The Truth About Upholstered Bed Trend from Interior Designers and Homeowners

Published: February 15, 2024

Updated: January 2, 2024

You can see it in your mind’s eye – a monochromatic bedroom with an accent upholstered headboard. These pieces have become trendy in recent years as consumers ditch the dated feel of matching bedroom sets. Instead of coordinated dressers, nightstands, and bed frames, interior design enthusiasts have demanded a bit of color and variety in our furniture beyond what a typical duvet or comforter can offer. One of the easiest ways to create a statement piece is through your headboard, which will draw your eye and create a cozy space to relax in the evenings.

“In spaces dominated by colder materials, adding layers of fabric can impart a softened and inviting atmosphere,” notes interior designer Neha Kaimal. “Mixing and matching fabrics allows for a comfortable and serene bedroom setting,” she adds. Yet, as with all things design-related, there are certain drawbacks, regrets if you will, that can arise when purchasing furniture without doing the proper research.

We at Soul and Lane are here to ensure you have all the information necessary before making a major change to your aesthetic. Our devoted contributors have freely shared their upholstered headboard experiences with the hopes of encouraging or adding caution to the prospective buyer. This is one you don’t want to miss!

01 of Be Wary of Pet Hair

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There is a lot of debate around upholstered bed frames and pets. Wood isn’t porous, and so naturally it seems like it would be the best option for those who have pets that often jump or sleep on the bed. If you absolutely love the look and comfort that is associated with upholstered frames, consider Kim’s shared experience where she claims, “Yes I have a golden and it does attract hair. I have to vacuum it often.”

Interior designer Ellen Matthews agrees. “While upholstered beds offer luxurious comfort and style, their practicality may be challenged by the realities of family life,” she notes. “Opt for stain-resistant, easy-clean fabrics that can mitigate this concern,” Matthews advises.

02 of Buy a Good Steamer

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Steam cleaners harness the power of pressure and heated water to keep furniture clean and fresh. If you adore a bright, cream-colored, upholstered bed frame, a good steamer will save you hours of scrubbing and wiping. Simply turn on your device, blast it with warm steam, and wipe away any dust or oils that have caused undesired marks.

03 of Light Is Better Than Dark

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When considering upholstered beds and pets, pet mom Shannon states, “As long as it’s a light color, I’ve had no issue.” Hair is carefully hidden in the soft threads. Light colors are better for hiding human and pet hair and look incredibly luxe and fulfilling against a dark-painted wall—neutral tones also never go out of style.

04 of Grossed Me Out

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Homeowner Michelle’s biggest regret is the amount of visible dirt particles along the tops and sides of her headboard. She explains, “I got rid of my upholstered headboard because of the dust. I love the look, but it grossed me out.” Design choices are ultimately about achieving your desired look but should also be feasible in your daily life, so it’s completely okay to try something out and decide it doesn’t work for you.

05 of Go With Velveteen

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Reader Amber is a big fan of the velveteen headboard trend, which looks luxurious and adds another layer of unexpected texture. She happily reports, “I have a golden doodle who sleeps in our fully upholstered bed, and it’s totally fine. I vacuum our headboard every so often and choose a more velveteen fabric so it’s easy to dust/clean.” This look carries an air of sophistication and maturity that reflects nicely in modern rooms.

06 of Consider a Stain Blocker

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A pro tip from home enthusiast Michelle is spraying a stain blocker on the frame during installation. “If your dog goes outside and gets muddy or something… his back rubs up against the frame. This has happened, but I just wiped it down, and it came right off due to the stain blocker.” Prevention is always better than treatment, so if you’re committed to keeping your headboard in pristine condition, this is a beneficial tidbit.

07 of Darker Colors Show Hair More

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Depending on your hair color or dog’s fur, darker colors may be a regrettable choice. Especially in the case of lighter hair, a gray, black, or brown headboard will reflect those small follicles in broad daylight. Though they are extremely warm and inviting, be aware of the potential downfall that could detract from an otherwise cozy design.

08 of Body Oils Will Cause Spots

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We are living beings with skin, hair, and oils; sometimes, fabric can attract these bodily elements during sleep. Bear in mind these truths as you select an upholstered headboard color. Contributor Tereasa shares, “The oil from the dog even brushing up against the bed will cause spots.” In my experience, the oil from my hands rubbing against the gray fabric caused marks over time that required treatment, so Tereasa is spot on- no pun intended.

09 of No Issues at All!

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Homeowner Jaena reports she’s had “no issues at all” with her upholstered headboard, and she has a very furry puppy. She states, “We ended up vacuuming our headboard a couple of times a month just due to dust.” Fabric is everything in this decision, and if you have pets, you’ll want something that wicks hair away instead of pulling it in, like a knit or woven fabric.

10 of Total Comfort and Coziness

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There is a certain ambiance associated with this popular trend, and our Founder Zakhar Ivanisov paints a picture of what this headboard and frame type can achieve in your home. “Imagine sinking back against a soft, cushioned headboard at the end of a long day- that’s the kind of comfort we’re talking about with upholstered beds. They really bring that extra touch of coziness that transforms a bed into a sanctuary.” What more could be desired from the most restful space in your home? We love this aesthetic and think that you will, too, with the help of these helpful advice tidbits.