What is an upholstered bed?
An upholstered bed (sometimes called a fabric bed) is a bed frame where the frame and headboard are wrapped in padding and fabric, rather than left as bare wood or metal.
The result is a softer, more cushioned look and feel. No hard edges, no cold metal against your leg at 3am - just a bed that feels as good as it looks.
Simba's upholstered range includes models like the Camden, Wilmslow, Jesmond, and Didsbury, each with its own headboard shape and silhouette, so you're not limited to one look.
Why choose an upholstered bed?
There are a few good reasons this is one of the most popular bed categories going.
- It looks and feels better: A well-chosen upholstered bed can transform a bedroom without a full redesign, and unlike a hard frame, you get a bit of built-in comfort just leaning back against the headboard.
- It's warmer: Fabric retains heat far better than wood or metal. If you've ever climbed into bed and felt a cold frame against your skin, you'll know exactly why this matters.
- It's safer for kids: Soft, padded edges are much more forgiving than exposed wood or metal corners. That's particulalry handy if you've got little ones prone to the odd 6am bed-related collision.
Simba's bed frames are all of exceptional quality, but we really like the upholstered range for it's luxury look and feel.
What to consider when choosing a Simba upholstered bed
While we love no-choice options, it can also be really, really nice to tailor your bed frame to your style and needs.
With that, Simba offers a few customisation options for you to choose from.
Fabric
Simba's upholstered beds come in six different fabrics, from plush velvet to luxury chenille, each with its own texture and finish.
The fabric you choose will shape both the look of the bed and how it feels day-to-day, so it's worth thinking about alongside the rest of your bedroom's palette and materials.
Headboard style
With over a dozen different models in the range, including the arched Harewood, the tufted Didsbury, and the classic Camden, headboard shape has a big impact on the overall feel of the bed.
Curved headboards tend to feel softer and more contemporary, while structured, tufted styles lean more traditional or luxe.
Size
Simba's upholstered beds come in all four standard UK sizes:
- Single: Best for smaller rooms, guest rooms, or kids' spaces
- Double: The most popular choice, comfortable for two while still fitting most UK bedrooms
- King: Wider and longer than a double, noticeable if you're tall or like to stretch out
- Super King: The most generous option, ideal for couples who don't want to compromise on space
Before deciding, measure your room and check there's still enough space to move around comfortably once the bed's in - it's an easy thing to overlook.
And don't forget that most bed frames are slightly larger than the actual mattress sizes. Please double-check specific dimensions!
Storage
Not every upholstered bed needs to just be a bed. Simba offers a few storage configurations if you want to make the most of the space underneath:
- No storage: A straightforward frame, usually the more affordable option
- Ottoman storage: A gas-lift mechanism reveals one large storage compartment under the whole mattress
- Divan storage: Comes in 2-drawer or 4-drawer configurations, giving you separate, easier-to-organise storage rather than one big space
If storage isn't a priority, most of Simba's upholstered models can be configured without it, so you're not locked into paying for space you don't need.
What does it feel like to sleep on a Simba bed?
We've tested Simba's beds first-hand, and a few things stood out that seem to run across the whole upholstered range.
- Elegant, but never fussy: Simba's upholstered beds tend to lean minimalist, giving them a classy feel without ever looking overdesigned.
- A headboard worth having: The padded headboards are genuinely comfortable to lean against, which is a real plus if you spend much of your evening sitting up in bed reading or watching something.
- Properly sturdy: A lot of slatted frames creak and wobble over time. We didn't get that with Simba's beds and they felt solid from the first night.
- Easy to assemble (and disassemble): Handy if you move house or rearrange your bedroom more often than most.
- Good ventilation: The slat systems let air circulate properly under the mattress, so even in warmer months, we didn't notice any of the stuffiness you sometimes get with solid divan bases.
Simba does offer a few flatter, more minimal headboard options, and even headboard-free frames, if a plainer look is more your style. But the fuller, more structured headboards tend to be the standout of the range.
How much does a Simba upholstered bed cost?
Simba products aren't the cheapest on the market, but these are well-made beds. The attention to detail in the construction is noticeable, and it's the kind of quality that tends to hold up over years of use rather than months.
Simba sales don't come around all that often, but they're worth watching for when they do.
Simba also offers occasioanl bundle deals, which are handy if you're looking to kit out your whole bedroom from scratch.
How to care for an upholstered bed
Fabric beds need a little more upkeep than wood or metal, but nothing complicated.
- Weekly dusting: A vacuum or soft brush keeps dust from building up in the fabric.
- Spills: Blot immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel, working from the outside of the spill inward. Don't rub, as that tends to spread the stain rather than lift it.
- Sunlight: Keep your bed out of direct sunlight where you can. Prolonged exposure fades fabric over time and can dull the colour.
It's also worth noting that most Simba beds feature a practical stain-resistant finish that creates a barrier on the fabric to protect it from moisture and spillage.
Simba's guarantees on upholstered beds
Every Simba upholstered bed comes with:
- A 200-night trial, so you've got plenty of time to make sure it's right for you
- A 10-year guarantee on the bed itself
- Free delivery to most UK addresses
Worth noting: Simba beds don't come with a mattress included, so you'll need to buy one separately.
If you're pairing yours with a Simba mattress, just double-check the sizes match - a king bed needs a king mattress, and so on. Simba occasionally offers bundle deals, too, which can give you significant discounts!
Should you buy a Simba upholstered bed?
If you want a bed that feels as good as it looks - and don't want to compromise on storage, size, or colour to get it - Simba's upholstered range is worth serious consideration.
The breadth of choice is the real draw here. With over a dozen headboard styles, six fabrics, and four sizes, there's enough range to suit most bedrooms and budgets, whether you're after a minimalist single for a guest room or a plush super king with built-in storage.
It won't be for everyone. If low-maintenance is your priority, a wooden or metal frame will ask less of you day-to-day, with no vacuuming fabric and no worrying about spills or sunlight fading the colour over time. And if you're after the absolute cheapest option, a basic bed frame without upholstery will usually undercut it on price.
But for most people looking for genuine comfort, warmth, and a bit of style in their bedroom, a Simba upholstered bed is a solid, well-backed choice, helped along by the 200-night trial and 10-year guarantee, which take a lot of the risk out of buying one online.
Contact Simba Sleep UK
Customer service: To contact Simba Sleep directly for complaints, support, or queries, please e-mail them at hello@simbasleep.com or visit their live online chat [1]. The customer services team is available Monday to Friday, from 9 am - 5 pm., and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Registered office: Simba Sleep, The Stable Yard, 60 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9E







Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.