Why our sleep experts loved it
The Penelope Upholstered Sleigh Bed Frame from Bensons for Beds is an outstanding example of how a bed can combine traditional and modern design to look and feel like a much higher price point than is realistic. The velvet finish, classic sleigh silhouette and solid frame means that it will be the centrepiece of any room, instantly elevating the space with ease. It is slightly on the bulky side but doesn't feel too overbearing in our opinion.
Design & First Impressions
The Penelope is the epitome of classic sophistication. From the first impression, the deep buttoned upholstery, scrolled sleigh silhouette and choice of premium velvet fabrics in Pewter, Navy or Cream all give it a look and feel that is soft yet opulent. The velvet fabric is thick and plush, with just the right level of sheen to reflect the light without being garish. It instantly transforms a bedroom, adding a boutique hotel feel to either a modern apartment or a more traditional home.
Walnut-effect wooden feet on each corner pair well with the velvet upholstery, grounding the design with a touch of warmth and organic texture to contrast the cooler, luxe tones of the main upholstery. From the buttoning to the roll of the headboard, the workmanship is consistent throughout all components. And once built and positioned, there is a comforting solidity to the frame and mattress base, making it feel like a bed that will last the test of time as well as look the part.
Construction & Materials
The Penelope can be bought as either a standard bed frame or ottoman storage style. The standard version focuses on just being a simple and elegant bed frame, while the ottoman option has a practical function that allows you to hoist the mattress base on the bed frame and create a hidden storage space below the bed. The ottoman lift mechanism can be fitted to either the left or right side, meaning that you can decide which way you'd prefer to access the hidden storage without having to buy a specific left or right-handed version. It is not the easiest bed frame to assemble but once in place it is fairly stable. It's on the heavier side, meaning moving it will be a two-person job, and the lack of angled connectors can make the curve of the panels a little fiddly. The slatted base uses sprung slats to hold the mattress in place which again is a thoughtful touch. The use of sprung slats are more flexible than solid bases, moving with the mattress instead of against it, which helps with airflow, support and longevity of the mattress.
Style & Aesthetic
The Penelope walks the fine line between traditional and modern. The scrolled headboard and footboard creates the classic sleigh silhouette, while the sleek button tufting and simple curves give the bed a modern edge that looks more elegant than fussy. The velvet fabric upholstery brings the added benefit of warmth and texture to the bed frame, giving it a rich, tactile luxury that feels indulgent without being ostentatious.
The colour of velvet you choose will come down to the style and tone of your own bedroom. The Pewter Velvet is timeless, grey and works in any interior, while the Navy Velvet is the bolder, more luxurious shade. Cream Velvet is the softest and lightest and would look great in a bright or neutral bedroom. No matter what the finish, it elevates the bed slightly differently, but all of them have that high-end look that belies the mid-range pricing.
Practicality & Everyday Use
Beautiful as the Penelope is, it is not a petite bed. The sleigh silhouette naturally extends the footprint of the bed frame, and so it might not be the best choice for a small bedroom. However, if you have the space, that extra bulk gives it gravitas - it feels substantial rather than too big. The ottoman option adds functional practicality as there is a lot of space for bedding, towels or off-season clothing. The lifting mechanism is smooth once built, although a little bit of strength is required to use on a regular basis.
Day-to-day, the bed is robust and comfortable. The sprung slatted base pairs well with a wide range of mattresses, and the velvet upholstery is easy to maintain, a quick brush with a cloth or a vacuum from time to time is enough to keep it looking pristine. Assembly is required, and although the instructions are clear, the weight and overall size makes it a two-person job rather than a solo mission. The frame feels solid and dependable once built and without any unwanted movement or creaking. It's what you'd expect from a statement bed.
Who It Suits
The Penelope is the perfect bed for anyone who loves a luxurious looking bed but who isn't keen to pay luxury prices. It is ideal for those looking to create a sophisticated, hotel-style bedroom where style and comfort are both high priorities. The ottoman version will suit those who are limited on storage space, while the standard frame is perfect for those who prefer a simpler, more straightforward set up. The Penelope is ideal for a master bedroom or a guest room where aesthetics are as important as practicality.
Who It Doesn't Suit
If you have a small bedroom, the Penelope will likely overwhelm the room. The height of the headboard, the rolled footend and the thick velvet upholstery make it larger in visual and physical impact compared to other bed frames. Minimalists might also find it too plush in its design. Assembly is simple but as noted, the weight and scale of the bed means it is not one-person build job.
Verdict
The Penelope Upholstered Sleigh Bed Frame is the best example of affordable luxury. Combining elegant design, solid build quality and premium materials in a way that is genuinely impressive at this price. The velvet upholstery and walnut-effect legs give it that designer look that transforms any bedroom into a space with ease, while the option to have hidden storage underneath the bed base adds that practicality that you don't want to compromise on either. Yes, it is a little bulky and heavy. However, that is part of its character, after all, it is a sleigh bed. It is a bed that is designed to be on show, not tucked away in the corner. Overall, the Penelope gives superb value, style, sophistication and comfort in equal measure, and so is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a touch of grandeur without the grand expense.
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