Why our sleep experts loved it
I tested the Sleep Story Horizon Ottoman Bed Frame in store, in a couple of the velour fabrics, and had some lukewarm reactions. It is sleek and modern, with a well-padded, horizontally caned headboard and a generously proportioned end-opening ottoman base, but the execution feels a notch simpler than the price might suggest. That said, the colour palette is expansive, the storage capacity is generous, and it is made in the UK by Highgrove, exclusively for Furniture Village.
Design & build The design is deliberately pared back. The headboard is pleasingly padded with neat horizontal gores, and the frame perches on little wood feet. The upholstery choices are very extensive, which helps with pairing to most schemes, from laid-back neutrals to jewel-tone velvets. In the showroom, the fabric was tidy around corners and seams, with crisp stitching and a smooth face. Furniture Village positions this as a value-led, modern ottoman with a wooden slatted mattress platform, available in small double, double, king and super king.
Assembly & setup Furniture Village offers delivery to room of choice, with assembly if applicable, and the usual care guidance for upholstered beds. If you are planning to self-assemble, allow a standard routine for an ottoman frame, which usually involves bolting side rails, squaring the lift-up platform and aligning gas struts. As with any ottoman, keep hands clear of the mechanism during setup and use, and brush pile fabrics in the direction of the nap if you go for velvet.
Comfort & practicality In the shop the headboard felt genuinely comfy to lean against for reading or scrolling, thanks to its deep foam and wide panel design. The base uses sprung wooden slats, so mattress feel will be a touch livelier than a solid deck, which is usually a plus for breathability and for hybrid or pocket sprung mattresses. There is no central tufting or buttons to push up against, so it is gentler on shoulders during a longer read.
Storage The underbed space is very ample for spare bedding and seasonal storage, and the end-opening design is handy in narrower rooms. My concern is the lift system. The hardware looked on the light side in store and felt a touch abrupt towards the top of travel. I would be cautious with the very heaviest, extra-deep mattresses, where sturdier struts make day-to-day lifting easier. The platform closed securely and sat square once down, but it did not feel quite as refined as the best ottomans at this price.
Everyday use Day to day this is an easy bed to live with. The silhouette is simple, nothing fussy to dust, and the upholstery is available in fabrics that will hide lint and day-to-day marks reasonably well. Furniture Village’s care notes are clear, including immediate attention to spills and regular vacuuming with a soft brush. If your bedroom has strong sunlight, avoid leaving a velvet option in the same orientation for months to minimise shading.
Value for money At a Special Buy of around £849 for a double at the time of writing, this is in a competitive part of the market for upholstered ottomans. The specification reads well on paper, with UK manufacture, ample storage and a broad colour palette, but the lift hardware and overall feel are one notch down on what I would expect at this price. If you can snag a discount, it becomes considerably easier to recommend.
Who it suits You want a clean, versatile look. The pared-back headboard and broad fabric palette mean it is easy to fit into most rooms, from minimal to hotel-inspired.
You need maximum storage without bulky furniture. The full-base ottoman cavity is properly useful for duvets, pillows and out-of-season clothes.
You prefer a cushioned headboard for sitting up. The padding is generous and comfortable against the back.
Who it does not suit You have a very heavy or tall mattress. Based on my in-store testing, the gas lifts felt a little light, so owners of extra-deep or very heavy hybrid mattresses may want to steer towards a bed with heavier-duty struts or an electric-assist ottoman.
You want standout detailing for the money. The design is neat but basic. If you want premium touches like metal feet, deeper side rails or heavier mechanisms, there are rivals that feel more upscale at a similar spend.
Final verdict The Sleep Story Horizon Ottoman Bed Frame is a neat, comfortable, storage-rich option that will blend into most bedrooms and free up a lot of space. I like the supportive, padded headboard and the breadth of colours, and the UK build is a plus. However, the overall feel and lift hardware are a fraction beneath what I expect at this price, and it did not quite stand out in a crowded field. If you are drawn to the look and can secure a good offer, it is a solid pick. Otherwise, I would cross-shop alternatives with stronger mechanisms before committing.
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