Why our sleep experts loved it
The Fernsbury Ottoman Bed Frame has a design that looks instantly luxurious but not over the top. This elegant upholstered bed is finished in a grey or beige velvet with a bold scroll headboard and matching footend that add a touch of glamour and grandeur. On first impressions, it's an eye-catching bed that looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel. But underneath the curves and upholstery, you'll find a hidden ottoman storage system and sprung slatted base for a practical bed that is as stylish as it is functional.
Design & First Impressions
The Fernsbury feels and looks high-end from the moment you open the box. The vertically stitched headboard and footend are immediately striking, giving a soft, elegant shape that is indulgent but tasteful. The scroll headboard and footend feature soften the overall look of the frame and add a touch of drama, while the velvet finish catches the light perfectly, giving the room an instant injection of warmth and texture. The grey velvet is a modern, versatile tone that suits contemporary interiors, while the beige finish is more classic. Both colourways look stunning with neutral walls and work well with natural floor finishes. It's an inviting design that draws the eye naturally to the bed as the focal point of the room.
Assembly & Build Quality
The assembly is easy and intuitive, thanks to the nature of the frame's size and structure. The parts are clearly labelled, and each fitting aligns precisely so there is no frustration with this large upholstered bed. The ottoman mechanism slots easily into place and, once the lift is locked, it moves smoothly with a low level of effort. The sprung slats snap neatly into place with a smooth, even curve and feel flexible yet strong. The finished bed feels sturdy and doesn't wobble or move within the frame. The build quality is solid, and the velvet upholstery is tight and well-finished with neat stitching and smooth seams. Overall, this bed looks far more expensive than it is.
Materials & Construction
The Fernsbury is upholstered in a rich velvet that gives it a luxurious look and feel. The padded headboard and footend are particularly plush, which is both comfortable and prevents the scroll detail from feeling too rigid or boxy. The sprung slatted base is a significant benefit in this regard, as it has more flexibility and give than a boarded design. The slatted base also has the advantage of moving slightly under pressure, ventilating the mattress better and potentially prolonging its lifespan. The ottoman lift is fitted with gas pistons that have good tension and balance with a pleasant level of resistance. The frame is relatively low to the ground, giving it a modern profile and making it more accessible. It's a bed that clearly was built with everyday use in mind.
Stability & Noise
The Fernsbury feels and sounds stable as soon as it is assembled. The bed has a heavy frame, and the joints fit together close to prevent creaking or squeaking. The sprung slats flex slightly but produce no audible noise or creaks, even with movement. The headboard has a generous padding and is comfortable to sit upright in bed without losing support. The hydraulic arms on the ottoman are high quality and move quietly, without jolting or scraping metal on metal. As a result, the bed is whisper quiet, which further adds to the overall premium effect. It's a bed frame that feels engineered, not mass-produced.
Storage & Functionality
The ottoman lift is one of the best features of the Fernsbury. It takes full advantage of the bed's footprint, utilising the end-lift design for the maximum space possible. The gas lift system opens easily with very little effort, and when in the raised position, it stays firmly locked, leaving both hands free to organise the space below. The storage area is fully boarded, so anything kept inside remains clean and elevated off the floor. It's roomy enough to hold spare bedding, pillows or seasonal items like duvet covers. The lid closes with a smooth, quiet motion. If you're short on bedroom or loft storage, this is a genuinely useful and attractive bed frame.
Comfort & Compatibility
The sprung slatted base works well with most mattress types and offers excellent support. It also adds a degree of extra comfort, complementing hybrid and memory foam mattresses particularly well. Firmer or orthopaedic mattresses will still benefit from the support but without the slatted base making the bed feel overly rigid. The headboard is nicely padded, providing a comfortable spot for sitting up to read or watch TV, and the bed height is practical, making it easy to get into and out of bed. The Fernsbury offers the perfect balance between firm and soft, depending on the type of mattress you choose.
Everyday Use
The Fernsbury performs impressively in day-to-day life. The velvet upholstery repels light marks and needs only occasional vacuuming to keep looking its best. The ottoman lift works as well as day one, and the bed frame retains its stability. The scroll headboard and footend are both comfortable and supportive, ideal for those who like to sit up in bed. The overall build quality and construction give the impression that this bed will age well, retaining its structure and sophistication for years to come. It's a design that successfully blends style with practicality.
Who This Bed Frame Suits
The Fernsbury is perfect for anyone who wants their bedroom to feel elegant and sophisticated. It works particularly well with classic or transitional interiors, with the scroll headboard and footend adding interest and personality without feeling fussy or dated. It's also an excellent choice for couples thanks to its stability and noise reduction, and those who want hidden storage without compromising on style. If you're looking for a bed frame that feels luxurious but is versatile enough to fit most décor styles, the Fernsbury ticks all the boxes.
Who It Doesn't Suit
If your décor is ultra-minimal or modern industrial, the Fernsbury scroll design may not suit your style. Its velvet upholstery is beautiful but requires more maintenance than linen or chenille options, so it may not be ideal for households with pets or children. The bed is also heavy, so if you intend to move furniture around regularly, this may not be the best option. Finally, some may prefer the firm support of a boarded base; the sprung slats may be too flexible to their liking.
Care & Maintenance
Vacuum the velvet upholstery regularly with a soft brush attachment to lift dust and fluff the pile. Avoid using water-based cleaning products, opt for a specialist fabric spray or mild upholstery cleaner if necessary. Keep the ottoman pistons free from dust, and never force them closed. For optimal results, gently lift and lower the ottoman in one smooth motion to avoid straining the gas lifts. As always, rotate your mattress regularly to prevent uneven wear on the slats. With basic maintenance, the Fernsbury should remain elegant and functional for many years.
Verdict
The Fernsbury Ottoman Bed Frame is a design with timeless appeal and modern practicality. The scroll headboard and footend give a sense of luxury and glamour, while the ottoman storage and sprung slats add day-to-day usability. The result is a bed frame that looks indulgent but works hard, with storage, comfort and visual impact in one beautifully designed package. It's sturdy, silent and impressively well-built, with craftsmanship you expect from a far more expensive piece.
If you're in the market for a velvet ottoman bed that performs as well as it looks, the Fernsbury is a strong contender. It's one of those rare designs that feels glamorous, comfortable and genuinely practical, a standout option for modern bedrooms with a taste for classic elegance.
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