Why our sleep experts loved it
Introduction
I'm well aware of the popular notion surrounding sofa beds. It goes something like this: They are neither good sofas nor are they good beds. In fact, they have a notorious reputation for being an 'in-betweener' – a makeshift and often uncomfortable solution for when you neither have the space for a full-sized bed or sofa. Today, I'm diving headfirst into the world of sofa beds with the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed from Bensons for Beds. Now, I must admit, sofa beds and I have always been frenemies. They promise convenience, but often deliver discomfort. However, to provide you with a fearless and in-depth review, I put aside my prejudices to test and experience the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed in-store and in person.
Design and Features
Visually, the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed is an attractive piece of furniture. It's been crafted using luxurious velvet fabric which lends it a premium feel right off the bat. It's available in three diverse colours: Cobalt Blue, Metallic Grey, and Emerald Green, which cater to varied personal aesthetics. The Art Deco-inspired design, evident in the solid wooden walnut effect legs, successfully weds retro charms with a contemporary vibe. While the design is undeniably aesthetically pleasing, it's the practicality and functionality that should be thoroughly scrutinised when it comes to sofa beds.
This versatile piece of furniture metamorphoses from a sofa to a bed quickly with an easy foldout function. Furthermore, it offers two size options – Single and Double. This is excellent as it permits potential buyers to choose a sofa bed that's ideal for their specific needs and available space. On paper, the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed answers what a modern-space crunched household needs – stylish, versatile, and compact. But, as we move along, it's important to determine if these superlatives are merely good on paper or if they stand their ground under testing.
Construction
The Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed is compact, and that's a true boon for those of us perennially struggling with space. As for the fold-out function, it truly is as simple as ABC. But beneath the luxury velvet fabric and inside the plush seeming body of this sofa bed, the construction really comes under intense scrutiny. After all, that's what's going to determine whether this piece of furniture suffers the same fate that most sofa beds do — being uncomfortable to sleep or sit on — or not.
To assess this, I must take my hat off to Bensons for Beds for providing a 5-year guarantee that undoubtedly speaks of a certain confidence in the product's built quality. The solid wooden legs support the sofa bed well enough, but it is when it transforms from a stylish sofa to a bed that the real questions about its construction come to the fore.
Suitability
Examining the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed in a retail environment offers rich and detailed insights into its suitability. The seating height and the depth are adequate making it quite comfortable as a sofa. The velvet fabric feels plush and luxurious under the skin and adds a tactile element to the comfort. And it's ample for two people to sit on without elbowing each other for space.
Unfortunately, when you transition to the bed function, that's when Alexa's shortcomings become glaringly noticeable. This is primarily due to the thinness of the mattress. There are certain spots where you might find yourself feeling the bar underneath. This is something most customer reviews corroborate as well. You might be able to rectify this flaw with a mattress topper; however, a topper should be an enhancement, not a necessity.
What Customers Thought
There's no doubt that the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed has resonated with customers for its undeniable style, colour options, and compact design. They've commented on finding it an appropriate size for their rooms, and the quality of the fabric and its overall look have been greatly appreciated.
However, there's a dichotomy in customer experience when it comes to using the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed as a sofa versus a bed. As a sofa it garners consistent praise for its aesthetic appeal and being comfortable to sit on. The problem arises when customers have attempted to use it as a bed. Many mention it's reasonably firm, but the thin mattress has caused some discomfort. Although some customers seem unperturbed by the thin mattress, they're mostly those who use it infrequently as a bed or are comfortable with firmer surfaces. The ones who intended to use it quite regularly as a bed felt the need for a mattress topper to bring about the required comfort.
The Verdict
It must be said that retail products must meet a multitude of tastes and preferences and perfection is a relative concept. Yet, given this universality, the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed seems to ride midway - it has its highs and its lows. The aesthetic value is high. The luxurious velvet fabric, attractive colour choices, and Art Deco-inspired design lend it a distinct appeal which is beyond dispute. As a sofa, it is comfortable, functional, and pleasing to the eye. For those looking for aesthetic versatility, Alexa does deliver.
However, the functional aspect of comfort, which in the case of a sofa bed translates to sleep comfort, leaves room for improvement. This is where Alexa's balance tilts towards the traditional perception of sofa beds being uncomfortable to sleep on. Granted, the occasional user or someone who prefers a firmer sleeping surface might find it agreeable, but for more frequent use, the thinness of the mattress could lead to a less than satisfactory experience.
In conclusion, the Alexa Small Double Sofa Bed is a stylish, visually appealing piece of furniture that fits the bill as a sofa. But bit falters somewhat when it comes to being used regularly as a bed. It might not be the 'game-changer' that redefines the popular notion surrounding sofa beds, and my scepticism, to a degree, still remains. However, it does stand as a reminder that the discussion around sofa beds is nuanced, with suitability often depending on individual needs, preferences, and frequency of use.
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