Fabric Beds Glossary: Every Term You Need to Know

Fabric bed descriptions use a lot of specialist language: ottoman, divan, sprung slats, Martindale, winged headboard, floor standing, deep buttoning and more. In short, these terms describe three things: how the bed is built, how the headboard is shaped and finished, and how the upholstery fabric performs. This glossary explains each one in plain English so you can read a product description and know exactly what you are getting.

When you browse our collection of modern fabric beds UK sale, you will see many of these words in the specifications. The same vocabulary appears across our wider modern bedroom furniture UK range, so it helps to have a reference to hand. We have grouped the terms by theme rather than strictly alphabetically, so related ideas sit together.

Bed Frame and Base Terms

Bed frame

The complete structure that holds the mattress: headboard, side rails, footboard or foot rail, and the base. On a fabric bed, the frame is wrapped in upholstery over a wooden or engineered wood structure.

Bedstead

A traditional word for a bed frame with a headboard and footboard, usually standing on legs. You may still see it used for upholstered frames with a classic look.

Divan

A bed base made as a solid upholstered box, usually on small castors or glides, with a separate headboard attached to the wall or to the base. Divans often include drawers.

Ottoman bed

A bed whose mattress platform lifts on gas struts to reveal a storage compartment beneath. The name comes from the ottoman footstool, which also has a lid and hidden storage.

End opening and side opening

These describe the direction an ottoman lifts. End opening beds hinge at the headboard and lift from the foot. Side opening beds hinge along one long edge and lift from the other.

Gas lift or gas struts

The pistons that support the weight of the mattress and platform as an ottoman opens, making it easy to lift and hold in place.

Sprung slats

Slightly curved wooden slats that flex under weight. They add gentle give beneath the mattress and allow air to circulate.

Solid platform

A flat, firm base beneath the mattress, often used on ottoman beds. It gives consistent support and a slightly firmer feel than slats.

Centre rail and centre feet

A support beam running down the middle of larger beds, often with extra feet beneath it. It stops the slats from sagging and adds stability.

Slat spacing

The gap between slats. Mattress manufacturers often recommend a maximum spacing, so it is worth checking before you pair a mattress with a bed.

Drawer bed

A bed with drawers built into the base, usually two or four, which pull out from the sides or the foot.

Low profile bed

A bed with a low frame height and often a low headboard, giving a contemporary, grounded look.

Headboard Terms

Floor standing headboard

A headboard that reaches all the way to the floor and attaches to the bed frame. It gives a solid, built in appearance.

Strutted headboard

A headboard mounted on legs or struts that bolt to the bed frame, leaving a gap beneath.

Wall mounted headboard

A headboard fixed to the wall rather than the bed, common with divan bases.

Winged headboard

A headboard with side panels that curve or angle forwards around the pillows, creating a sheltered, enclosed feel.

Panelled headboard

A headboard divided into vertical or horizontal panels by stitching, creating a structured, tailored look.

Channel tufting

Vertical padded channels running up the headboard, giving a ribbed appearance associated with retro and contemporary styles.

Deep buttoning

Buttons pulled tightly into the upholstery to create deep, diamond shaped folds. Associated with classic and Chesterfield inspired designs.

Studding

Rows of decorative metal studs, often in chrome or antique brass, around the edge of a headboard.

Piping

A thin cord covered in fabric and sewn into seams to define the outline of a headboard or frame.

Scalloped headboard

A headboard with a wavy, rounded top edge made of repeated curves.

Sleigh bed

A bed with a headboard and footboard that curve outwards, resembling a traditional sleigh. Fabric sleigh beds have a soft, generous silhouette.

Footboard and Side Terms

Footboard

The upright panel at the foot of the bed. On fabric beds, footboards are often padded.

Foot rail

A low cross piece at the foot of the bed with no raised panel, giving an open ended look.

Side rails

The long sides of the frame that connect the headboard to the foot end and hold the slats or platform.

Upholstered surround

Padding wrapped around the side rails and foot of the bed. It softens edges but can add to the overall width and length.

Upholstery and Fabric Terms

Upholstery

The fabric covering and padding applied to the bed frame.

Velvet

A fabric with a short, dense pile that gives a soft feel and a gentle sheen. Plush velvet has a deeper pile, while crushed velvet has a pressed, irregular texture.

Chenille

A soft fabric with a fuzzy, slightly raised yarn that feels warm and comfortable.

Boucle

A fabric woven from looped yarn, giving a nubbly, textured surface. Popular in contemporary and organic style interiors.

Linen effect

A woven fabric made to look like natural linen, usually with a matt, slightly irregular texture. Often more practical than pure linen for upholstery.

Weave

The way threads are interlaced. Tight weaves tend to be harder wearing and less likely to snag.

Pile

The raised fibres on fabrics such as velvet and chenille. Pile has a direction, which is why velvet can look lighter or darker depending on how light falls on it.

Martindale

A rub test used to measure how well a fabric resists abrasion. Fabric is rubbed repeatedly until signs of wear appear, and the result is given as a number of cycles. A higher number generally indicates a more durable fabric for upholstery.

Pilling

Small balls of fibre that can form on the surface of fabric through friction. They are cosmetic and can be removed with a fabric shaver.

Colourfastness

How well a fabric holds its colour when exposed to light, rubbing or cleaning.

Fire safety labelling

Upholstered furniture sold in the UK must meet fire safety regulations, and compliant items carry the relevant labels. Look for these on any fabric bed.

Size Terms

UK bed sizes refer to mattress dimensions rather than frame dimensions. The main sizes are single at 90cm by 190cm, small double at 120cm by 190cm, double at 135cm by 190cm, king size at 150cm by 200cm and super king size at 180cm by 200cm.

External dimensions

The overall size of the bed frame including headboard and upholstery. Always use these when planning a room.

Internal dimensions

The space inside the frame where the mattress sits, which should match the mattress size.

Mattress depth

The thickness of the mattress. Beds often recommend a depth range so the mattress sits correctly against the headboard and frame.

If you are considering a larger bed, our king size fabric beds UK sale collection lists external dimensions clearly. Pairing a bed with the right mattress matters too, and our range of modern mattresses UK covers every standard size. For a detailed look at frame and room sizing, read our guide to UK king size bed dimensions and room planning.

Assembly and Delivery Terms

Flat packed

Delivered in boxes as separate parts that are assembled at home.

Fixings

The bolts, screws and brackets used to join the parts of the frame.

Glides and castors

Glides are small pads beneath bed legs or divans that protect floors. Castors are small wheels that make a bed easier to move.

Style Terms

Contemporary

Clean lines, minimal detailing and a current look.

Mid century

Inspired by design from the middle of the last century: tapered legs, low profiles and simple forms.

Classic or traditional

Deep buttoning, studding, curved headboards and rich velvets.

Statement bed

A bed with a tall or dramatic headboard designed to be the focal point of the room.

Many of these terms apply to beds for younger sleepers too. Our guide to upholstered single beds for UK children and teenagers shows how these features translate to smaller frames.

Using This Glossary

Keep these terms in mind when comparing beds. Once you understand the language, it becomes much easier to see the real differences between two frames that look similar in photographs. Browse our full collection at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a divan and an ottoman bed?

A divan is a solid upholstered base, often with drawers. An ottoman has a mattress platform that lifts on gas struts to reveal storage.

What does Martindale mean on a fabric bed?

It is a rub test score showing how well the fabric resists wear. A higher number generally means a more durable fabric.

Is a floor standing headboard better than a strutted one?

Neither is better. Floor standing designs look more solid, while strutted designs feel lighter and show more floor.

Do UK bed sizes include the frame?

No. Sizes refer to the mattress. Always check external dimensions for the frame.