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How to Lift Up an Ottoman Bed (and How the Gas Lifts Work)
Key takeaways
- To open an ottoman bed, pull the handle or strap at the foot end (or side) and let the gas struts lift the base.
- Always lower the base slowly with a hand on the handle and keep fingers clear of the frame edges.
- The mattress must be on the base before you lift it, as the gas struts are set up to carry that weight.
- A stiff first lift is normal, but a base that won't stay up usually points to overloading or loose fixings.
- Load heavy items low and evenly, and use the storage for bedding, clothes and seasonal items.
To lift up an ottoman bed, stand at the foot end, grip the handle or strap and pull the base upwards until the gas struts take over and hold it open. To close it, keep hold of the handle and guide the base down slowly until it clicks into place. Keep your fingers clear of the frame.
If you’re learning how to lift up an ottoman bed for the first time, or you’re not sure it will be easy to use before you buy, this guide walks you through it. You’ll see how the mechanism works, how to open and close it safely, and what to check if it feels heavy.
What is an ottoman storage bed and how does it work?
An ottoman storage bed has a base that hinges open to reveal one large storage space underneath the mattress. Instead of drawers that slide out, the whole base lifts up to give you a space the full size of the mattress. It’s a popular choice if you’re short on floor space and want bedding, spare clothes or seasonal items stored out of sight.
So how do ottoman beds work? Most use gas struts (also called gas springs or gas lifts) fitted on either side of the frame. A gas strut is a sealed cylinder containing a piston, a rod, pressurised nitrogen gas and oil. As you lift, the pressurised gas helps push the piston out, which takes most of the weight of the base and mattress for you.
You’ll sometimes see these called "hydraulic" lifts. That’s a common loose description, but the lifting help actually comes from gas springs rather than a true hydraulic system.
The struts also act as dampers on the way down. They let the base close slowly and softly instead of dropping freely, which is part of what makes the bed safe to use day to day.
End-lift or side-lift: which opens how?
The two common designs open in slightly different ways. Check which one you have before you try to lift it.
| Type | Where it hinges | Where you lift from | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-lift | At the headboard end | The foot of the bed | The most common type, with one uninterrupted storage space |
| Side-lift | Along one long edge | The side of the bed | Needs clear floor space along that side |
Electric ottoman beds do exist, but they are a separate product type. The standard design, and the one in this guide, is the gas-lift base. You can see the styles available in our Ottoman Beds range.
How to lift up an ottoman bed: step by step
Lifting the base takes a few seconds once you’ve done it once. For a more detailed look at the process, the step-by-step guide to using a gas lift ottoman covers the same basics.
- Check the mattress is in place. The mattress must be on the base before you lift it. The struts are set up to carry that weight.
- Clear the area. Move shoes, bags and pets away from the foot end (or the side, for a side-lift bed). Make sure there is room for the base to swing up.
- Strip back loose bedding. Tuck in the duvet or fold it over the headboard end so it doesn’t snag on the frame.
- Stand at the foot end. For an end-lift bed, stand centrally. For a side-lift bed, stand at the side with the handle.
- Grip the handle or strap firmly. Use both hands if there are two handles, or one hand on the strap and one on the frame edge.
- Pull upwards in one smooth movement. The first part takes a little effort. Once the base is a short way up, the gas struts take over and carry it the rest of the way.
- Let it settle. The base should stay open on its own. Wait for it to stop moving before you reach in.
Is it normal for a new ottoman bed to feel stiff?
Yes. New gas struts can feel stiffer than normal at first, and the first movement often takes more force than you expect. That’s by design: the resistance is what stops the base falling shut. It usually eases with use, although it will always take some effort to start the lift.
It’s worth knowing that the lift is designed for adult strength. A young child shouldn’t try to open it, and children shouldn’t play around the bed while the base is up.
How do you close an ottoman bed safely?
Closing the base is where most trapped fingers happen, so slow down here. The struts do much of the work, but you should stay in control throughout.
- Check inside first. Make sure nothing is sticking out over the edge of the storage space, including clothing, bag straps and bedding.
- Keep hold of the handle or strap. Don’t let go and let it fall.
- Pull the base towards you, then guide it down. Apply a steady, controlled pressure on the way down. The struts will slow the movement.
- Keep fingers on the outer edge only. Hold the handle or the top surface of the base, never the gap between the base and the frame.
- Press down gently at the end. Push the base until it clicks or sits flat against the frame.
A good habit is to check that nobody is leaning over the frame before you close it. The real risk with any lift-up base is it coming down on someone’s hands or head, so treat it with the same care as a car boot.
What if my ottoman bed feels heavy or won’t stay up?
A base that’s hard to lift or drifts back down is usually down to weight, loading or fixings. Work through the most common causes below.
| Problem | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Feels very heavy to lift | Heavy mattress or overloaded storage | Weigh up the mattress type and remove heavy items from the base |
| Won’t stay up | Struts struggling with the load | Check the mattress weight and what’s stored inside |
| Lifts unevenly or twists | Loose fixings or a bracket out of place | Check the screws and brackets at both struts and tighten with the right Allen key |
| Closes too fast | Strut losing pressure or base overloaded | Reduce the load, then contact support if it persists |
| Stiff when new | New struts bedding in | Keep using it; the movement should ease slightly |
Does mattress weight matter?
It does. Industry guidance suggests a mattress alone can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80kg, and the struts have to lift that every time you open the bed. A thicker memory foam or heavy hybrid mattress asks more of the struts than a lighter one. You can read more about how ottoman beds work and what to look for if you’d like the technical side.
If you’re choosing a new mattress for an ottoman bed, it’s sensible to stay close to the weight the bed was designed to carry. Our Ottoman Beds buying guide covers sizing and mattress choice in more depth.
When to stop and ask for help
If the base drops suddenly, the struts look damaged or leak oil, or fixings keep working loose, stop using the lift. Don’t prop the base open with your head or arm underneath it. Our UK-based support team can help by phone or email, and it’s best to ask before you try to fix anything yourself.
How should you load and organise the storage space?
The storage space under an ottoman base is big, so it’s easy to overfill it. A bit of planning makes it easier to use and gentler on the struts.
- Put heavy items low and near the middle. Keep the weight evenly spread rather than piled at one end.
- Use the space for soft items. Spare bedding, duvets, pillows, out-of-season coats and jumpers all suit it well.
- Use vacuum bags for bulky textiles. They squash winter bedding flat and free up room.
- Group items in boxes or fabric crates. You can lift out one crate at a time rather than digging through loose items.
- Keep sharp or fragile items out. Anything that can snag, spill or break is better stored elsewhere.
- Leave some space around the edges. Stray items can get caught when you close the base.
For ideas on what suits each bed size, see our guide to what fits in an ottoman bed.
How do you look after an ottoman bed base?
Ottoman beds need very little upkeep. A few simple habits keep the lift working smoothly.
- Open it regularly. It stops items from becoming forgotten, and it lets you spot any problems early.
- Air the storage space now and then. Leave the base up for a short while so the space stays fresh. Make sure items are clean and dry before you store them.
- Check the fixings now and then. Every few months, look at the screws and brackets around the struts and tighten anything loose.
- Wipe the inside. A dry or lightly damp cloth removes dust. Let it dry fully before you close the base.
- Don’t sit on the raised base. It isn’t designed to take weight while it’s open.
- Leave a gap around the bed. Stylo-style advice of around 60cm of walkway makes it much easier to open the base and move around the room.
If you’re still deciding between storage styles, our comparison of ottoman beds, divans and drawer beds explains the trade-offs, and our Beds With Storage collection shows the other options.
Is an ottoman bed easy to live with?
For most people, yes. Once you know where to grip and how to guide the base, it takes a few seconds, and you get a large storage space without adding any extra furniture. The main trade-offs are that you need clear floor space at the foot or side, and you’ll want to keep the load sensible.
If you have questions before ordering, such as which size suits your room or how the lift works on a particular bed, you can contact our UK-based support team by phone or email. Browse the full Furnmart range of Beds, Mattresses, Sofas and Furniture, with delivery across UK Mainland and Multiple Payment Options.
Frequently asked questions
How do you open an ottoman bed?
Stand at the foot end (or the side on a side-lift bed), grip the handle or strap and pull upwards. After the first bit of effort, the gas struts take over and hold the base open. Make sure the mattress is on the base before you lift.
Are ottoman beds hard to lift?
Most are not once the gas struts take over, although the first part of the lift takes some effort and a new bed can feel stiffer. A heavier mattress or a full storage space will make it feel heavier. If it feels very hard to lift, check the load and the fixings.
Why won't my ottoman bed stay up?
The usual causes are a heavy mattress, an overloaded storage space or loose fixings around the struts. Remove heavy items, check the brackets and screws, and try again. If the base still drifts down, stop using the lift and contact support.
Can an ottoman bed fall on you?
The gas struts are designed to hold the base open and let it close slowly. The risk comes from letting go of the base or from a worn or overloaded lift. Always hold the handle while lowering, keep fingers clear and keep children away from the bed while it’s open.
Are gas lifts on ottoman beds hydraulic?
They are often called hydraulic, but the lifting help comes from gas springs. These are sealed cylinders containing a piston, pressurised nitrogen gas and oil. The gas does the lifting and the strut also slows the base on the way down.
Can children open an ottoman bed?
The lift is designed for adult strength, so a young child shouldn’t be able to open it alone. Even so, you should keep children away from the frame while the base is raised and make sure it’s fully closed afterwards.
