Caring for Your Upholstered Bed Frame

An upholstered bed frame is a piece of furniture you'll have for years, and like any upholstered piece, a little regular care goes a long way towards keeping it looking as good as the day it arrived.

Regular, light maintenance

• Vacuum the headboard and frame every couple of weeks using a soft upholstery brush attachment, working in the direction of the weave to lift dust without flattening the texture.
• Rotate and fluff pillows and cushions resting against the headboard, so the fabric doesn't wear unevenly in one spot.
• Keep the frame out of direct, prolonged sunlight where possible — like most fabrics, sustained UV exposure can cause gradual fading over time, particularly on darker colours.

Dealing with marks and spills

Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing, which can push the mark deeper into the weave. For most fabric types, a small amount of water on a clean cloth is enough for light marks — always test on an inconspicuous area first, and avoid saturating the fabric.

For anything beyond a light surface mark, it's worth using a specialist upholstery cleaning product suited to the specific fabric, or consulting a professional upholstery cleaner rather than experimenting on a visible area.

Fabric-specific notes

Bouclé has a looped texture that can occasionally catch on jewellery or sharp fastenings — worth being mindful of when making the bed. Velvet can show pile marks (lighter or darker patches where the pile is brushed in different directions) — this isn't damage, and a soft brush will restore an even finish. Textured weaves generally handle everyday contact well but benefit from the same gentle vacuuming routine as the others.

Looking after the frame itself

Avoid dragging the bed frame across the floor when moving it — lift where possible to protect both the frame joints and your flooring. If you've chosen ottoman storage, check the gas-lift mechanism periodically to make sure it's opening and closing smoothly, and avoid overloading the storage compartment beyond its intended use.

When in doubt

If you're ever unsure how to treat a specific mark or issue, it's always safer to test in a hidden area first or seek professional advice rather than risk the visible parts of the fabric. A little patience here goes a long way.

Have a question about caring for a specific fabric? Get in touch via our contact page and we're happy to help.