A fabric double bed in the UK takes a standard double mattress of 135cm by 190cm, with a frame that is typically 10cm to 30cm larger in each direction depending on the headboard and upholstery. Styles range from simple panelled frames to buttoned, winged, channelled, sleigh and ottoman storage designs, and finishes include linen look weaves, velvet, chenille, boucle and faux suede. The right combination depends on your room size, how you use the bed and the look you want.
Our collection of modern double fabric beds UK brings together a wide range of these styles and fabrics. This guide explains each element in turn, so you can narrow down your choice with confidence.
UK bed sizes are measured by the mattress, not the frame. A standard double mattress is 135cm wide and 190cm long. This is the most common bed size in British homes and suits many principal and guest bedrooms.
An upholstered frame wraps around the mattress, so it is always larger. Padded side rails, a deep headboard and a footboard can each add several centimetres. A simple fabric double frame might measure around 145cm wide by 200cm long, while a winged or sleigh design could reach 160cm wide and 220cm long. Always check the external dimensions before ordering.
When comparing sizes, it helps to see how frames fit within the wider room, and our full range of bedroom furniture UK shows wardrobes, cabinets and chests in sizes that work alongside a double bed. If your room is tight, our range of small double fabric beds UK sale may give you a little more floor space without losing too much sleeping width.
Measure the room and mark the bed position before deciding. Leave around 60cm of clear floor on each side you walk around and at the foot of the bed if it is a walkway. Check that wardrobe doors and drawers open fully, and that the bedroom door can swing without hitting the frame.
Think about windows, radiators and sockets. A headboard under a window should be low enough not to block light, and a bed should not sit directly against a radiator, as heat can affect the upholstery over time.
The headboard is the most visible part of a fabric bed and sets the tone for the room.
A smooth, flat panel with clean lines. Panelled headboards look modern and calm, and suit both small and large bedrooms.
Vertical or horizontal fluted sections give texture and rhythm. They look particularly good in velvet, where each channel catches the light.
Buttoning ranges from shallow and subtle to deep Chesterfield tufting. It adds a classic, upholstered look and works in both traditional and transitional rooms.
Side wings wrap around the headboard to create a sheltered, hotel like feel. They need a little extra width, so suit medium and larger rooms.
Rounded and scalloped outlines soften the room and feel contemporary. They are a good way to add character without strong decoration.
A rolled headboard and matching curved footboard create a graceful, flowing outline. Sleigh beds take up a little more length than straight designs.
The base affects comfort, airflow and how much you can store under the bed.
In homes with limited cupboard space, an ottoman base often removes the need for a separate chest of drawers. In rooms with plenty of storage, a frame on legs looks lighter and makes the room feel more open.
The upholstery fabric shapes both the look and the practicality of a double bed.
Usually polyester designed to resemble linen. They have a calm, matte texture, wear well and suit relaxed, neutral rooms.
Smooth and rich, with a gentle sheen that deepens colour. Velvet shows pressure marks but recovers with light brushing. Polyester velvet is durable and resists snagging.
Soft, textured and forgiving. Chenille hides everyday marks well and feels cosy to lean against.
A looped, nubby fabric with a contemporary, tactile feel. It suits modern rooms and pairs well with natural wood.
Smooth and soft with a matte finish. It is easy to wipe and comfortable, though pale shades can show marks.
Colour choice depends on your room’s light and decorating scheme. Mid tone neutrals such as grey, taupe, stone and mink are practical and easy to style. Deep shades like navy, bottle green and charcoal feel restful and hide marks well. Pale cream and ivory look fresh but need more care.
Think about undertones. Warm fabrics with beige or brown undertones suit north facing rooms and pair well with oak and brass. Cooler fabrics with blue or grey undertones suit bright rooms and pair well with white and chrome.
Before committing, order fabric samples where available and look at them in your bedroom at different times of day. Upholstery can look quite different under morning daylight, afternoon sun and evening lamplight, and a sample held against your walls and bedding gives a far clearer picture than a screen.
Small details make a difference. Fabric beds may sit on wooden feet in oak, walnut or painted finishes, slim metal legs in chrome, black or brass, or concealed feet that make the bed appear to float. Tapered wooden legs give a mid century feel, while chrome legs suit glamorous velvet beds. Concealed or very short feet give a clean, contemporary look.
A well chosen mattress makes as much difference to comfort as the frame. Check the recommended mattress depth for the bed, as frames with deep side rails suit thicker mattresses. On ottoman beds, the mattress weight affects how easily the base lifts. Our range of modern mattresses UK includes memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid designs in UK double size.
If you are weighing up whether a double or a larger bed suits your room, our guide to UK king size bed dimensions and room planning compares frame sizes and clearance needs.
For a broader view of colour across the bedroom, our guide to bedroom furniture colour trends for UK homes covers how shades are being used from walls to furniture.
Most fabric beds need only simple, regular care. Vacuum the headboard and side rails every week or two with a soft brush attachment, paying attention to seams, buttons and channels where dust collects. Blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth and avoid rubbing, which can push marks deeper into the weave or disturb the pile on velvet.
For stubborn marks, a cloth dampened with water and a little mild detergent usually works on most upholstery fabrics. Always test on a hidden area first, such as the back of the headboard. Velvet benefits from light brushing in one direction to keep the pile even, while chenille and boucle should be vacuumed gently so the yarn is not pulled.
Tighten the frame bolts a few weeks after assembly and every few months afterwards. This keeps the bed steady and quiet. Keeping the bed out of strong direct sunlight where possible will also help the colour stay true for longer.
A principal bedroom often suits a double bed with a fuller headboard, such as a winged or buttoned design, which gives the room a clear focal point. A guest room benefits from a simple panelled bed in a neutral fabric that will suit visitors of all tastes. In a teenager’s room, a double with ottoman storage keeps clothes, bags and sports kit out of sight.
In rented homes, lighter frames on legs are easier to move and dismantle, and neutral fabrics fit most decorating schemes. In period properties with high ceilings, a taller headboard balances the proportions of the room, while in new builds with lower ceilings, a medium height headboard usually looks more comfortable.
Choosing a fabric double bed is easier when you take it step by step. Measure the room, choose a size, pick a headboard style, decide whether you need storage, then select a fabric and colour that suit your light and lifestyle. Each decision narrows the options until the right bed becomes clear.
At Furniture in Fashion, we offer fabric double beds in a wide range of styles and finishes, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
A UK double mattress measures 135cm by 190cm. The frame is larger, often 145cm to 160cm wide and 200cm to 220cm long depending on the design.
Linen look polyester and chenille are both hardwearing. Polyester velvet is also durable, though it benefits from occasional brushing.
If you are short on storage, yes. The lifting base provides a large hidden compartment that can replace a chest of drawers.
Often, yes. Choose a frame with slim side rails and a low headboard, and check external dimensions carefully. A small double is another option for very compact rooms.
In a pared back bedroom, the bed and its bedside tables form the main composition,…
South facing bedrooms in the UK enjoy the most daylight of any orientation, which is…
Working from home has changed the way many of us use our bedrooms. For some,…
Fabric beds come in many sizes, heights, headboards, bases and upholstery choices, which can make…
A great fabric bed is defined by what you cannot always see in a photograph.…
Charcoal is one of the most versatile colours for an upholstered bed, offering the calm…
This website uses cookies.