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, closely 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 improving 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 has 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 utilises 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
Owners are largely happy with the Gilpin, and the look is what they mention most: one wrote that it "gives our bedroom a really luxury boutique hotel feel". Several also find it comfortable, and the owner who mentioned the hotel feel also liked having "lots of storage underneath". The headboard lighting goes down well ("You can adjust the light to your preference"), though for one owner "the led stopped working after a week", which is exactly the worry we had about it.
Assembly gets good reports. Owners who put it together themselves found it easy, one writing that it "was easy to assemble between me and my husband. Instructions clear." The sharpest complaint comes from an owner whose bed "arrived with marks on it"; several sets of parts later it still was not right, and in the end they "sent it all back".
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 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 and in-store testing, 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.
