Bed Frames

A Simple Guide to Bed Fabrics: What to Choose and Why It Matters

When buying a new bed, most people focus on size and style. But one detail that makes a massive difference to how your bed looks and feels is the fabric. The right fabric can make your bedroom feel luxurious, calm, bold, or cosy.

In this guide, we break down the most popular bed fabrics used in the UK so you can choose the one that suits your lifestyle, your space, and your taste.

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Your bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your bedroom. The fabric you pick affects not just the look of your bed, but how easy it is to clean, how it feels to touch, and how well it lasts over time.

It is worth choosing wisely.

Popular Bed Fabrics Explained

1. Conniston Fabric

Conniston is a soft woven fabric with a slightly raised texture. It is known for its natural feel and subtle grain that adds character without being overpowering.

Best for:

  • Classic bedrooms
  • Neutral, calming decor
  • People who like a cosy but clean look

Why choose it?

  • It is durable and resists everyday wear
  • The texture hides minor marks or dust
  • Looks great in both light and dark shades
  • Adds warmth without being heavy

Care Tips:

  • Hoover gently using a soft brush attachment
  • Spot clean with a damp cloth, no harsh cleaners

2. Turkish Velvet Fabric

Turkish Velvet is a luxurious, short-pile velvet. It has a smooth, suede-like finish with a subtle sheen, giving it a more modern and premium feel.

Best for:

  • Statement beds
  • Contemporary or glam bedrooms
  • Customers who want soft-touch fabrics

Why choose it?

  • It adds instant luxury and elegance
  • Feels soft and smooth to the touch
  • Reflects light beautifully, especially in bold colours
  • Makes your bed the star of the room

Care Tips:

  • Gently brush with a velvet-safe fabric brush
  • Blot spills immediately and avoid soaking
  • Rotate cushions or pillows if placed near the headboard to reduce pressure marks

3. Velvet

Plush Velvet, Conniston and Turkish Velvet are soft, rich, and adds instant luxury.

Good for:

  • Statement headboards
  • Boutique hotel-style bedrooms
  • Modern or glam decor

Watch out for:

  • Velvet can mark easily with pressure or water
  • Lighter shades may show wear quicker

Choose fabric which offers more practical finish.

4. Linen and Linen-Look

Linen fabric has a relaxed, natural texture that works well in modern, Scandi, or rustic bedrooms.

Good for:

  • Minimalist or calm interiors
  • All-year-round comfort
  • A lighter, breathable feel

Watch out for:

  • Natural linen can crease easily
  • Choose a linen-look weave for a more durable option

5. Chenille

Chenille has a soft, fuzzy texture that feels warm and inviting.

Good for:

  • Family bedrooms
  • Cosy spaces
  • People who like touchable, comfy textures

Watch out for:

  • Needs regular hoovering to keep dust at bay
  • Slightly heavier in feel and look

6. Faux Leather

Faux leather gives a clean, bold look and is easy to wipe clean.

Good for:

  • Kids or teenagers’ beds
  • High-traffic homes
  • Sleek, modern bedrooms

Watch out for:

  • Can feel cold in winter
  • Needs gentle cleaning to avoid cracking

7. Plush Fabric

This is a soft-touch material similar to velvet but with more durability. Often found in designer beds.

Good for:

  • Luxury bedrooms
  • Showpiece furniture
  • Creating a soft, hotel-style vibe

Watch out for:

  • May need more care when cleaning
  • Shows marks if not brushed regularly

Tips for Choosing the Right Fabric

  • Do you have kids or pets? Go for chenille, faux leather, or darker shades in velvet

  • Want something timeless? Linen-look or muted plush tones are always in style

  • Prefer low maintenance? Faux leather is easiest to clean

  • Going for impact? Velvet or plush in bold colours creates a striking centrepiece

At FunkyBedz, we offer a wide range of fabric choices for every bed we make — and we can send fabric swatches if you want to see and feel them before you buy.

Fabric Comparison Table: Conniston vs Naples vs Crush Velvet vs Plush Velvet

Feature Conniston Turkish Velvet Crush Velvet Plush Velvet
Texture Soft woven, light grain Smooth suede-like finish Shiny, textured velvet with crushed look Thick, soft, velvety feel
Look & Style Classic and relaxed Modern and luxurious Glamorous and bold Boutique hotel-style, rich appearance
Shine / Sheen Matte finish Subtle sheen High sheen with sparkle Low to medium sheen
Touch Soft and breathable Silky and smooth Cool and slightly slippery Warm and cushiony
Durability Excellent for everyday use Medium – soft but durable Good but can flatten over time Durable with a premium feel
Maintenance Low maintenance – easy to clean Needs gentle brushing for marks May show pressure marks Occasional brushing keeps it fresh
Best For Understated elegance, family use Feature beds, modern spaces Bold statement headboards Luxury interiors, showpiece designs
Colour Options Neutrals, naturals, textured tones Rich tones and modern neutrals Metallic, jewel tones, bold colours Deep tones, soft neutrals, velvet finishes
Pet/Kid Friendly Yes – hides marks well OK – gentle cleaning recommended OK – depending on colour and use Yes – tougher than it looks


Final Thoughts

The fabric you choose makes your bed personal. It sets the tone for your room, adds comfort, and helps your bed last longer. Whether you love soft textures, sleek finishes, or easy-clean surfaces, there is a fabric that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Still not sure? Just ask. We are always happy to guide you through your options without any pressure.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular fabric for beds in the UK?

Velvet and plush fabrics are very popular right now, but linen-look and chenille are top choices for durability and timeless style.

Which fabric is best for homes with pets?

Chenille and faux leather tend to hold up best. Avoid light velvet shades as they can attract hair and show marks easily.

Can I order fabric samples?

Yes. At FunkyBedz, we can send out swatches so you can feel the fabric and see the colour in person before ordering.

Are fabric beds hard to keep clean?

Not if you choose the right one for your lifestyle. Most just need a gentle hoover now and again and a damp cloth for spot cleaning.

Do FunkyBedz beds come in all fabric options?

Yes. All our beds can be made in any of our available fabrics, and we are happy to help match a fabric to your design preferences.

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