Velvet Beds: The Bedroom Trend That's Sticking

Velvet beds are everywhere this year. Channel-tufted headboards in deep emerald, blush, navy, sand, suddenly the focal point of every well-styled bedroom on Instagram. So is it a fad, or is something real going on? Both, actually.

Why velvet, and why now

The minimalist mid-century look that dominated bedrooms for the last decade was sleek but cold. People are swinging back to softness and texture. Velvet does both. The pile catches light differently from every angle, so the same headboard looks moody in the morning and rich at night without any decorating effort.

And the price-quality math has gotten better. Five years ago a velvet upholstered bed meant either trade-only design showrooms or fast-furniture that pilled within six months. Today you can get a properly-constructed velvet bed, solid frame, dense foam, performance-velvet that actually wears, for the price of a decent leather one.

What to look for

• Performance velvet over cotton velvet. Performance fabric resists pilling, repels spills, and cleans up with a damp cloth. Cotton velvet looks incredible on day one and worn-out by year two.
• A tall enough headboard to lean back against if you read in bed. Most people want 48″-60″ from floor to top.
• Channel tufting (vertical lines) is more contemporary; diamond tufting reads more traditional.
• A real frame. The bed should have slats or a solid platform rated for your mattress, not a thin wood frame relying on a box spring to do all the work.

Color matters more than you think

A bed is the biggest piece of upholstered furniture in your bedroom. Whatever color you pick will set the whole room's tone:

• Emerald or forest green: Dramatic, warmer than navy, pairs with brass hardware and walnut.
• Navy: Classic. Goes with everything. Hides wear well.
• Blush or dusty pink: Soft, romantic. Works against white or gray walls; harder if your walls are warm.
• Sand or oatmeal: Most flexible. Easiest to redecorate around later.
• Charcoal or black: Looks expensive. Strict about lint and pet hair.

Caring for velvet

Velvet has a reputation for being fussy, but it really isn't if you understand the pile. Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment, "reset" the pile by brushing in one direction after vacuuming, and blot, never rub, spills. Full velvet care notes here.

Ready to shop?

Browse our upholstered beds, including the velvet styles featured on our home page, or come feel them in person at the showroom. Velvet is one of those fabrics where photos really don't do it justice.

Lauren Furniture Showroom · 453 E Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457 · (347) 270-5675