Before ordering a velvet TV bed, check four things: the type of velvet and its fibre content, the rub resistance or durability rating, the depth and quality of the padding beneath it, and how neatly the fabric is finished around the footboard that houses the television lift. These details decide whether the bed keeps its soft, rich appearance for years or begins to look tired. Colour and shape matter too, but they are easier to judge from photographs. Construction and fabric quality are the points you need to read for.
Velvet suits TV beds particularly well because the large, smooth panels of the headboard and footboard show the fabric at its best. Our range of modern upholstered TV beds UK includes several velvet designs, and this guide walks through what to look for so you can order with a clear idea of what will arrive.
Velvet is a woven fabric with a short, dense pile that gives it a soft feel and a distinctive sheen. The way that pile is made and finished changes how the fabric looks and behaves.
Most furniture velvets today are made from polyester, sometimes blended with other fibres. Polyester velvets are generally hard wearing and hold their colour well. Natural fibre velvets, such as cotton, have a beautiful depth but can be more delicate. The listing should tell you the composition. If it does not, it is reasonable to ask before ordering.
The pile on velvet lies in one direction, and light reflects differently depending on which way you look at it. Brush your hand one way and the colour appears lighter; brush it the other way and it deepens. This is what gives velvet its life, but it also means a single bed can appear to have slightly different tones on different panels.
Well made upholstery takes this into account, with the pile running consistently across visible panels. When the bed arrives, you may notice marks from packaging or slight shading. These usually settle once the fabric has had time to relax, and a gentle brush in the direction of the pile helps it along.
Upholstery fabrics are often tested for abrasion resistance, with results expressed as a number of rubs. The higher the figure, the more wear the fabric can withstand before showing damage. For a bed, which is touched less often than a sofa seat, a moderate rating is usually sufficient, but a higher figure gives more reassurance if the headboard will be leaned on every evening.
If you have pets, look for a tightly woven velvet. Velvet has no loose loops for claws to catch on, which can make it more practical than some textured weaves, although sharp claws can still mark the pile. Hair is easy to lift with a lint roller or a soft brush.
Velvet shows the shape beneath it very clearly. Thin or uneven padding will be visible as lumps or hollows once light falls across the fabric, while generous, even foam gives smooth, well defined panels. Look for descriptions of padded or deep filled headboards, and photographs that show crisp edges and even stitching.
On a TV bed, pay particular attention to the footboard. The lid that opens to let the television rise must be covered neatly, with fabric wrapped closely around the edges so it does not fray or snag as the lid moves. The gap around the lid should be even. Close up product photographs are useful here.
The frame beneath the upholstery matters as much as the fabric. A solid frame with sturdy slats keeps the bed quiet and stable, which protects the fabric from stress at the joints. If you are comparing velvet with other upholstery, our wider collection of modern bedroom furniture UK sale pieces lets you see how different materials work together in a room.
Velvet intensifies colour, so a shade that looks subtle in a cotton swatch can appear much deeper in velvet. Think about the natural light your bedroom receives before deciding.
Light in north facing rooms is cooler and softer. Warm velvets, such as mink, champagne, blush or ochre, bring a sense of warmth. Deep jewel tones also work beautifully here, creating a cocooning feel rather than looking dark.
These rooms receive warm, bright light for much of the day. Cooler velvets, such as silver grey, duck egg, sage or navy, balance the warmth. Bear in mind that strong sunlight can fade fabric over time, so avoid placing the bed in direct sun for long periods.
In a small or dim bedroom, a mid tone velvet often works better than a very dark one, which can absorb light. The sheen of velvet helps here, reflecting what light there is and stopping the bed from looking heavy.
Velvet is easier to look after than its reputation suggests. A simple routine keeps it fresh:
Pressure marks, sometimes called bruising, are normal on plush velvet. They tend to fade on their own and can be eased with a light steam held a short distance from the fabric, provided the care label allows it.
Velvet already has a strong presence, so let it lead. Keep bedding simple, with crisp cotton or soft linen in a complementary tone. A single velvet cushion in a contrasting colour can add depth, but too much velvet on velvet tends to feel heavy.
Metallic and reflective finishes sit naturally alongside velvet. Brushed brass lamps, smoked glass and mirrored surfaces echo its sheen. Our mirrored bedside tables UK pair especially well with jewel toned velvet, bouncing light around the room and keeping the overall look bright.
If velvet is new to you and you would like to compare it with other upholstery, our modern fabric beds UK collection shows how chenille, linen effect and woven fabrics look alongside velvet. Seeing several side by side often helps confirm whether velvet is right for your room.
Colour is the other half of the decision. For a broader view of how shades are being used in bedrooms, our guide to bedroom furniture colour trends in UK homes explores everything from soft neutrals to deep, dramatic tones, and many of those ideas translate well to velvet upholstery.
Velvet TV beds are usually supplied flat packed, with the upholstered panels wrapped for protection. Unpack them on a clean, soft surface to avoid marking the pile, and keep tools well away from the fabric. Assemble the bed in its final position, then fit and test the television lift before making up the bed.
Place the bed away from radiators where possible, as constant heat can dry out fabric and affect the padding. Leave a small gap between the headboard and the wall so air can circulate and the fabric does not rub against the plaster.
Working through these points gives you a velvet TV bed that looks as good in a few years as it does on the first night. You can browse velvet designs alongside matching bedroom pieces at Furniture in Fashion when you are ready to compare options.
Yes. Modern polyester velvets are durable, hold their colour well and are straightforward to clean. A bed sees less wear than a sofa, so velvet is a sensible choice for most homes.
Plush velvet can show pressure marks where you lean, but these usually fade on their own. Crushed and matt velvets hide marks more effectively.
It can be. Velvet has no loose loops for claws to catch, and pet hair lifts away easily with a brush. Very sharp claws may still mark the pile, so a tightly woven velvet is the safest option.
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment, blot spills immediately and follow the cleaning code on the care label. Avoid soaking the fabric or rubbing hard.
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