Why our sleep experts loved it
The Ideal Home Herrington Ottoman Bed Frame is a marriage of design details that are hard to resist. It has that plush, scroll-ended look that you expect from a statement bed. But it also manages to feel shockingly practical, with an ottoman storage base to match. I’ve had a few weeks with the Herrington now and can honestly say it offers style and substance in equal measure. Traditional curves meet everyday functionality in a design that is somehow effortlessly balanced.
Design & First Impressions
The Herrington exudes a certain air of luxury from the start. The scrolled headboard and matching footend have a quiet grandeur, while the upholstery choices of soft velvet or smooth faux leather add personality. The beige and grey velvet give it a warmer, contemporary vibe. In contrast, the dark brown faux leather version is more classic, with a tailored feel. The dark oak effect feet are the same on all three, and ground the bed nicely, adding to a high quality overall look. From the scroll shape to the headboard height, this is a bed frame that looks expensive without feeling overdesigned.
Assembly Experience
The assembly process is relatively straightforward. The bed arrives in well protected sections, with clearly labelled parts. Two people can comfortably build it in under two hours. The hydraulic system for the ottoman lift is pre assembled but does require a little care to fit correctly, as this affects smoothness. Once secured, the lift is steady, well balanced, and easy to raise, requiring very little effort. The panels line up well and the upholstery is tight on each surface, so the finished bed looks tidy and professional. It’s one of those pieces that’s satisfying to assemble when it all slots into place.
Build Quality & Materials
The Herrington is solid and feels premium when assembled. The frame itself is well supported, with a fully boarded mattress base, so there is no risk of sagging over time. The upholstery is well made, with a dense foam backing which holds its shape. The velvet versions have a subtle sheen that changes with the light, while the faux leather is tougher and wipes clean easily. The stitching is even and neat, with no loose threads or uneven seams. The oak effect feet are solid and help to stabilise the frame on both carpet and hard floors. Overall, there’s a strong sense of confidence in the craftsmanship, and the weight of the frame gives it a reassuring solidity.
Comfort & Stability
Once the mattress is on, the Herrington feels very supportive. The boarded base creates a firm, even surface, which not only enhances mattress comfort, but makes the whole bed feel more stable. There is no creaking or shifting, even with movement on the bed, and the scrolls on either end make it feel like you’re being cosseted in a secure way. The headboard padding is thick and supportive, making it easy to sit up in bed to read or work on a laptop. Despite the traditional styling, this is not a bed frame that feels old fashioned to live with. Instead it feels balanced and functional, with a touch of indulgence thrown in.
Storage Functionality
The ottoman lift is surprisingly smooth, quiet, and better than I expected at this price. The end lift design opens up access to the whole base area, which is deep enough to store duvets, pillows or seasonal bedding. The gas lift mechanism feels strong and secure, and holds the platform safely in the up position. It’s well thought out for practical use, and because the base is fully boarded, stored items remain clean and dust free. There is a good sense of practical usability with this design, as the mechanism doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. It’s easy enough to lift even with a deep mattress on top, so it’s a genuinely helpful feature that makes this bed much more functional than its luxurious looks would suggest.
Everyday Use
After a few weeks in use, the Herrington has proven to be both comfortable and dependable. The frame is still silent and the storage lift operates smoothly, while the upholstery remains plump, with no signs of sagging. The velvet finish has required only a light brush to keep looking fresh, while the faux leather version wipes clean easily. The fully boarded base also gives a sense of solidity when lying down, and the curve of the headboard makes it comfortable to rest against. The bed feels grand in the room but not overly large, and the dark oak feet add a natural, grounded element to the overall look. It’s a well-considered piece of furniture that feels built to last, rather than simply to look good for a few months.
Who It Suits
The Herrington is perfect for anyone wanting a statement bed with useful features. It’s best in medium to large bedrooms where there’s room for the scrolled design to stand out. The ottoman storage is great for those who like to keep their rooms clutter free but don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics. The velvet options are great for softer, lighter interiors, while the faux leather suits more traditional or masculine spaces. It’s a strong choice for couples or anyone who values comfort and visual appeal in equal measure.
Who It Doesn’t Suit
This bed isn’t for everyone. If you prefer a minimalist frame or a very low profile design, the Herrington won’t suit you. The scroll detailing and headboard height make it a definite focal point, so it may feel too grand in smaller rooms. It’s also on the heavier side, due to the boarded base and ottoman mechanism. So, if you move your furniture around a lot, it may not be the best option. Beyond that, it’s hard to fault given what it offers at this price point.
Verdict
The Ideal Home Herrington Ottoman Bed Frame with Footend is a rare and welcome example of a bed that offers both luxurious looks and useful features. The scrolled headboard and footend give the bed presence and character, while the ottoman storage adds real function to that elegant look. It’s stable, easy to lift and beautifully upholstered. The collaboration between Ideal Home and Bensons for Beds is clearly at work here, design focus married to practical engineering. For anyone wanting a bed that is both classic and current, the Herrington is an excellent choice that performs as well as it looks.
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