Choosing between a double TV bed and a velvet TV bed is really two decisions in one. “Double” describes the size and “velvet” describes the fabric, so the two can overlap. If your priority is fitting the bed to the room and the people sleeping in it, start with size and choose a double. If your priority is the look and feel of the bedroom, start with fabric and choose velvet. Many people end up with a velvet double, but knowing which matters more to you makes every other choice easier.
Both options sit within our modern TV beds UK range. This guide explains what each one offers, where they differ in daily life and how to settle on the right combination for your home.
A double TV bed takes a standard UK double mattress, which measures 135cm by 190cm. It is the most common bed size in British homes and suits couples in average sized bedrooms as well as single sleepers who like room to spread out.
Double TV beds come in a wide spread of finishes: woven fabric, faux leather, chenille and velvet among them. When people shop by size, they are usually working to a room measurement first. They know what will fit, and they choose a style from there.
A velvet TV bed is defined by its upholstery. Velvet has a short, dense pile that catches the light and feels soft to the touch. It comes in many sizes, from small double to super king, and in a range of colours from soft neutrals to deep jewel tones.
People who shop by fabric are usually thinking about mood. They want the bedroom to feel a certain way, perhaps calm and enveloping, perhaps a little glamorous. The size is still important, but it follows the style.
Ask yourself which of these sounds more like you:
If the first, measure the room and confirm that a double frame fits with comfortable walking space. Then look at fabric. If the second, browse velvet beds first, find the colours and headboard shapes you like, and then check which sizes are available in that design.
A TV bed frame is longer than a standard bed because the footboard contains the lift mechanism. The headboard also adds depth. Always use the external frame dimensions when planning, not the mattress size.
Mark the frame footprint on the floor with masking tape. Then check you have clear space at the foot for the screen to rise and for you to walk past, roughly 60cm. Check the sides too: you need room to get in and out and space for at least one bedside cabinet.
If a double feels tight, a small double is worth considering. If you have room to spare, a king size gives two people noticeably more space. Our wider collection of modern bedroom furniture UK also helps here, since slimmer bedside and storage pieces can make a double fit more comfortably.
Velvet looks soft and luxurious, and many people worry it will be hard to keep. In practice it is easier than its reputation suggests, but it does behave differently from a flat weave.
Velvet pile moves when you lean against it, which creates lighter and darker patches. This is part of its character. The marks usually settle on their own, and a soft brush along the direction of the pile helps them even out.
Most modern velvets used on beds are synthetic, which makes them more resistant to staining than older cotton velvets. Vacuum gently with an upholstery attachment and blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth. Always follow the care label and test any cleaner on a hidden area first.
Velvet changes colour slightly depending on the angle of the light. A deep green or navy can look almost black at night and bright in morning sun. That depth is a big part of the appeal, but it is worth viewing a sample in your own room before deciding.
Velvet has no loops, so claws are less likely to pull threads than on a loose weave. Hair does cling to the pile, though, so a lint roller becomes a useful tool if your cat or dog likes the bed.
Here is a simple way to weigh them up:
If you browse our double fabric beds UK sale alongside the TV bed range, you can see how different fabrics read on the same size of frame, which is a helpful comparison before you commit.
Velvet looks strongest in colours with depth. Forest green, navy, deep teal and warm plum all have the richness that suits the fabric. These shades work well against pale walls, where the bed becomes the clear focal point.
If you prefer a quieter scheme, soft grey, mink and oatmeal velvets still have the sheen and texture of the fabric without dominating the room. They are easier to style with existing furniture and suit smaller bedrooms where a dark bed could feel heavy.
Avoid very pale velvets in a busy household unless you are happy to brush and clean regularly. Lighter colours show marks and pile changes more clearly.
Our article on bedroom furniture colour trends for UK homes explores how neutral and darker tones work across a whole bedroom scheme.
Whatever size or fabric you choose, the TV lift is what makes the bed work. Check the maximum screen size and weight, and compare them with your television. Look for a quiet motor, a clear remote and a safety stop that halts the screen if something gets in its path.
The footboard housing on a velvet bed is usually upholstered to match the headboard, which looks seamless. On some designs, the footboard is taller than on a standard bed, so check the height if you like a low profile look.
A velvet bed already brings plenty of texture, so keep bedding simple. Crisp cotton or soft linen in a pale tone sets off the fabric well. Add one cushion that echoes the bed’s colour and leave it there.
A double in a flat weave gives you more freedom with bedding. You can add a velvet throw or cushions to bring in some of that softness without committing the whole bed to it. That is a sensible route if you like the look but are unsure about living with it full time.
In both cases, choose bedside lamps with warm bulbs and a fabric or ceramic base. Soft lamp light flatters velvet in particular and makes the room feel calm when the screen is down.
The surfaces around a bed change how its fabric looks. Velvet beside a pale oak or light carpet looks soft and warm, while the same velvet on dark floorboards can feel moodier and more dramatic. A flat weave double sits quietly on almost any floor, which is part of why it suits rooms you may redecorate later.
Walls matter too. A deep velvet headboard against a painted wall in a similar but lighter tone looks deliberate and calm. Strong contrast, such as navy velvet on bright white, is crisper and more graphic. If you have patterned wallpaper behind the bed, a plain weave usually works better than velvet, which already brings plenty of visual texture of its own.
Take a photo of the wall and floor where the bed will go and hold a fabric sample against it in daylight and lamp light. Five minutes spent on this often settles the decision.
If you are still unsure, go back to the room. Measure it, mark the double frame outline and see how it feels to walk around. If the space works, choose your fabric with confidence. If velvet is what drew you to TV beds in the first place, browse the velvet designs and check that a suitable size is available.
At Furniture in Fashion we offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes, and Returns are available up to 30 days, which gives you time to live with your choice.
Yes. Velvet is a fabric option and many designs come in double as well as other sizes. Check the size list on each product page.
Not usually. Modern synthetic velvets resist staining well. Vacuum gently, blot spills quickly and brush the pile now and then.
It can. Lighter velvet shades such as soft grey or mink add texture without making a small room feel heavy.
The size matters more than the fabric for couples. Choose a double or larger first, then pick velvet or another fabric to suit your style.
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