wayfair offer lovely upholstered bed frames at reasonable prices! But before you start shopping, you should set a budget so you know what bed frames to consider and which to move on from. 

A bed frame that costs tens of thousands is probably too much, but a frame that only costs $100 is likely poor quality. Try to find a comfortable middle ground and shop for frames within your set budget. 

Quality

Considering quality goes hand in hand with considering your budget. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the highest quality option. Consider the reputation of the company you purchase from. 

Think about how sturdy the bed frame material is and the quality of the fabric. You don’t want a bed frame that will fall apart or be useless after just one year. But you don’t want to pay an excessive price for no reason. 

Size

Large bed frames can make your bed feel like a cozy palace, but sometimes they take up too much space in your bedroom. 

If you have a smaller bedroom and a big bed, it’s probably best to stick to a more sleek and compact bed frame so your bedroom doesn’t feel too cramped. Consider if you want space beside the bed for nightstands or if you need to allow room for a dresser or bureau. 

On the other hand, bedrooms with limited space can benefit from large bedframes that feature storage and shelving. Upholstered bed frames can have drawers underneath or a shelf on top, making a small bedroom more functional. 

Height

Many people don’t think about the height of their bed frame until they sit on it. Some people feel uncomfortable being close to the ground, while others find high bedframes inconvenient and less cozy. 

Consider what you prefer. Would a bed frame sitting on the floor be more comfortable for you? Do you like the feeling of being up high while you sleep? 

Other factors that will play into the height will be other furniture in the room. If you have very low or very high nightstands, try to find a bed frame that will pair well with these to make your bedroom experience more comfortable. 

Do you have a little dog that might struggle to hop on a high bed? Do you have a television on a low table in your bedroom? Try to factor all of these aspects into your choice of bed frame height. 

You can also adjust your height by adding a box spring underneath your mattress. This can make your bed more bouncy while adding a few inches to the height. Most bed frames can accommodate a box spring or work with just a mattress. 

Style

Of course, one of the most important considerations when buying any furniture or decor for your home is your style! 

If you have a minimalist aesthetic, a smaller bedframe will probably suit your tastes better. But if you love flashy furniture and bold statement pieces, a large and colorful or detailed upholstered bed frame would probably fit your style better. 

Colors, materials, and size all factor into whether or not a bed frame is your style. But another consideration is if you even want a headboard. 

Some people like the headboard behind their pillows. It can make the bed more inviting and attractive. But it can also look clunky to some people. Before shopping, you should decide whether you want an upholstered bed frame with or without a headboard. 

Comfort

Upholstered bed frames are an excellent choice for people that tend to sit up in their bed often, whether reading a book, watching TV, or simply relaxing. 

Some upholstered bed frames are hard, while others are soft and cushioned. If you think you’ll rest your head on the board often, a cushioned and comfy headboard is probably a better choice. Some headboard materials can also be scratchy, so you may want a softer material if you plan to lean on it. 

Care

Materials like leather are super easy to care for and keep looking clean and stylish. But materials like velvet or silk can be more difficult to keep clean. And obviously, the larger the bed frame and headboard, the more surface area there will be to maintain. 

If you want a hassle-free bed frame, consider a low-maintenance material. But if you’re willing to put in some extra effort to have the lovely material you want, be prepared to care for the upholstery periodically, usually once a month. 

Also, some fabrics are more pet and kid-friendly, meaning it will be easier to clean pet hair or kid messes off them. Some materials can be irreparably damaged if the wrong liquid spills, and some make it extra hard to clean off pet hair. 

Other Bed Frame Options

If you think the cons of an upholstered bed outweigh the pros, or it just isn’t a style that appeals to you, consider other bed frame options explained below. 

Wood

Wooden bed frames are one of the most popular options nowadays. They have a rustic and natural appearance using a sturdy and comfortable material. 

Wooden bed frames can be painted or raw, and they can be any kind of wood, from pine to cherry to bamboo. They can be sleek and minimalist, or they can be large and bold. 

Metal

Metal bed frames, especially fancy wrought iron ones, can be an extremely classy and elegant look. 

Metal bed frames and very sturdy and can be different colors, from jet black to soft white to all the colors of the rainbow. Some have intricate designs on the head and end of the bed, while others are super simple and all about function. 

Adjustable

If you want a high-tech bed frame, you can get adjustable ones that can raise one or both sides of the bed. This means you can have a footrest while you watch TV or have your bed hold you up while you read a book. 

While these are super functional and comfy, they aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing and often don’t have too many style and material options. 

Final Thoughts

Upholstered bed frames are not for everyone, but they work beautifully in many households. And they aren’t just for people with flashy taste, as they can work well with minimalist aesthetics and dramatic styles. 

Consider the pros and cons of upholstered bed frames and how much effort you’re willing to put into caring for the fabric. And don’t settle for a bed frame that you don’t absolutely love!

FAQs

People often have many questions concerning bed frames and upholstery, especially if it’s new to them. Below are the answers to commonly asked questions that can help you while shopping. 

What’s the most affordable type of bed frame?

The most affordable bed frames use the most inexpensive materials. Typically minimalist metal bed frames are the least expensive because they use few materials but are still sturdy and stylish. 

What type of bed frame will last the longest?

The most reliable bed frame material is probably steel. But a super strong wood like cherry or oak should also last years and years, if not a lifetime. 

But if you want a bed frame to last you forever, try to choose a more flexible style that could work for future trends if your tastes change. 

Can you upholster the bed frame you already have?

It is possible to upholster the bed frame you already have, or at least the headboard. Usually, wooden bed frames are the easiest to upholster on your own, and there are plenty of helpful Youtube videos to instruct you how to upholster with whatever fabric you choose! 

This option is a great DIY way to upgrade your bedroom and incorporate the style you want without making a massive purchase. But be warned, this can be a long project.