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Kids Upholstery Bed

Upholstered vs. Solid Wood Beds for Kids: Which Is Right for My Child?

If you’re searching for the perfect bed for your little dreamer, you’ve probably spotted two popular styles: upholstered beds and solid wood beds. Choosing the right option may seem tricky, but with Max and Lily, it’s a fun and exciting way to upgrade your kiddo’s sleep space. 

We’ll guide you every step of the way to find the fit for your growing sleeper! Let’s explore the key differences between upholstery bed sets and solid wood beds for kids and help you decide which best suits your child’s style, space, and sleep habits.

What’s the Difference Between an Upholstered and a Solid Wood Bed?

While both styles are super cozy, kids’ upholstered beds and solid wood bed frames each bring their own perks to the party! The big difference? It’s all about the bed frame material. Each design brings unique benefits and considerations based on your little one's needs. 

Max & Lily beds with upholstery are delicately wrapped in soft, cozy chenille, an oh-so comfy and stylish fabric. The plush material and padded headboard create a warm and inviting vibe, making it the perfect spot for your little one to snuggle up with a favorite book and drift off into dreamland.

Wood kids’ beds offer sturdy wood construction and a classic, timeless look, making them an excellent choice for long-term durability and sweet dreams. The natural look of wood gives a modern feel, and with Max & Lily’s countless styles, these beds fit into any home’s aesthetic. 

Which Is Safer for Kids: Upholstered or Solid Wood Beds?

Both upholstered and solid wood beds are excellent, family-friendly options. While some believe solid wood beds are inherently safer, safety truly depends on the quality of the bed frame's build.

Every Max & Lily bed thoughtfully features premium knot-free wood, durable slat support, metal-on-metal connections, and generous weight capacities. Plus, our beds are designed with low-VOC clean finishes to support a healthy indoor environment.

Whether you choose upholstered or solid wood, you can trust these beds to provide parents with a secure and reliable foundation for years of sweet dreams and peace of mind.

That being said, one of the standout benefits of upholstered beds is their soft, padded edges, which provide an added safety layer for little ones. These cushioned edges help protect against bumps and bruises during active daytime play or bedtime routines, making them a practical choice for families with young children. 

Which is Easier to Clean: Upholstered or Solid Wood Beds?

Solid wood beds are the low-maintenance winner for easy cleanup. Darker-toned options, like our Full Slatted Bed With Trundle, are exceptionally forgiving, effortlessly concealing stains and juice spills. When it comes to childhood classics like crumbs and smeared snacks, a quick vacuum or wipe is all it takes to keep wood beds looking spotless and fresh.

An upholstered kid's bed requires a little more TLC when it comes to cleaning. Our chenille upholstered kids’ beds are designed with childhood adventure in mind (AKA, we know accidents happen!). A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep the upholstery fabric looking great, perfect for busy parents and fun-loving kids. 



Which Looks Better in Kid's Room: Upholstered or Solid Wood Beds?

Both upholstered and solid wood beds can bring serious style to kids' rooms. The "best" choice? That’s totally up to you and your mini design assistant! With so many fun and unique options at Max & Lily, you can team up to create a one-of-a-kind room that’s equal parts cool and functional!

An upholstered bed introduces a softer, cozier vibe to the bedroom. Fun colors and plush design of bed upholstery appeal to kids' fun side. A popular favorite is our Kenzie Bed In Dusty Rose. This upholstery twin bed comes in a dusty rose color, adding a fun pop of color to liven up their room! 

Which is More Durable For Kids: Upholstered or Solid Wood Beds?

When it comes to durability, all Max and Lily beds are built to handle all the adventures of childhood. Durability comes from the bed frame's construction. Both our upholstered and solid wood bed frames are crafted from sturdy, knot-free solid wood and reinforced with strong plywood slats, designed to stand the test of time (and play)!

Our Slatted Solid Wood Bed is a sturdy superstar, especially if your little one loves turning their bed into a makeshift pirate ship or jungle gym. With a resting weight capacity of 400 pounds per sleeping surface, this wooden twin bed frame features strong plywood slats and a metal support bar to ensure a stable foundation for restful(or not so restful!) sleep.

If you're looking for a soft yet reliable bed, Max & Lily has options! The Kenzie Upholstery Full Size Bed adds a fun twist with its playful arched headboard. At the same time, it checks all the safety standard boxes, including solid wood, durable slats, and metal support bars, an ultimate win-win for kids and parents alike.

Can I Mix Upholstery and Solid Wood Beds in a Shared Room?

Absolutely! Mixing and matching styles is a fun way to let each child express their unique style while creating a cohesive space.

Try pairing a full panel bed with a neutral-colored upholstered bed for a room that blends texture, warmth, and personality. This keeps things visually interesting, and both styles offer space-saving solutions like trundles and under bed storage to maximize limited floor space.

So… Should I Get My Child an Upholstered or Solid Wood Bed?

Upholstered Bed Pros:

  • Comfort Feel: Padded, upholstered headboard is super cozy to lean back on for story time.

  • Unique Options: Fabric bed frames come in fun colors, allowing you to create a dream room that fits your child's unique personality.

  • Cozy Design: Bed wrapped in chenille fabric offers a soft and plush feel, giving the bedroom a warm feel.

Solid Wood Bed Pros:

  • Classic Design: Neutral finishes and natural look of wood create a timeless, modern feel.

  • Low maintenance: Wood finish makes cleaning up accidents and spills easy.

  • Sturdy Build: Super sturdy design makes hopping in and out of bed safe.


At the end of the day, both beds are great choices! No matter your choice, Max & Lily beds are thoughtfully crafted, safe, stylish, and made to grow with your child, no matter which material you choose. Shop Max & Lily’s collection of wood beds and upholstery beds and discover your dream bedroom!