How to Assemble Ottoman Beds Without the Stress

An ottoman bed can transform an overcrowded bedroom, giving you a generous storage space beneath the mattress without taking up extra floor area. Knowing how to assemble ottoman beds properly matters, though: the lifting mechanism needs to be level, secure and correctly matched to the mattress before you start loading it with bedding, clothes or seasonal items.

Most ottoman beds are straightforward to build at home, particularly with two adults, a clear floor and a little patience. The exact fittings vary between designs - side-opening and end-opening models use different lifting arrangements - so always keep the manufacturer’s instructions beside you and follow their specified order where it differs from the guidance below.

Before you assemble an ottoman bed

The best time to spot a missing fitting or incorrect component is before the bed is half-built. Bring every box into the bedroom first, rather than assembling the frame elsewhere and trying to manoeuvre it through a doorway afterwards. Upholstered headboards and long side rails can be awkward to turn in a tight landing or around a stairwell.

Open the packaging carefully and lay the pieces on a clean rug, blanket or cardboard. This protects fabric upholstery, prevents scratching on hard flooring and makes it easier to identify each part. You should normally have a headboard, footboard, side rails, a central support bar, slats or a solid platform, lifting frame sections, gas struts, fixing packs and feet where applicable.

Check the size before beginning. A double, king size and super king ottoman bed may look similar in the box, but the rails, lifting frame and mattress weight requirements are not interchangeable. If a component does not appear to fit, pause rather than forcing it. It is usually in the wrong orientation, intended for the other side, or designed to be fitted later in the process.

Have the supplied Allen key and spanner ready, plus a pair of scissors for packaging. A torch can be useful when locating holes under side rails. Avoid using an electric drill unless the instructions specifically call for one, as over-tightening bolts can damage threads, fittings or upholstered panels.

How to assemble ottoman beds step by step

1. Position the headboard and connect the side rails

Start with the headboard upright against a wall if possible, with enough room around it to work safely. Attach each side rail to the headboard using the correct bolts and washers. On many upholstered ottoman beds, the fixing points are concealed behind fabric flaps or inside the rail ends.

Thread each bolt in by hand before tightening anything fully. This small step gives you room to adjust the frame if holes are slightly out of line. Once both rails are attached, fit the footboard in the same way to create the outer bed frame.

At this stage, tighten the bolts only until the frame holds its shape. Fully tightening one corner before the rest are connected can pull the structure out of square and make the lift mechanism harder to align.

2. Fit the centre support and feet

Most double and larger ottoman beds use a centre support bar for strength and stability. Fit this between the headboard and footboard, following the orientation shown in your instructions. If it has adjustable feet, turn them until they just meet the floor.

The support foot should take light contact with the floor rather than lifting the frame. Once the bed is in its final position, check again that it is stable and not rocking. An uneven floor can often be corrected by adjusting the centre foot, but do not pack loose items underneath it as a permanent fix.

Fit any corner feet next. It is much easier to do this before the lifting frame and mattress are in place. With all structural parts connected, stand back and check that the headboard, rails and footboard form an even rectangle.

3. Build and align the lifting frame

The metal lifting frame is the part that opens to reveal the storage compartment, so careful alignment is more valuable than rushing this stage. Assemble the frame sections on the floor, matching left and right pieces exactly as shown in the fitting guide. Some models arrive with the frame largely pre-assembled, while others need the crossbars bolting into place.

For an end-opening ottoman, the lift point is usually at the foot end, allowing the mattress platform to rise from the front. A side-opening model lifts from either the left or right side, which should have been chosen when ordering. Make sure the mechanism sits on the intended side before securing it.

Place the assembled frame within the bed base and line up the hinge brackets with the pre-drilled fixing points. Fit every bolt loosely first. Once both sides are attached and the frame sits centrally, tighten the fixings evenly. The gaps around the frame should look consistent; if one side catches the upholstered rail, loosen the bolts, realign it and try again.

4. Attach the gas struts with care

Gas struts provide the assisted lift that makes an ottoman bed practical to use. They are powerful components and should only be fitted as directed. Keep fingers clear of the hinge area and do not allow children or pets near the bed during this part of the build.

Usually, each strut clips or bolts between the lift mechanism and the bed frame. The instructions will show the correct top and bottom orientation. Fit both struts before attempting to lift the platform. Never try to compress, puncture or dismantle a gas strut.

It is normal for the mechanism to feel stiff before the mattress is fitted. The struts are selected to support a particular mattress weight, so an empty frame may try to rise or may need firm control. This does not automatically mean there is a fault.

5. Fit the platform, slats and mattress

Depending on the design, the ottoman bed may have a solid board platform or sprung slats fitted into the lift frame. Secure these according to the instructions and check that no slat holder is twisted or sitting outside its locating hole. A loose slat can create noise and reduce support over time.

Before fitting the mattress, go around the frame and fully tighten the structural bolts you left slightly loose earlier. Do not overtighten. You want the fittings secure, not strained.

Place the mattress centrally on the platform, ideally with two people. A mattress that is too light may not keep the frame down smoothly, while one that is much heavier than the stated limit can make opening difficult and put unnecessary pressure on the mechanism. If you are choosing a mattress separately, confirm its recommended weight against the bed specification.

Test the mechanism before using the storage

With the mattress in place, lift the bed slowly from the designated handle or strap. Hold it as it rises and listen for rubbing, scraping or clicking. The frame should lift evenly and remain open securely once fully raised.

Lower it gently, keeping hands away from the closing points around the rails and hinges. A correctly assembled ottoman bed should close neatly without forcing it down or pushing one corner into place. If it is misaligned, do not keep using it in the hope that it will settle. Recheck the frame brackets, centre support, bolts and strut fittings first.

It is worth testing the operation a few times before filling the storage area. Keep stored items below the level of the base edge, particularly bulky duvets, boxes or suitcases. Overfilling can obstruct the mechanism and stop the bed closing properly.

Common ottoman bed assembly problems

If the frame will not line up with the fixing holes, the most common cause is tightening the outer bed frame too early. Loosen the relevant bolts slightly, square the frame and then refit the lifting section. If the lift appears uneven, check that the left and right mechanisms are attached at matching positions and that the bed is level on the floor.

A bed that is difficult to lift often has the wrong mattress weight for its gas struts, although a new mechanism can also feel firmer at first. If the bed flies open without much control, the mattress may be too light. Do not add random weights beneath the mattress or attempt a DIY repair to the struts. Ask the retailer or manufacturer for advice on the suitable mechanism.

Squeaking is usually simpler to resolve. Check all bolts after the first week or two of use, as fittings can settle once the bed has taken weight. Tighten loose fittings carefully and make sure the centre support foot remains in contact with the floor.

A well-built ottoman bed should feel every bit as solid as a conventional bed frame, with the added benefit of useful hidden storage. Take your time with the lifting mechanism, use the correct mattress and keep the assembly instructions somewhere safe - a few careful checks now will make daily use feel reassuringly easy.