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How to Put an Ottoman Bed Together: Step-by-Step Guide
Key takeaways
- Most ottoman beds can be built at home with basic tools and a second pair of hands, because the base and lid are heavy.
- Check every part against the instruction sheet before you start, and build on a clear floor.
- Fit and test the gas lift or hinges before the mattress goes on, and keep hands clear of the lid edge.
- Most common mistakes come from skipping the parts check, over-tightening early, or fitting the base the wrong way round.
- Always follow the instruction sheet supplied with your bed, as designs differ.
To put an ottoman bed together, check the parts against the instruction sheet, build the frame on a clear floor with a second person, attach the base and lift mechanism, fit the headboard if included, then test the lift before adding your mattress. Most people manage it in one session with basic tools.
If you’re about to order an ottoman bed and wondering whether you’ll cope with the build, this guide walks you through it. We cover the tools, the order of work, and the checks that stop small mistakes becoming big ones.
Is an ottoman bed hard to put together?
Not usually. An ottoman bed is a bed frame with a base that lifts to reveal storage underneath. Most models arrive flat-packed or in sections, with panels, fixings and a lift mechanism that you connect following a numbered sequence.
The hard part isn’t skill, it’s weight. The base and lid are heavy and awkward to handle alone, so plan on a second pair of hands. Build times vary with the size and design, so treat any quoted estimate as approximate and allow yourself a relaxed session rather than a rush.
Because the parcels are bulky, measure your doorways, hallway and stairs before ordering. If a section won’t turn a corner, you’ll want to know before it arrives, not after.
Before you start: what to check and what you’ll need
A few minutes of preparation saves a lot of frustration later. Work through this checklist first:
- Count the parcels. Check the number against your order confirmation.
- Inspect for damage. Look at panels, fabric or wood finishes and the lift mechanism before you build anything.
- Clear the room. You need space for the largest panel plus room to walk around it.
- Protect the floor. Lay the packaging flat or use a blanket so you don’t scratch panels or floorboards.
- Find a helper. Two people are needed for lifting and aligning the frame.
Tools vary by model, but most builds need only the basics:
| Tool | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Allen key (usually supplied) | Tightening bolts on frame and headboard |
| Screwdriver (Phillips or flat) | Fixing hinges, brackets and slats |
| Spanner | Nuts on some metal-fitted frames |
| Rubber mallet | Gently seating dowels without marking the finish |
| Scissors or a safe cutter | Opening packaging and transit straps |
If you’re unsure about anything, contact our UK-based customer support by phone or email before you start. It’s much easier to ask first.
How to put an ottoman bed together: the step-by-step method
The exact order differs between designs, so always keep your supplied sheet to hand. As a general guide, this is the sequence most ottoman beds follow.
Step 1: Lay out and identify the parts
Unpack everything and lay each component on the floor. Match each panel, bracket and bag of fixings to the parts list on your instruction sheet. Sort screws, bolts and dowels into labelled piles or small bowls.
If anything is missing or damaged, stop and contact customer support rather than improvising with substitute fixings. A wrong screw can split a panel or weaken a joint.
Also decide which way the bed will open. On some side-opening models the opening side is set during assembly, so it’s your only chance to choose left or right. Think about where your bedside tables and wardrobe doors sit.
Step 2: Build the frame and attach the base
Start with the main frame parts, usually the headboard end, footboard end and side rails. Loosely fit all bolts first and tighten only when everything is aligned. This leaves a little movement so holes can line up.
With a helper, lift the ottoman bed base into position and seat it on the frame. If you’ve chosen an ottoman bed frame wooden in finish, take extra care with the rubber mallet and keep the panels off hard surfaces to avoid scuffs.
Check that the base sits square. Measure diagonally from corner to corner; if both measurements match, the base is square. Then tighten everything fully.
Step 3: Fit the gas lift or hinges and check they work
This is the step that most guides rush, and it matters most. Gas lift mechanisms are the pistons that hold the base up smoothly. Hinges and brackets connect the lid to the frame.
- Attach the lift arms or struts to the brackets at the points shown on your sheet.
- Make sure each strut is fully seated and any pins, clips or bolts are secured.
- Keep your hands away from the pivot points when you test.
- Lift the base slowly with both hands and check it rises evenly and stays up.
- Lower it gently and check it closes flush with no gaps.
Be careful when you remove any fabric transit strap holding the lid shut. As Bed Innovation’s UK assembly guide warns, a lid can spring open unexpectedly at that point, so hold it firmly as you cut or release the strap.
If your bed is an ottoman bed with drawers rather than a lift-up base, the principle is the same, but you’ll be fitting runners and drawer fronts instead. Slide each drawer in and out a few times to check the action is smooth.
Step 4: Attach the headboard (if included)
Some beds include a headboard, others are sold separately. If yours has one, fit it once the frame is stable. Line up the bolt holes with the frame or wall-brackets, insert the bolts by hand, and tighten them gradually in turn.
Check there’s enough gap behind the bed for the lid to open fully without hitting the headboard or wall. It’s easy to overlook until you try to lift the base.
Step 5: Place the mattress and do the final checks
Once the frame feels solid, lift the mattress on with your helper. Choose a size that matches the frame. Our ottoman bed buying guide explains how to match sizes, and our range of Mattresses includes pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid options suited to a slatted or solid base.
Before you make the bed, run through these final checks:
- Open and close the base several times with the mattress on.
- Check the lift holds the weight of the mattress in the open position.
- Press along the frame and wiggle each corner to check for movement.
- Re-tighten all bolts, as fittings can settle after first use.
- Check nothing can trap fingers at the lid edge, especially with children around.
What are the most common mistakes, and how do you avoid them?
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Skipping the parts check | Count and match every part before you pick up a tool |
| Fully tightening bolts too early | Leave them loose until the frame is aligned and square |
| Building alone | Use a helper for lifting the base and fitting the lift |
| Fitting the base the wrong way round | Check the orientation marks or diagrams on your sheet |
| Not testing before the mattress goes on | Test the lift empty, then again with the mattress |
| Forgetting wall and bedside clearance | Leave room for the lid to rise fully |
Also avoid forcing parts that don’t fit. If a panel needs real pressure, a bolt is probably in the wrong hole or a part is upside down. Back up a step and check the diagram.
Why you should follow the supplied instruction sheet
This guide gives you the general method, but designs differ. The number of struts, the fixings, and the order of assembly can all change from one model to the next. Your supplied instruction sheet always takes priority over any general guide, including this one.
Keep the sheet and any labels or tags attached to the bed, as they’re useful if you ever need to ask about a part or move the bed later. For a wider look at how storage beds compare, see our guide to ottoman beds versus divans, or find out what fits in an ottoman bed once yours is built. For another reference on the build process, Happy Beds’ assembly guide covers a similar sequence.
Conclusion
Building an ottoman bed is very doable at home if you prepare, take it in order and keep a helper nearby. Test the lift before the mattress goes on, and you’ll have a sturdy, practical bed with plenty of storage underneath. If you’re still choosing, explore our Ottoman Beds or wider Bed Frames, and measure doors and stairs first.
Browse the full Furnmart range of Beds, Mattresses, Sofas and Furniture, with delivery across UK Mainland and Multiple Payment Options.
Frequently asked questions
Can one person assemble an ottoman bed?
It’s possible for some of the steps, but not recommended. The base and lid are heavy and awkward, and two people make lifting, aligning and fitting the lift mechanism safer and easier. Ask a friend or family member to help.
How long does it take to build an ottoman bed?
It depends on the size, design and how comfortable you are with flat-pack furniture. A first-timer should allow a relaxed session rather than a quick job. Larger sizes and beds with drawers or headboards take longer.
What tools do I need to assemble an ottoman bed?
Usually an Allen key, a screwdriver and perhaps a spanner, plus a rubber mallet for stubborn dowels. Some tools are supplied with the bed. Check your instruction sheet for the list.
How do I check the gas lift on an ottoman bed is working properly?
Raise the base slowly with both hands and check it rises evenly and stays open without drifting down. Lower it and check it sits flush. Repeat after the mattress is on, and keep hands clear of the lid edge.
Can I choose which side my ottoman bed opens?
On some side-opening models, yes, but only during assembly, so check before tightening everything. Think about where your wardrobe, bedside tables and wall sit. Your instruction sheet will show how to set the opening side.
What should I do if a part is missing or damaged?
Stop building and don’t swap in substitute fixings. Take a photo of the issue and contact our UK-based customer support by phone or email so it can be sorted before you continue.
