Common Ottoman Assembly Problems & How to Fix Them

Having trouble with your ottoman bed after assembly? Whether it won't lift, won't close, feels difficult to operate or won't stay open, many problems can be traced back to the assembly, alignment, mattress weight or lifting mechanism.

This guide explains some of the most common ottoman bed problems and what to check to see if you can fix it yourself or need to contact the manufacturer.

Table of Contents

1. Why Won't My Ottoman Bed Lift?

2. Why Won't My Ottoman Bed Stay Open?

3. Why Won't My Ottoman Bed Close?

4. Why Is My Ottoman Bed Lifting Unevenly?

5. How to Build an Ottoman Bed

6. Regular Ottoman Bed Maintenance Tips

Why Won't My Ottoman Bed Lift?

If the ottoman is difficult to lift or will not lift at all, check the following:

• The mattress is not fitted yet. Some ottoman mechanisms are designed to work with the weight of the mattress. Without the mattress, the lifting mechanism may not behave as expected.
• The mattress is too light. Gas-lift mechanisms are designed to balance against a particular mattress weight. If your mattress is below the minimum weight specified for your mechanism, usually at least 30kg, the bed may be difficult to operate or may not remain open.
• The gas struts are incorrectly fitted. Check both ends of each gas strut against the assembly instructions. Do not assume that a strut can be fitted in either direction.
• The lifting frame is not correctly aligned. If the frame is sitting unevenly or the hinges are not aligned, the mechanism can bind and prevent the bed from lifting smoothly.
• Something is obstructing the mechanism. Check around the hinges, frame and underneath the lifting platform for trapped packaging, bedding or other objects.
• Fixings are too tight or incorrectly positioned. Check that the relevant bolts and fixings are installed in the correct holes and have been tightened according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If the mechanism still will not lift, do not force it or attempt to manually compress the gas struts. Check the mechanism against the supplied instructions or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Why Won't My Ottoman Bed Stay Open?

An ottoman bed should remain open if the lifting mechanism, bed frame and mattress are correctly matched. If the bed closes unexpectedly, keep clear of the moving parts and do not continue using it until you have identified the problem.

Check:

1. That the gas struts are fitted to the correct mounting points.
2. That both sides of the lifting mechanism are correctly aligned.
3. That the mattress is within the specified weight range.
4. That the lifting platform is sitting squarely within the frame.
5. That nothing is interfering with the hinges or mechanism.

Why Won't My Ottoman Bed Close?

If the bed lifts correctly but will not close, first check the storage area and look for any of the following:

• Bedding or other items protruding above the storage area.
• Items caught between the lifting platform and the frame.
• A mattress that is not sitting squarely on the platform.
• Misaligned hinges or frame components.
• Any part of the mechanism that might be making contact with the frame.

Avoid forcing the mattress or lifting platform down. Remove any obstruction and check the assembly before trying again.

Why Is My Ottoman Bed Lifting Unevenly?

The lifting platform should lift both sides of the bed evenly. If one side rises faster or higher than the other, check that the gas struts and hinges are fitted correctly on both sides and that there is no obstruction that may be blocking them on one side.

Stop using the bed if it seems like the gas strut on one side is broken and contact the manufacturer to arrange a replacement.

How to Build an Ottoman Bed

If you need further assistance in assembling your Ottoman Bed, including step by step instructions, please refer to our Ottoman Bed Assembly Guide.

Regular Ottoman Bed Maintenance Tips

Even if there are no issues with the assembly, regularly checking your ottoman every few months can help keep the lifting mechanism operating smoothly and allow you to spot potential problems before they become more serious.

Check The Fixings

Periodically check the accessible bolts, screws and other fixings to make sure they remain secure. Don't overtighten fixings, as excessive force can damage the frame, threads or components.

Check Storage

When using the storage area, make sure its contents remain below the level required for the lifting platform to close safely. Don't allow bedding, clothing, storage items or other objects to become trapped around the hinges and lifting mechanism.

Avoid storing heavy or bulky items where they could interfere with the hinges, gas struts or lifting arms.

Keep The Moving Parts Clean

Dust and debris can accumulate around the hinges and other moving components. Keep these areas clean and free from loose debris using a soft, dry cloth or according to the cleaning instructions supplied with your bed.

Don't apply oil, grease or other lubricant to the lifting mechanism unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically recommend it. Some mechanisms are designed to operate without additional lubrication, and the wrong product can attract dust or affect components.

Listen For Changes

Pay attention to changes in the way your ottoman bed sounds or operates. If you notice the lifting mechanism squeaking or clicking, or it feels harder to open and close, it can indicate that something needs checking.

A change in operation doesn't necessarily mean that a component has failed, but it's worth investigating rather than ignoring it.

If anything looks damaged or the lifting mechanism starts behaving differently, stop using the bed and contact the manufacturer or retailer for advice.

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