Based on current UK interior design trends for 2024–2026, here is a guide to popular upholstery fabrics and colours to help you choose your furniture.

The UK market is currently shifting away from the "grey-on-grey" look of the last decade, moving toward warmth, texture, and "quiet luxury."

1. Popular Upholstery Fabrics

British homeowners are prioritizing "tactile" fabrics—materials that feel good to touch—alongside durability for family life.

• Bouclé: A looped yarn fabric that looks nubby and textured. It is incredibly popular in the UK right now for accent chairs and curved sofas, adding a cozy, "cocooning" feel.
• Velvet: A perennial UK favourite, but the style has shifted.
  • Matte/Cotton Velvet: Less shiny, more sophisticated.
  • Corduroy Velvet: A major trend for 2025, offering a retro 70s vibe with high durability.
• Linen (and Linen Blends): The go-to for a relaxed, "modern rustic" or country-house look. Blends (e.g., linen-viscose) are preferred over pure linen as they wrinkle less and are more durable.
• Wool: Deeply rooted in British heritage. Wool is naturally fire-retardant, stain-resistant, and regulates temperature. Tartans and tweeds remain popular in traditional homes, while plain weaves are used in modern settings.
• Chenille: Making a comeback as a durable, softer alternative to velvet. It has a high "rub count" (durability), making it excellent for family sofas.
• Recycled/Eco Fabrics: There is a surge in demand for fabrics made from recycled plastics or organic cottons, often marketed as "clever velvets" or "smart linens" that are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

2. Popular Upholstery Colours

The palette has warmed up significantly. Cool greys are being replaced by "earthy" tones.

The "New Neutrals"

• Warm Browns: From "Mocha Mousse" (a chocolatey brown) to lighter Tan, Caramel, and Biscuit. Brown is effectively replacing grey as the standard base colour.
• Oatmeal & Stone: Warmer alternatives to brilliant white or cool cream. These pair well with natural wood furniture.
• Warm Greys: If grey is used, it is a "greige" (grey-beige) or a "warm silver," rather than a blue-toned slate grey.

Nature-Inspired Greens

Green is arguably the most popular non-neutral colour for UK sofas right now.

• Sage & Olive: Muted, calming greens that act almost like a neutral.
• Forest & Moss: Darker, moodier greens used for statement armchairs or velvet sofas.

Classic Blues

• Navy & Midnight Blue: Remains a classic choice for a smart, formal look. It hides stains well and pairs with almost anything.
• Teal: Still popular for adding a pop of colour without being too aggressive.

Accent Colours

• Terracotta & Rust: Burnt oranges and reddish-browns are trendy, adding warmth without the brightness of a primary red.
• Mustard / Saffron: Often used for accent chairs or cushions to brighten up a room.
• Aubergine / Deep Purple: Emerging as a luxurious trend for 2025/26, particularly in velvet.

Bed frame, Upholstered bed, Fabric bed, Queen bed frame, King bed frame, King size bed frame, Platform bed, Adjustable bed frame, Double bed frame, Twin bed frame, Platform bed frame, Full size bed frame, Queen size bed frame, Full bed frame, Upholstered bed frame, Wooden bed frame, Metal bed frame, Single bed frame, Platform bed frame queen, Ikea bed frame, Super king bed frame, Best bed frames, Bed base, Modern bed frame, Adjustable bed frame king, White bed frame, Low bed frame, Upholstered king bed, Low profile bed frame, Rattan bed frame, Floating bed frame, Small double bed frame, King platform bed frame, Floating bed, Black bed frame, Bed frames near me, Boucle bed, Queen bed base, Solid wood bed frame, Cloud bed frame, Metal bed frame queen, Adjustable bed frame queen, Best adjustable bed frame, Wooden bed, Cheap bed frames, King bed base, Zinus bed frame, Adjustable bed base, Wood platform bed, Ottoman bed frame, Japanese bed frame, Upholstered platform bed, Soft bed frame, Double bed base, Wayfair bed frames, Black metal bed frame, White upholstered bed, Low platform bed, King single bed frame, Full size platform bed, Canopy bed frame, Solid wood bed, Floor bed frame, Oak bed frame, Wood bed frame queen, Low profile bed, Upholstered bed frame king, Upholstered storage bed, Twin size bed frame, Upholstered queen bed, Ikea queen bed frame, Velvet bed frame, Bed frame and mattress set, Modern platform bed, King size adjustable base, Metal bed frame king, Minimalist bed frame, Platform beds queen, Tilly upholstered bed, Best platform bed, Adjustable mattress base.