October is Upholstery Awareness Month, a celebration of the skilled craft behind the furniture we use every day. For over 50 years we've made handmade upholstered beds in our Lancashire factory, and this month we're showing how a bed goes from a bare frame to the finished piece in your bedroom.

It starts with the frame

Every bed begins with a solid hardwood frame, built in our own workshop. The frame is the part you'll never see, but it decides how long your bed will last, which is why we back our frames with a five-year warranty.

Because each bed is made to order, the frame is built to the exact size you choose, whether that's a single for a guest room or a grande emperor. Our post on British-made furniture explains why we believe building to order makes better beds.

Shaping, padding and buttoning

Next, the frame is padded and shaped. Curves, scrolls and wings are built up in layers so the finished headboard has a soft, generous profile. For buttoned designs, each button is placed and pulled by hand to create deep, even tufting.

Deep buttoning is one of the most skilled parts of upholstery. Every fold has to be set evenly. You can see the result in designs such as our Atwood Luxury Buttoned Bed and the rest of our buttoned beds.

Covering in your chosen fabric

Finally, the bed is covered in the fabric you've chosen, from more than 170 options. Our upholsterers cut and fit the fabric by hand, matching patterns and smoothing every panel so the finish is crisp and tailored.

The fabric is the part you live with every day, so we always recommend ordering free fabric samples to see colours in your own light before you decide.

Love a particular design but need it a little different? Our bespoke design service lets you tailor a bed to your room, and our upholstered beds guide explains why they're such a popular choice.

Why handmade is worth it

A handmade bed is built by people who know exactly how it should look and feel. Making beds ourselves means we can offer different sizes, storage options and fabrics, and keep a close eye on quality at every stage.

It also means a bed that's built to last, which is better for your home and the environment. Discover more about us on our about us page.

From workshop to bedroom

Your questions, answered

What is Upholstery Awareness Month?

It's an annual celebration of upholstery each October, highlighting the skills and craftspeople behind upholstered furniture.

Where are your beds made?

Every bed is handmade to order in our Lancashire factory, where we've been making furniture for over 50 years.

How long does a handmade bed take?

Lead times vary by design and are shown on each product page. Because every bed is made to order, it's worth planning ahead.

Can I choose my own fabric?

Yes. Choose from more than 170 fabrics and leathers, and order free samples to see them at home first.

Proudly handmade in Lancashire. Happy Upholstery Awareness Month.