Picture this, the sun is shining, there’s a slight breeze and you’re out on the open waters. Your boat’s interior looks fresh, comfortable, and inviting, ready for a perfect day on deck. That’s the power of great marine upholstery, it turns your boat into a sailing sanctuary.
Quality boat upholstery is something that’s in our nature, after all, we’ve been doing it for almost 20-years. However, it isn’t just about its aesthetic value, it’s about the comfort, quality and its durability against the natural elements. We’re here to help guide you through the process to guarantee you get the best of both worlds.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything from the perfect marine upholstery materials and costs, to care tips and tricks. Let’s dive in…
What is Marine Upholstery?
Whether you have a yacht, narrow boat, or motor boat, you’re certain to have custom boat furnishings in your vessel. Marine upholstery or boat upholstery can refer to your interior soft furnishings such as a saloon sofa or an upholstered mattress, whereas exterior upholstery refers to foredeck cushions, sunpads and cockpit cushions.
This is where we come in! We can design, manufacture and install handcrafted boat upholstery to fit your boat’s unique shape and size.
What is the Best Material for Marine Upholstery?
Unlike standard upholstery, boat upholstery requires materials that can withstand harsh marine environments which can often be damp, humid and prone to moisture. To make sure your boat upholstery looks great for years to come, it’s essential to invest in the right materials.
We stock a wide range of interior and exterior marine fabrics to suit your boat’s style. From classic leathers to modern marine-grade fabrics in eye-catching shades and textures that hold up to sun, salt, furry friends and heavy use without fading or deteriorating.
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Boat Upholstery Fabric
Here are some key things to look out for when selecting a new upholstery fabric:
- Waterproof: An absolute essential for any boat. Your fabric should be able to handle splashes, spills, and sea spray without absorbing moisture.
- UV Resistant: Constant exposure to the sun and UV can cause some fabrics to fade and weaken over time, that’s why it’s important to select a UV resistant fabric that will last you years to come.
- Low Temperature Resistant: A good marine upholstery fabric should stay flexible and strong, even in colder weather conditions. This is worth bearing in mind when storing your boat over the winter months.
- Stain Resistant & Wipe Clean: Easy care fabric is a must on board, you’ll be especially thankful for this if you ever face choppier conditions.
- Anti-bacterial & Anti Fungal: This will help reduce the likeliness of mould on board
- Fire Retardant: Safety is always a priority, especially in enclosed cabin areas.
Samples for interior and exterior upholstery are available online, or visit us in store.
Is Boat Upholstery Expensive?
Well, most things on boats come with a price, however, it is worth considering the value and the comfort this investment adds to your vessel.
Here’s our guide on what you could expect from marine upholstery:
| Type of Upholstery | Example | Cost Estimate |
| Interior Upholstery | Saloon sofas and seating | £1500+ |
| Exterior Upholstery | Foredeck cushions, sunpads, | £750+ |
| Cabin Upholstery (Mattresses) | Upholstered boat Mattresses | £1000 – £1500+ |
*approximate pricing as of May 2025
Several factors can affect the cost, such as the complexity of the job, material choice, and level of customisation.
The size and scope of your project, along with the fabric quality you select, will naturally influence your investment. Personalised touches like logo embroidery or contrast piping can also add a real sense of luxury. We offer a wide range of options to help you create custom boat cushions and furnishings that are truly your own.
Before & After
Why use Ship Shape Bedding:
With rapid lead times, we could have your boat kitted out in no time. All of our upholstery is handcrafted in the UK, made to measure, and fully customisable to suit your vessel.
We’ve been in the industry for nearly two decades, so you can count on our experience and attention to detail. From bespoke boat mattresses to fully tailored interior and exterior upholstery, we’ve got you covered.
Our products are shipped worldwide, and our team is always happy to help with advice and design support.
Email: info@shipshapebedding.co.uk
Telephone: 03704 464233
