Ottoman Bed Fabric Guide: Velvet, Chenille & Faux Leather

The fabric you choose for your ottoman bed affects everything — how luxurious it looks, how easy it is to care for, and how well it holds up over the years. This guide covers all the most popular upholstery options so you can make a confident, lasting decision.

Why Fabric Choice Matters on an Ottoman Bed

Unlike a standard bed frame, an ottoman bed is an upholstered piece of furniture. The fabric covers the entire base, the headboard, and in some designs the side panels too — making it a significant visual presence in your bedroom. The right fabric defines the whole feel of the room.

Beyond aesthetics, fabric affects:

• Durability — how well it withstands daily contact, pets, and sunlight
• Maintenance — how easy it is to clean marks and keep it looking fresh
• Feel — some fabrics are warm and soft to the touch; others are cool and sleek
• Colour retention — some fabrics fade faster than others in bright rooms

Velvet Ottoman Beds

Velvet is the most popular choice for luxury ottoman beds in the UK. Its soft, dense pile catches the light beautifully and gives an instant sense of opulence — particularly in jewel tones like midnight blue, emerald green, or dusty rose.

Pros:

• Rich, light-reflective appearance that elevates any bedroom
• Warm, tactile texture that feels indulgent
• Available in the widest colour range of any ottoman bed fabric
• Well-made velvet resists pilling and maintains its pile for years

Cons:

• Shows marks and fingerprints more than textured fabrics — needs regular brushing
• Sensitive to moisture; always spot-clean rather than soak
• Direct sunlight can cause fading over time — best suited to rooms with curtains or blinds

Best for: master bedrooms, anyone who wants maximum visual impact, rooms with good light control.

Chenille Ottoman Beds

Chenille is a tufted, textured fabric that sits between velvet and a woven fabric in terms of appearance. It has a subtle shimmering quality and a soft handle, but is generally more forgiving than velvet when it comes to marks and everyday wear.

Pros:

• More durable and mark-resistant than standard velvet
• Excellent texture — hides dust and light marks well between cleans
• Warm, cosy appearance that suits traditional and contemporary rooms alike

Cons:

• Slightly heavier visual weight than plain velvet — can feel busier in very small rooms
• Colour range is typically smaller than velvet

Best for: family homes, bedrooms that see heavy use, anyone wanting the soft look of velvet with better durability.

Faux Leather Ottoman Beds

Faux leather (also called PU leather or leatherette) is the most practical fabric option. It is completely wipe-clean and highly resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture — making it the top choice for households with young children or pets.

Pros:

• Easiest fabric to clean — wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Highly resistant to pet hair, scuffs, and spills
• Sleek, contemporary appearance that suits modern interiors
• Modern PU leather is virtually indistinguishable from genuine leather

Cons:

• Less breathable than fabric options — can feel cooler to the touch
• Lower-quality faux leather can crack or peel after several years
• Smaller colour range than velvet — typically black, white, cream, or tan

Best for: households with children or pets, minimalist interiors, anyone who prioritises easy maintenance.

Bouclé & Textured Weave Ottoman Beds

Boucle and looped weave fabrics have become increasingly popular in UK bedrooms. Their nubby, textural surface gives a tactile, artisanal quality that works exceptionally well in Scandi-minimalist and neutral-palette rooms.

Pros:

• Highly on-trend — suits the current preference for natural, textural interiors
• Naturally hides small marks and dust between cleans
• Available in warm neutrals (cream, oatmeal, sand) that brighten rooms

Cons:

• Looped pile can snag on sharp objects or jewellery
• Can be harder to deep-clean than smooth fabrics
• Limited colour options — mostly neutrals

Best for: neutral, Scandi, or Japandi-style bedrooms; anyone who wants something different from the standard velvet look.

Fabric Comparison at a Glance

Ottoman Bed Fabric Care Tips

1. Velvet — brush weekly with a soft velvet brush in the direction of the pile. Spot-clean immediately with a dry cloth; avoid rubbing. Never use hot water.
2. Chenille — vacuum weekly on the lowest setting with an upholstery attachment. Spot-clean with a mild detergent and cold water.
3. Faux leather — wipe monthly with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Use a specialist faux leather conditioner every 6 months to help prevent surface cracking.
4. Boucle — vacuum gently with an upholstery brush. Remove snags carefully with small scissors — never pull. Spot-clean with minimal moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions