Far more than a place to sleep, in hospitality design, beds set the tone for the suite. Here, Edmund Bell shares the fabrics changing the game in the bedroom…
While crisp white linen will always have its place, today’s hotel bedrooms embrace layered luxury, bold statement features, and tactile comfort; and hospitality fabrics play a vital role in this evolution.
At Edmund Bell, though the brand may not supply beds or bedding, its upholstery fabrics, dimouts, sheers and prints are designed to transform headboards, bedspreads, and cushions into standout design features that elevate the guest journey.
Headboard fabrics – its a statement
The headboard has become a defining feature in modern hotel interior design. No longer just a functional backrest, it is now a focal point that anchors the bed within the room. Designers increasingly use upholstery fabrics to add depth, texture, and colour – creating a striking visual that ties into the wider scheme.
Eastern Traveller | Image credit: Edmund Bell
Fabrics such as Crush, with its rich, luxurious finish, or Ripple, with its subtle tactile movement, provide both style and durability – essential for high-traffic hospitality environments. A well-chosen headboard fabric can also echo curtains or seating, creating a cohesive flow while adding indulgence guests remember.
Layering fabrics
Layering remains central to hotel bedroom design, with cushions and bedspreads offering both comfort and visual impact. Far more than decorative extras, these layers define the mood of the space and encourage guests to feel at ease.
Edmund Bell’s weaves and dimouts are ideal for bedspreads that coordinate with curtains, chairs, or wall panels for a consistent design language.
Expression Dimout | Image credit: Edmund Bell
Cushions, meanwhile, offer flexibility for colour and pattern – perfect for adding accents or seasonal updates without a full redesign. Neutral layering creates a calm, contemporary aesthetic, while bold cushions or richly textured bedspreads add boutique-style character and distinction. Together, these fabrics make the bed a layered, welcoming retreat.
Adding personality with print
Cushions and pillows provide the ideal canvas for prints – an effortless way to inject personality and energy into a scheme. Used thoughtfully, patterned fabrics can transform a bed without overwhelming the design.
Habitat Nutmeg | Image credit: Edmund Bell
The Hacienda collection, inspired by Spanish artistry, brings vibrancy and warmth, while Country File introduces calming, nature-inspired motifs – perfect for biophilic design influences. For hoteliers, printed cushions and pillows also offer flexibility: they can be refreshed seasonally or aligned with brand updates, keeping guestrooms current without a full redesign.
Sustainable fabrics
Sustainability is now a core focus in hotel design, with many operators seeking fabrics that combine environmental responsibility with lasting performance. Many of Edmund Bell’s sustainable fabrics are made using recycled yarns, allowing designers to support eco-conscious goals without compromising on style or durability.
Link recycled sheer | Image credit: Edmund Bell
This balance between responsibility and design appeal is shaping the future of interiors, where fabric choices reflect both aesthetic and ethical values.
Fabrics setting the scene
Ultimately, the bed is the stage for the entire guest experience. By focusing on fabrics for headboards, bedspreads, and cushions, designers can create bedrooms that are layered, cohesive, and memorable. Fabric choices define not only the visual identity of a space but also its atmosphere – whether calm and serene, bold and boutique, or rich and luxurious.
Crush upholstery fabric | Image credit: Edmund Bell
At Edmund Bell, the collections of hospitality upholstery fabrics, decorative weaves, and printed designs give designers the tools to bring these trends to life. By combining practicality with creative potential, the fabrics help transform the bed from a functional item into the defining feature of any guestroom.
Because in hospitality interiors, the bed is never just a bed – it’s the heart of the room. And the right fabrics make it unforgettable. If you want to discover more from Edmund Bell’s collection of print fabrics, check out the brand’s new brochure, below.
Edmund Bell is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Edmund Bell
