The 8 Best Upholstered Beds That Provide Stylish Comfort And Support

Forbes

2 days ago

A bed frame is not only essential for reliable support while you sleep, but it can also make or break your bedroom aesthetic. Upholstered bed frames offer plush comfort while you sit up to to read or watch TV in bed, plus they can add eye-catching color and texture to your space. We conducted in-depth research, collecting recommendations from experts to find the best upholstered beds on the market right now. Our top pick, the Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard, offers a classic design, durable materials and easy assembly that makes it an easy pick for most bedrooms.
The best upholstered beds deliver style, comfort and reliable support. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
The primary consideration when shopping for an upholstered bed is often aesthetic-based. 'Start by determining the overall style of your room,' advises Jennifer Jones,
principal designer at Niche Interiors. 'For a contemporary or modern design, the bed should have clean lines and be lower and more grounded,' she says. 'For more traditional homes, beds with more intricate design details such as tufting or nailheads are a good choice.' For more guidance on the best upholstered beds to suit modern, traditional and other bedrooms, read on for our list of expert-backed recommendations.
Material: Polyester | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 700 pounds | Warranty: 2 years
Pros: Tool-free assembly
High-quality materials
Stylish headboard
Cons:
Hailing from the same brand that brought us the best memory foam mattress we've ever tested, the Nectar Bed Frame delivers similar quality at an excellent value. It's made from a sturdy steel frame and durable solid wood slats that reliably support up to 700 pounds of weight.
The upholstered headboard has a stylish, tufted design that comes in two neutral color options—grey and linen—that are attractive and suited to virtually any space. And it comes in five different size options to suit all sleepers, from twin beds to California kings.
All of this comes together with an easy assembly, which the brand claims only takes minutes. There are no tools required, but Nectar recommends a two-person assembly for the fastest results.
Material: Linen | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 800 pounds | Warranty: None offered
Pros: Excellent value
High-quality materials
Variety of colors offered
Cons: May not be the best match for adjustable bed frames
This homey bed frame comes at an excellent value given its high-quality materials and elevated look. It features a wingback headboard that's filled with high-resilience foam for plush comfort, plus a sturdy foundation that can support up to 800 pounds.
Owners applaud the easy assembly of this bed frame. The brand claims all you need is 30 minutes to get it set up, thanks to a Velcro attachment on the wooden slats and included instructions that are intuitive and easy to follow.
This bed frame comes in five unique color options, ranging from neutral grays to vibrant peacock green. The only downside is that given this product comes directly from Amazon, it doesn't come with a warranty.
Material: Polyester-acrylic blend | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 600 pounds | Warranty: 1 year
Pros: Stylish, modern look
Abrasion tested for extra durability
Solid wood pieces
Cons: Not suited for all mattresses
For those who enjoy the modern look of a low-profile bed, the Tessu Upholstered Bed Frame from Article is an excellent option. It features a high-density foam-padded headboard that's been abrasion tested to withstand over 50,000 rubs, making it something you can feel confident investing in for the long haul. The bed also features solid wood legs and wooden slats to support up to 600 pounds of weight.
It comes in three different neutral color options and five different sizes to suit any main or guest bedroom in the house. Just keep in mind that the brand recommends pairing this with a mattress that's 8 to 12 inches tall, so extra thick mattresses may not be the best match here.
Material: Polyester | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 1,100 pounds | Warranty: 5 years
Pros: Two stylish headboard designs to choose from
Durable enough to withstand 1,100 pounds
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Cons:
This bed frame features a luxe tufted headboard that gives it a chic and minimalist look. The headboard comes in a standard grid tufted design, but a horizontal channeled option is available for an additional $50. All of the materials are Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, including the solid wood legs and poplar slats that are durable enough to support up to 1,100 pounds.
The brand claims that this bed frame can be assembled in minutes—and multiple owners corroborated this, with one saying that they put it together on their own in just 15 minutes. Owners have also praised this bed for its high-quality materials that hold up over time.
Material: Velvet or linen | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 600 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros: Velvet and linen fabric options
Durable hardwood frame
Free in-room delivery
Cons: Colors may vary from photos
For an upholstered bed frame with a classic aesthetic and durable build, the Saatva Minori ticks a lot of boxes. It features a curved headboard that's available in both linen and velvet finishes, with two color varieties in each. The linen is made from natural flax that's free from harmful chemicals and dyes, while the velvet is crafted from a poly-cotton blend that's resistant to stains.
The bed frame itself is made from sustainably sourced hardwood that's kiln-dried to prevent warping and twisting. Plus, the bolts and brackets are fortified for extra stability. The only common downside from reviewers is that the colors do not always arrive as expected, so be prepared for some variation upon delivery.
Material: Linen blend | Slats: Manufactured wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 500 pounds | Warranty: 90 days
Pros: Four spacious storage drawers
Comfortable foam-padded headboard
Clear assembly instructions
Cons: Weight capacity not suited to all sleepers
Only available in full and queen sizes
Storage beds are a great way to reduce clutter in the bedroom and score some extra storage space, especially in small rooms. This upholstered bed features four drawers to take advantage of under the bed, which are fully enclosed and great for stashing extra bedding, clothes or other knickknacks.
The headboard is foam-filled for plush comfort and wrapped in a linen-blend fabric that's channel tufted for a stylish look. Although this bed takes some time to put together, owners have praised the clear instructions that assist in painless assembly. And if you'd like to forego that process altogether, Wayfair offers professional assembly for an added cost.
Although this bed frame has received hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied owners, there are a couple of downsides to consider for some owners. First, this bed frame is only available in two sizes and one color, so it's not suited for all bedroom set-ups. Also, its weight capacity is low at just 500 pounds (including the mattress), so it may not be sturdy enough to support all sleepers.
Material: Linen blend | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 800 pounds | Warranty: No
Pros: Value-friendly pick
Four colors to choose from
Foam-filled headboard
Cons: No twin or California king sizes
If you like to tuck things like shoes and bins under your bed and out of sight, a platform bed frame is a must. This frame features 6 inches of clearance space under the bed for stashing extra items and easily accessing dirt and dust with a vacuum. The upholstery on this bed features an attractive channel design made from a soft linen-blend fabric and high-density foam that's both comfortable and gentle on skin.
The wooden frame and slats are durable enough to support 800 pounds of weight, and foot pads are included under the legs to prevent floor scratching. This bed is available in four colors—beige, black, dark gray and navy blue—to match a variety of different aesthetics. While it comes in three sizes for full, queen and king mattresses, note that it's not available for twin or California king mattresses.
Material: Velvet | Slats: Wood and steel | Headboard: Yes | Weight capacity: Up to 800 pounds | Warranty: No
Pros: Plush velvet in five color options
Noise-reducing features
Easy assembly
Cons:
For an ultra luxe look in the bedroom, this velvet upholstered bed comes in five eye-catching colors—from neutral white to bright pink—to suit any space. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, this bed features thoughtful design details like thick wooden slats for reliable support, no-noise strips for reduced squeaking and Velcro connection for easy assembly.
Owners note that this bed is particularly easy to assemble, thanks to helpful included instructions. Many reviews also highlight the sturdiness of the frame, even over time. Just note that the velvet material on this frame results in the colors appearing different in varying lighting, so the color you choose may not always appear as pictured.
The sleep and mattress team at Forbes Vetted has spent years testing and researching the best products on the market to help you get the most out of bedtime. Monica Petrucci, the author of this article, is a commerce writer at Forbes Vetted covering sleep and home topics. She has tested and researched dozens of mattresses and sleep products, from adjustable beds to Murphy beds.
Bridget Chapman is the senior sleep and mattresses editor at Forbes Vetted, who has tested over 200 mattresses and covered everything from sheet sets to cooling pillows. She approved every product on this list.
For this piece, we interviewed three interior designers: Jennifer Jones,
principal designer at Niche Interiors; Kerrie Kelly, interior designer, CEO and creative director at Kerrie Kelly Studio; and Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors. They all provided insight about the different design styles of upholstered beds and how to choose the best one for your space.
principal designer at Niche Interiors; Kerrie Kelly, interior designer, CEO and creative director at Kerrie Kelly Studio; and Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors. They all provided insight about the different design styles of upholstered beds and how to choose the best one for your space. The Forbes Vetted team prioritizes keeping all of our content up-to-date with the most relevant information. This piece was first published in July 2025.
We relied on our own in-house expertise, as well as expert recommendations from interior designers and insight from real-world product owners to inform the decisions on this list. We interviewed three interior designers—Jones, Kelly and Jensen—who offered insight about what features to prioritize in the best upholstered beds, from stylistic to structural details. We used that insight to inform our decisions for this list.
We prioritized expert-recommended features in the best upholstered beds, including performance fabrics for long-term durability and materials that deliver durable frames.
We scoured through consumer reviews, taking note of any common complaints and praises for certain products, making sure to mention those in this article.
We included only products with a consumer rating of 4 stars or above.
Before you invest in a new bed, there are a few important factors to consider. Headboard
If you decide to opt for an upholstered bed with a headboard, consider what style best suits your space. According to Jensen, this sets the tone.
'Are you looking to make a bold statement or have something that feels soft and relaxed at the end of the day?' she says. 'If you want the bed to stand out, go for a tall wingback or bold shape. For a more relaxed look, a lower, cushioned headboard keeps the space feeling calm and understated.'
There are other design features that can impact the bed's look, too. 'Design details like nailhead trim, channel stitching or piping add a tailored look,' Kelly adds. It's best to first establish what aesthetic you're aiming for in your space, and then tailor your selection to find the best fit. Materials
The most common upholstered bed materials include linen, velvet and performance polyester blends—and each has their respective pros and cons.
'Linen offers a breezy, natural feel but can wrinkle,' Kelly says. 'Velvet adds rich texture and color, but may require more maintenance.'
She praises the functionality of performance fabrics, such as polyester blends or indoor-outdoor textiles, since they 'are durable, stain-resistant and versatile, making them ideal for high-use rooms.'
As for the frame itself, Jones recommends a solid wood frame over MDF (medium density fiberboard) or particleboard. 'This ensures a stable foundation and a long-lasting piece of furniture,' she says. Storage
If you're low on storage space in your bedroom, opting for an upholstered bed with built-in storage could minimize clutter and upgrade your space. Both Kelly and Jensen recommend looking for options with built-in drawers or lift-up slats.
The former is often easier to access without having to do any heavy lifting, but keep in mind that adequate clearance is required around the bed in order to fully pull out each drawer. Lift-up slats require more effort to access, but they also offer more storage space without being constricted by drawer sizes.
Is An Upholstered Bed A Good Idea?
Upholstered beds offer a few benefits, including an upgraded style and improved comfort when sitting up in bed. Although they have a reputation for being more expensive than alternative bed frames, many on the market today are offered at an excellent value.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Fabric Headboards?
One main disadvantage of fabric headboards is that they require regular upkeep and maintenance to avoid staining or dirt buildup. Velvet fabric, in particular, is known for trapping dust and dirt, so you need to stay on top of regular cleaning to keep it looking pristine.
How Long Do Upholstered Beds Last?
Upholstered beds typically have a shorter lifespan than metal or wooden bed frames due to their inherent makeup, but they still last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. This is dependent on the materials and fabrics used. Durable materials like performance polyester upholstery and sturdy solid wood or metal outlast cheaper alternatives.