When should I fit the gas struts on an ottoman?

After the base is joined and the lid hinges are in place, following the maker’s order. Support the lid so it cannot fall. Fit both struts before you trust the lid to stay open. Match strut strength to mattress weight.

Why is my ottoman lid hard to lift after assembly?

The mattress may be heavier than the strut rating, a strut may be on the wrong side, or a hinge bolt may bind. Remove the mattress and re-check the sheet. See the ottoman mechanics guide for strut matching.

beds

How to Assemble an Ottoman Bed

Entity: assemble ottoman bed

Ottoman bed with storage access — assemble struts carefully before daily use — Ottoman lids need correctly fitted gas struts and clear opening space.

In short

Ottoman beds join like many divans, then add a hinged lid and gas struts. Fit the base and feet, join split halves, mount the lid hinges, then fit struts rated for your mattress weight. Keep hands clear of the lid path. Attach the headboard so it does not block the lift. Test open and close before daily use.

Educational diagram of ottoman base, hinged lid and gas struts during assembly — Fit struts only as the maker shows. Support the lid when bolts are loose.

Assembly order

Base — same linking steps as a divan.
Hinges — fix the platform lid to the chassis.
Gas struts — two people recommended; support the lid.
Headboard — prefer floor-standing if the lid moves at the head; see attach a headboard.
Mattress — within the stated weight range.
Test — open and close slowly; listen for binding.

Side-lift versus end-lift

Type	Clearance while testing
Side-lift	Free space on the opening long side
End-lift	Free space at the foot

Full geometry: ottoman mechanics and side-lift vs end-lift.

Safety rules

Never put fingers under a partially supported lid.
Do not force a strut into the wrong bracket.
Keep the storage void empty of sharp objects that can pierce the fabric base.
Recheck bolts after the first week of use.

Frequently asked questions

When should I fit the gas struts on an ottoman?: After the base is joined and the lid hinges are in place, following the maker’s order. Support the lid so it cannot fall. Fit both struts before you trust the lid to stay open. Match strut strength to mattress weight.
Why is my ottoman lid hard to lift after assembly?: The mattress may be heavier than the strut rating, a strut may be on the wrong side, or a hinge bolt may bind. Remove the mattress and re-check the sheet. See the ottoman mechanics guide for strut matching.