Soft Linen or Velvet Wrapped, the Best Upholstered Beds Are an Instant Texture Play

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Choosing a bed frame is no small decision. Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom’s design, after all. While you could choose to dress your existing frame with a statement-making headboard, to bring maximum warmth to your space, opt for an upholstered bed for texture from head to toe. 

“The beauty of an upholstered bed is that the fabric and upholstery detailing can bring a softness and tailored look to the space,” says interior designer Eddie Maestri of Maestri Studio, “making the room both relaxing and sophisticated at the same time.”

We narrowed down our favorites to the 10 best upholstered beds that fit all decor styles and budgets in a variety of upholstery options. Think: soft textures like lush velvet, upholstery in both muted tones and standout hues, and eye-catching silhouettes. You’ll be having sweeter dreams before you know it.

Our Favorites

• Best customizable: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams LA Bed
• Best silhouette: Lulu and Georgia Clementine Platform Bed
• Best slipcovered: Design Within Reach Nest Storage Bed
• Best bouclé: CB2 Diana Camel Upholstered Bed
• Best channel tufted: The Inside Channel Tufted Bed
• Best storage: Pottery Barn Upholstered Storage Bed
• Best budget: Urban Outfitters Riley Platform Bed 
• Best low profile: Article Tessu Bed
• Best neutrals: Maiden Home The Thompson Bed
• Best mixed materials: Anthropologie Heatherfield Bed

Best Customizable: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams LA Bed

LA Bed, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams ($5,447)

Shop

Sizes: Queen | Upholstery: Velvet, linen, chenille, leather, and more | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: Two reasons: 320 fabric options and 23 wood finishes. 

Yes, you read those numbers correctly. Between hundreds of fabrics—from a nubby sage-colored berber to a graphic black and white design—and nearly two dozen wood stains, you can customize this handcrafted bed in thousands of combinations. For the upholstery, choose between seemingly endless patterns and solids. For the leg finish, pick from a vintage whitewash or black or any wood tone in between. Whatever you decide on, it’s bound to feel distinctly you.

Best Silhouette: Lulu and Georgia Clementine Platform Bed

Clementine Platform Bed, Full, Lulu & Georgia ($1,498)

Shop

Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Upholstery: Linen, velvet, sherpa, boulcé | Box spring needed: Optional

Why we chose it: This bed’s wavy silhouette wins the “coolest headboard” award.

For fun and functional pieces that you’ll love for a lifetime, turn to Lulu and Georgia. Our favorite of its upholstered beds is this scalloped design, which is whimsical without veering into saccharine territory, especially when it’s wrapped in sophisticated upholstery. How about a vintage-inspired ochre bouclé or handsome navy linen? There’s no going wrong, but the earthy pine green velvet gets our vote.

Best Slipcovered: Design Within Reach Nest Storage Bed

Nest Storage Bed, Design Within Reach ($4,795)

Shop

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Upholstery: Leather, foam, polyester fiber | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: Combine slipcovers with storage, and we’re listening.

Keep all boudoir-related odds and ends securely out of sight with the cleverly concealed compartment in Design Within Reach’s Nest Storage Bed. Tucked discreetly beneath the frame is a hidden storage space, made accessible by gas pistons that smoothly lift the mattress, no bunk removal required. Reviewers admire the bed’s looks, versatility, comfort, and usefulness. “It’s padded from every angle so you can’t whack your shins on it,” writes one enthused purchaser of the foam-clad headboard and frame. “Through some feat of engineering, it’s easy to open and close the storage compartment. The bed appears to float a little above the floor.” If you’re looking for a color or fabric makeover but not a new purchase, owners can contact DWR to pick up an alternate removable slipcover. Whether you collect one or multiple, simply change them when the mood hits, and maintain the current pick by blotting stains with a clean, dry cloth or dry-clean as needed.

Best Bouclé: CB2 Diana Camel Upholstered Bed

Diana Camel Upholstered Queen Bed, CB2 ($1,799)

Shop

Sizes: Queen, king | Upholstery: Bouclé | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: This curvaceous, cozy bouclé number makes us want to dive right in.

The lack of sharp corners on CB2’s Diana Bed is a main selling point for our style editor, Julia Stevens, who has a particular fondness for the frame’s rounded honey oak feet. The camel-colored bouclé fabric makes the bed exceptionally cozy; reviewers say it’s the perfect halfway point between plush and firm. The 10 inches underneath doesn’t leave much room for anything of substantial height, so it’s more suitable for those with ample closet storage space. While one 5-star reviewer noticed gaps between the mattress and the corners of the frame, they noted that the headboard provides comfort, support, and an overall luxe aesthetic to the space. Another satisfied purchaser sums up the bed’s appearance nicely: “It’s beautiful in person—low profile and elegant, and the color makes it more luxe than I expected. Worth the price.”  

Best Channel Tufted: The Inside Channel Tufted Bed

Channel Tufted Bed in Blush Linen, The Inside ($1,269)

Shop

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Upholstery: Linen, bouclé, velvet | Box spring needed: Yes

Why we chose it: Whoever said that channel tufting had to be stuffy?

This classic-style bed from the Inside is all the proof you need that channel tufting isn’t synonymous with snoozy. Take your pick of 28 fabrics to cover the headboard and pine and engineered wood frame, including everything from high-performance velvets and crisp linens to snuggle-worthy sheepskin and supersoft bouclé (plus exclusive options from brands like Scalamandré and Old World Weavers). Each piece is made to order using a digital printing process, so you can rest assured that your bed is crafted with the environment in mind.

Best Storage: Pottery Barn Upholstered Storage Bed

Upholstered Storage Queen Bed , Pottery Barn ($2,999)

Shop

Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Upholstery: Tweed, velvet, twill, and more | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: Under-bed storage containers can be an eyesore, but this bed with built-in storage is anything but. 

We’ve all been there: cheek to floor, peering under our bed, wondering which plastic container holds the sweater we need. So you pull each container out, one by one, and rummage through it. Rinse, repeat. It’s time to upgrade that system with this upholstered bed from Pottery Barn, a far chicer and more efficient option, with four generously sized drawers to organize your you-name-it. Take it from our chief content officer, Kate Berry, who swears by hers.

Best Low Profile: Article Tessu Bed

Tessu Bed, Article ($799)

Shop

Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Upholstery: Linen blend | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it:  Like furniture you’d find at a relaxing retreat.

This Scandi-style beauty is rest and relaxation in bed form thanks to its lightly textured linen-blend fabric. Bring even more calming vibes to your bedroom by choosing from five zen-inducing neutral tones: clay taupe, Caspian blue, sprout aqua, sprout pink, and glaze gray (currently out of stock). Quality, style, color, and ease of assembly are among the top perks of owning this bed, according to reviewers. “Absolutely in love with this bed,” writes one 5-star reviewer. “Worked great for the mix of neutrals and dusty pink I wanted for my boho bedroom.” Another patron who gave the bed 5 stars on value, design, and quality highlights its “beautiful, simple, and modern design,” adding, “The bed is so sturdy and makes absolutely no noise—the dream. The fabric is high quality, and I love the floating design.” 

Best Budget: Urban Outfitters Riley Platform Bed

Riley Platform Bed, Urban Outfitters ($549)

Shop

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Upholstery: Linen | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: An economical price with an anything-but-cheap look? We’re sold.

An upholstered bed is no small purchase, especially if you opt for a design-forward one that won’t fall apart after one move. This Urban Outfitters option, upholstered in soft neutral linens, is our favorite pick that costs less than $1,000. (An especially good choice for a guest bedroom or kiddo’s room, where you’d rather not plunk down thousands of dollars.) Though if you rely on storing out-of-season clothes under your bed, keep scrolling. This bed offers just 4 inches of clearance—nearly no room for storage. 

Best Neutrals: Maiden Home The Thompson Bed

The Thompson Bed, Maiden Home ($3,225)

Shop

Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Upholstery: Linen, tweed, leather, velvet, and more | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: Mix and match from dozens of dreamy fabrics and wood finishes. 

This stately bed is a neutral lover’s dream come true. Each of the 15 upholstery options (think: mohair, pebbled leather, and textured linen—just for starters) is available in a handful of easy-on-the-eyes neutrals. Then select the wood finish that best fits your already existing decor, from natural ash to a warm coffee hue and several in between. No matter which combination you choose, the result is a refined, love-it-forever bed that you’ll never tire of.  

Best Mixed Materials: Anthropologie Heatherfield Bed

Heatherfield Bed, Anthropologie ($1,698)

Shop

Sizes: Queen, king | Upholstery: Velvet | Box spring needed: No

Why we chose it: The pairing of a cane headboard with a velvet-wrapped frame is *chef’s kiss* bohemian perfection. 

An upholstered bed doesn’t necessarily mean an upholstered headboard. Consider this bed from Anthropologie to be exhibit A. The airiness of the curved cane headboard allows for such a substantial piece of furniture to not feel too heavy, while the velvet-upholstered frame grounds the bed. (Don’t miss those brass-capped ash-wood legs either—so pretty.) For the upholstery, choose between two no-going-wrong options: a sweet rosy pink or a spicy paprika color. 

More Upholstered Beds on Our Radar

We’re very into the rounded frames, clean lines, and soft fabrics showcased in these options from some other go-to furniture brands. For a handsome look, the Ezra from Jayson Home packs a refined, warm punch. Sundays’s Cloud Bed is a best-seller for the brand, and we’re into the pillowy back cushions, which are kept in place by Velcro. Jenni Kayne’s Cove Bed offers up an understated and minimalist style with a side of Cali coolness, and the Caldwell—from Jake Arnold’s brand-new collaboration with Crate & Barrel—has a gently curved, wood-trimmed headboard that reads luxe and comfortable. 

Budget Upholstered Beds That Punch Above Their Weight

Reviewers laud these less expensive options as “sophisticated,” “absolutely beautiful,” and “well constructed.” Equally noteworthy is the plethora of silhouettes: Mr. Kate Moon’s arched blush velvet frame has four pull-out drawers that lock into place, and the two-tone Hithos Bed pairs a gold metal frame with a tufted head and footboard.

How We Chose These Products

An upholstered bed is a big purchase, both physically and wallet-wise. That’s why we took particular care in finding the best of the best on the market right now. We chose products from brands we trust, which offer quality pieces in a variety of upholstery options and compelling silhouettes. No matter which design appeals to you, we’re confident that at least one could become a beloved piece of furniture in your home for years to come.

Our Shopping Checklist

Style

Naturally, style is at the top of our must-haves list. It can reveal itself in an interesting profile or an unexpected upholstery—anything that gives the piece a special something. 

Size

From full to California king, we aimed to feature upholstered beds of all sizes. That way, whether you’re outfitting a kiddo’s bedroom or your own, there are options for you, no matter how many square feet you’re working with. 

Material

Options, options, options. There are countless fabrics that can wrap a bed frame (think: linen, velvet, and leather for starters). We can’t decide which is the best fit for you, but we made sure to represent a full spectrum of upholstery choices so you’ll feel anything but limited.  

Ask Domino

Q: How do you clean an upholstered bed?

Most beds can be spot-cleaned with water-based upholstery shampoo, but refer to the care instructions that came with your bed before attacking any “how did that get here?” stains. In general, though, leather benefits from a weekly wipe-down, or put the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum to work, ridding your bed of dust and allergens. 

Q: Do you need a box spring with an upholstered bed?

The need for a box spring depends on the bed’s construction. If you’ve selected a platform bed, like most on this list, then you don’t need a box spring. 

Q: There are so many types of upholstery. How can I possibly choose?

The type of fabric you choose for an upholstered bed is key to creating the look and feel of not only your bed but your bedroom design as a whole. Decide on a vibe. “Linen is popular and durable,” says interior designer Jamie Haller. “It’s earthy but feels refined.” For a dressier option, consider velvet. “Velvet is beautiful in color and offers that special saturation you can’t get with other fabrics,” she adds.

As for leather, “It has a handsome quality,” says Haller. “It can read rustic or mid-century, and I’ve seen beautiful leather beds that feel casual as well.” Each of these options wears differently, but if durability is a top priority for you, select a performance fabric.

Q: How do I choose bedding to coordinate with an upholstered bed?

Think: complement not coordinate. “If the bed upholstery is a pattern or floral, I like to keep the bedding supersimple and neutral,” says Maestri. “If the upholstery is neutral, I am not afraid to add some pattern and texture to the bedding. Either way, they should complement each other to be the statement piece of the room.”

Or keep it simple. “I like an all-white bed,” says Haller, who recommends mixing bright whites with warm whites. “It reminds me of a luxurious hotel.” Whatever you choose, “have a vision and move toward it,” she adds.

The Last Word

An upholstered bed adds a soft, sophisticated feel to your bedroom’s decor. Choose the upholstery and silhouette that most speak to you, then cozy up for a good night’s sleep.