How to Assemble an Ottoman Bed

If you've bought your ottoman bed with Happy Beds, it will arrive with product-specific instructions detailing the exact process and helpful illustrations. You can also find downloadable and printable ottoman bed assembly instructions on our site, so if you've lost your instructions or need to revisit them, double-check the product page for your specific bed.

If you can't find the specific instructions you need, just get in touch with our friendly team, who will be able to help!

While exact instructions for building an ottoman bed can vary from product to product, there are some general guidelines to follow to help you put together your new bed as quickly and easily as possible. Step-by-step, here's how to put an ottoman bed together.

1. Unpack and check your product

Before you begin putting your ottoman bed together, unpack all your boxes and lay each separate component out on the floor in front of you. Looking at the instructions, make sure you have all the pieces you need to build your ottoman bed and that nothing has been damaged during delivery. If you have any issues at this point, get in touch with your retailer, who will be able to help.

2. Make sure you have the right tools

Next, read through your instructions, so you understand the full assembly process and the tools you need. Make sure you have everything close to hand before attaching any parts. It may also be easier to assemble your ottoman bed with two people. If you think you need a hand after reading through the instructions, wait to build your bed until you have someone available to help.

3. Prepare your space

Once you've double-checked your ottoman bed components and collected your tools, move everything you need into the room where your bed will be placed. Ideally, you should assemble your new ottoman bed as close as possible to where it will eventually be placed, as this will save a lot of time and effort having to move your bed once it's built.

If possible, clear the room around you to allow as much space as possible when building your bed. Remember, you'll need to access all four sides of the bed when you're putting it together, so leave plenty of room between the frame and the walls while you're assembling.

4. Protect the floor

When building a bed, it's important there is some kind of protection between the bed and the floor. It's best to build on a non-slippery surface, such as a carpet or rug rather than a smooth wood floor. On a smooth surface, your bed may move as you're building it, increasing the chances of accidental damage. You may also scratch a wooden floor during assembly, so it's best to lay down a protective sheet.

5. Put together the headboard and footboard

Now you're ready to start building your ottoman bed! To start, attach the legs to your headboard and footboard using an Allen key. Make sure everything is attached securely, then position your headboard and footboard on either end of where your bed is going to be placed.

6. Assemble your rails to create the bed frame

Once your headboard and footboard are assembled, you can go ahead and attach the side rails. These sit along either side of the bed, attached to the headboard and footboard. Next, you can attach together your front, back, left, right and cross support rails to create the overall bed frame.

7. Add the additional components for lifting

At this point, with a regular bed, you'd almost be done. However, the joy of an ottoman bed is that it lifts away from the base, providing plenty of storage space underneath. This means you'll need to add additional mechanisms to the bed base and frame to allow it to move. You should receive a gas lift component along with detailed instructions on how to attach this. Install the lifting mechanism, taking care that all fittings are in the correct position before you fully tighten them.

8. Assemble your ottoman bed base

Once you've reached this stage, you should be ready to attach your bed base. How to do this can vary depending on your model. For example, with a slatted bed base, you are able to slot the slats into place against the existing rails. Double-check your exact instructions to make sure you're installing the base correctly.

9. Add the finishing touches!

Finally, ensure everything is attached correctly, your lifting system is working, and you don't have any spare parts you've missed during assembly. The gas cylinders of an ottoman bed may be slightly stiffer than usual when they're first used, so test the operation of your new lift-up bed a few times by lifting and pushing down on the bed base.

Once you have your ottoman bed assembled with the hydraulics system in place, you can finish your bed with the lower base. Many ottoman beds come with a woven fabric base that can be attached to the base of the bed frame, offering a seamless finish to your new ottoman bed. Once you've finished, you just need to add your mattress and your new ottoman bed is ready to go!

An ottoman bed uses gas lift hydraulics. This means the base can be lifted and held up, offering plenty of storage space within the bed frame.

As ottoman beds are gas-piston powered, you'll simply need to lift up the mattress, and the lifting mechanism will help raise it from the bed base and hold it in place. To close an ottoman bed, you simply push back down on the mattress until it clicks into place.

To find out more about ottoman beds, how they work, and whether they're the right choice for you, check out our ottoman bed buying guide.

If you've decided to buy an ottoman bed, or if you've just made a purchase but also need a new mattress, you're in just the right place. At Happy Beds, we have an extensive range of ottoman beds in a variety of sizes, from single ottoman beds to super king size ottomans. We even have ottoman beds with TV and tech capabilities, perfect for anyone who loves relaxing in bed with their favourite TV show.

If you've already treated yourself to a new ottoman bed, why not also explore our mattress collection? From standard sprung to memory foam, you're sure to find the mattress of your dreams.