For the last couple of years, boucle has had the spotlight. Its soft, looped texture has been everywhere, from sofas to headboards. But a quieter shift has been happening alongside it, and in 2026 it is impossible to ignore: velvet is back.
Homes & Gardens' headboard trends for 2026 include a rise in velvet headboards, with designers pointing to the depth and comfort that velvet brings, particularly in moody, earthy tones. It is easy to see why. Few fabrics make a bed look as rich, or feel as inviting, as a good velvet.
Why velvet suits a bed so well
Velvet has a dense, short pile that reflects light differently depending on how you look at it. On a headboard, that means every curve, panel and button gets its own subtle highlight and shadow. It gives even a simple shape a sense of luxury.
It is also genuinely comfortable. Velvet is soft against the skin and pleasant to lean against, which matters if you read or watch TV in bed. And because the pile is tightly woven, a quality velvet is more hard wearing than many people expect.
Plush velvet vs crushed velvet
We offer two types of velvet across most of our beds, and they create quite different looks.
Plush velvet
Plush velvet has a smooth, even pile with a soft, matte to satin sheen. It looks refined and contemporary, and it shows off clean lines and panelling beautifully. If you want a bed that feels luxurious but calm, plush velvet is usually the right choice. Browse our plush velvet beds to see it across different styles.
Crushed velvet
Crushed velvet has a pile that has been pressed and twisted to create a shimmering, uneven texture. It catches far more light and has a more glamorous, statement finish. It is a great choice if you want the bed to sparkle a little, and it is forgiving with everyday marks because the texture is already varied. See the full range of crushed velvet beds.
The velvet beds worth looking at
Panelled designs are some of the best showcases for velvet, because each panel catches the light separately. The Rhianna Mirage Panel Upholstered Bed looks particularly striking in deeper colours like claret and charcoal. The Salome Luxor Winged Panel Upholstered Bed adds gentle wings for a more enclosed, cosy feel, while the Andre Devonshire Winged Panel Upholstered Bed has a taller, more formal presence.
Velvet and Chesterfield buttoning are a classic pairing too. The deep buttons create pockets of shadow that make the fabric glow, which is why the Bernett Grand Chesterfield Upholstered Bed looks so at home in velvet. You can explore more in our Chesterfield beds collection.
And if you love the idea of watching TV from bed, the Silas Refined Signature TV Bed has a remote controlled TV lift built into the footboard, wrapped in soft velvet so it still looks like a luxury bed when the screen is down.
Choosing a velvet colour
Velvet rewards colour more than almost any other fabric. Deep shades like charcoal, black and blue look especially rich because the pile creates natural depth. Softer tones like mink, sand and pink feel warmer and more romantic. If you are torn, order up to three free samples from our fabric swatch page and see how they look in your own light before you decide.
Caring for a velvet bed
- Vacuum gently with a soft upholstery brush every week or two to lift dust from the pile.
- Blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth. Never rub, as this can flatten the pile.
- Keep the bed out of strong direct sunlight where possible to protect the colour.
- If the pile gets crushed, a light pass with a garment steamer held a few centimetres away will usually lift it again.
Every velvet bed we sell is handcrafted to order, so you can choose your size, colour, headboard height and storage. If you have any questions about fabrics or which velvet would suit your room, get in touch with our team and we will be glad to help.
