One of the newest additions to our range, the Carlisle was introduced in 2024. It was actually a customer suggestion to try and merge our Shetland design with the legs of the Camden bed base. We liked this combo so much that we decided to keep it! The Carlisle is an upholstered bed frame, available in our full range of hardwood timbers and fabric options. In this article, we explore the different looks you can achieve with the Carlisle by styling different timbers.
Thanks to the wide range of combinations available, the Carlisle is a truly versatile option. It can be customised to suit your space. For this first look, we’ve styled it in a luxe, contemporary outfit. Crafted in black stained oak and upholstered in our newest fabric option – Andes – this combination makes a real statement. The oak is finished in our black lacquer stain, which allows the texture of the grain to show through, but leaves an opaque, deep black finish. Here, this is paired with the Andes boucle fabric in the colour ‘onyx’. This gives a solid, matte black look to the headboard, but has a textured, deep pile up close for added interest.
We’ve styled this combination with clean, minimal ideals in mind. This look is all about contrast and complement. Adding details such as soft geometric lines – found on both the Modern Oak Open Wardrobe to the left and the Linen Windowpane Cushions on the bed – adds a gentle contrast to the curves on the bed. The dark timber and fabric of the bed is contrasted with the pale Organic Muslin Bedding in the colour oatmeal. It is deliberately not white, but a soft beige. This complements the black finish of the bed rather than creating too stark of a contrast.
You could also choose to accentuate the black tones in the bed base with dark accents. We’ve styled the bed in a different way in some of the images below; with Dark Grey Brushed Cotton Bedding and additional layers. In particular, the Faux Afghan Throw in black is a great match to the boucle headboard. An accent such as this would be perfect in tying almost any other neutral tone in with the bed itself in this combination.
When styling different timbers, we like to try and showcase all the options available. So, in contrast to the moody, dark option above, you could also opt for a more bright colourful look, like this one! Red is very on trend at the moment. Whether it’s a cosy terracotta or a pop of bold cherry red, we’re seeing it everywhere. For this look, we’ve paired the Carlisle in solid oak with a headboard in our premium fabric option; Parquet. Not only is Parquet 100% pure wool, it’s also a timeless pattern that will suit a myriad of interiors. Last year, the manufacturer (Abraham Moons), launched a new selection of bold colours and we had to try one out. This one is Parquet Fire, which we think really sets off the warm tones found in natural oak.
This cosy look is brought together by all the differing shades of red. They complement each other without creating too much contrast for a harmonious, almost monochromatic look. We’ve punctured this with shades of dark grey to keep a modern feel. The addition of these pieces gives a contemporary, more lived-in look. It also breaks up the colours to stop them looking too similar.
The bedding choices here were inspired by cosy, autumnal colours. Thanks to the orange undertones in the headboard fabric and wall colour (Yes Chef by COAT Paints), the reds we choose were warm and snug, rather than being too bold or loud. We used the Stripe Cotton Bedding in the colour rust, and paired it with a Lightweight Rustic Cotton Blanket and Checked Pure Wool Throw, both in similar red shades. We’ve been a big fan of reds over the last year and for this look in particular, we love how the oak makes that red headboard pop!
A softer, more pared-back look. For this one, we’ve styled the Carlisle with a headboard upholstered in Amaetheon Wisp; a soft, warm shade of pale beige. The bed itself is handmade in solid, American White Oak as above, but when paired with softer colours, the oak tones in to create a more calming, tranquil feel. For this combination, we’ve paired the bed base with simple bedside tables in the form of the Black Lotus Cube Tables, also in solid oak. We’ve also brought in other pieces in oak for a cohesive, harmonious look. For example, the Oak Open Wardrobe to the right matches not only in timber, but also in style, thanks to the gentle curves of its design.
This look is all about creating a feeling of relaxation. Bedrooms should always be a place of calm and restfulness. However, some colours and combinations are more effective at crafting this feeling than others. We find neutrals are always a good go-to for putting together a restful room. When styling different timbers, oak is always a great choice for neutrals as it is in essence, a neutral, golden brown shade. We’ve chosen bedding and accessories that tone in with this theme, and added some natural accents to give interest and appeal. In particular, we’ve used the Organic Linen Bedding in beige as a base for the bedding, and thrown one of the Textured Floral Cotton Throws in stone over the top.
Over the last few years, mid-century style has reigned supreme. It still continues to hold its place at the forefront of design trends, and the Carlisle is a great match for this style. Its curved lines and padded headboard are right on the money for that retro look. When styling different timbers, you can’t go wrong with walnut (pictured here) or cherry for a mid-century vibe. Darker timbers invoke the essence of this style when paired with colours commonly found in retro design. Think dark greens, bold oranges and yellows or even rich purples, like we’ve gone for here.
It’s the details that really set this look off. A variety of accent pieces mixed with a bold colour scheme; this look is loud and proud, but still harmonious and intentional. The bed is made is solid American Black Walnut with a headboard upholstered in Eco Velvet (velvet made from 100% recycled polyester). The velvet is in the colour ‘Rum Raisin’. A muted, yet luscious shade of dark purple. It creates a lovely balance with the walnut, and is further accentuated by our choice of bedding. The star of the show here is the Soft Lambswool Throw in Crimson & Charcoal – draped over the foot of the bed in a bold cherry shade. Then, the colour scheme flows into similar tones with the Cotton Muslin Bedspread in pink clay, and is contrasted with the Luxury Alpaca Wool Rich Throw in terracotta.
For the furniture, we’ve kept with the curves. The round mirror on the Two Tone Solid Oak Dressing Table and the curves in the Tall Camden Table to the right of the bed keep that mid-century vibe going throughout the whole look. Furthermore, the addition of two Retro Glass Candleholders to the dressing table give this style the perfect finishing touch.
The beauty of all our upholstered beds is that you can select any combination you like! But we hope this article has given you some inspiration. The choices for the Carlisle bed really are endless, and we understand that it’s best to see things in person to give you a sense of the options. You can get in touch with us to request fabric or timber samples, or use the links below –
Timber Samples | Amatheon Fabric Samples | Poole Fabric Samples | Eco Velvet Fabric Samples | Andes Fabric Samples
If you’re interested in Parquet samples, just drop us an email and we’ll order these for you. You can also see the full range of colour options for Parquet over on the manufacturers’ website just here. If it’s more interior design inspiration you’re after, take a look at our Pinterest page for even more ideas.