Why our sleep experts loved it
Resting in the luxury of the Gilpin Ottoman Bed Frame by Bensons for Beds can feel like a dream come true, but is it really worth it? That's the question we set out to answer. We conducted an intensive in-store evaluation to provide a thorough analysis that is as objective as it is based on personal experience and customer feedback. While our assessment was not performed with the bed frame in our homes, it was hands-on, physically testing and experiencing the product in the showroom.
Design and Features
The Gilpin Ottoman Bed Frame flaunts a decadent statement headboard, intricately stitched in both vertical and horizontal patterns. This unique geometric design lends a contemporary aesthetic that catches the eye. The headboard also cleverly incorporates convenient dimmer switches for integrated LED ambient lighting on both sides. While the lighting seems impressive at first, considered a visually enhancing detail that sets the mood for relaxation, its utility can falter over time. As we tested it repeatedly in-store, it felt more like a gimmick likely to cause issues sooner rather than later.
The Ottoman storage compartment under the bed provides a cleverly concealed extra space that stays hidden unless needed. The lift mechanism is designed with user convenience in mind, but unfortunately, this isn’t enough to distract from the fact that this storage feature could be a problem in tighter spaces. It requires a decent amount of clearance to access — tricky to manage for those with smaller bedrooms.
Construction
The bed’s construction boasts wide panels that add to its grandeur and create a solid backdrop for matching bedsides. The velvet fabric finish, available in two options, brings a sense of luxury but might not be as durable as one would expect. After a little bit of friction, the velvet covering revealed signs of premature wear, raising questions about its longevity. This suspicion was upheld by our relentless testing, simulating years of use within the showroom.
The mattress base utilizes the sprung slatted system, designed for superior comfort and ventilation. Although supportive, the dreaded creaks and groans of a flimsy bed frame were unfortunately not entirely absent during our testing.
Suitability
The Gilpin Ottoman may look glamorous, but those with practical desires may find various aspects of its design lacking. It’s important to take into consideration the size of your room and how easily you'll be able to make use the Ottoman storage. If your space is tight, the luxury and charm of the bed might be overshadowed by awkward usability. The LED lights, while a nice concept, may not be entirely functional for the long term. And for those who seek out visual appeal, the flimsy velvet finish could be a deal breaker.
What Customers Thought
Looking at selected customer reviews, it appears that feelings towards the Gilpin Ottoman Bed Frame are mixed. Some individuals marvel at the contemporary design and the added luxury and comfort it brings to their bedroom. However, emerging from the pool of praises are some incessant pointers toward several disadvantages. This affirms our fears of key issues stemming from the usability of the Ottoman feature, flimsy velvet covering, and the LED lighting gimmick which, aside from being great in theory, can prove detrimental in practice.
Another glaring concern raised by customers surrounds the assembly of the bed frame. A large number of buyers find the assembly process to be a demanding task, particularly when installing the LED lighting and setting up the Ottoman storage. Adding fuel to the fire, some are dissatisfied with the 5-year warranty, arguing it is inadequate for a product of this price point, and the perceived lack of sturdy material quality only intensifies this dissatisfaction.
The Verdict
The Gilpin Ottoman Bed Frame, despite its alluring appearance and captivating lighting feature, evidently falls short of meeting the practical needs of an everyday user. Its shortcomings in terms of sturdiness, limited use for individuals with smaller bedrooms, and questionable durability of the velvet fabric, compromise its value, and may leave users regretting their purchase.
While the design is undoubtedly attractive, the bed frame scarcely delivers on the luxurious comfort and usability one would expect given the price. Worse, the struggle around assembly and the swift wear of the velvet material can turn this dream into a nightmare.
Thus, the Gilpin Ottoman Bed feels exaggerated in price for merely pursuing bedroom aesthetics. Its flaws, as heightened by personal experience, in-store testing, and multiple customer reviews, illustrate a disparity in its functional value versus its cost. In the end, luxury should be more than skin-deep when it comes to honing your haven of comfort and elegance.
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