When looking for a bed that packs equal measures of style, comfort, and functionality, ottoman beds are a strong choice. Not only do these beds look the part, but they also offer incredible amounts of storage space.
We’re often asked “Are ottoman beds easy to assemble?” To which, the answer can vary. Combining both a bed frame and storage compartment, they can seem a bit more complex than your average bed. But, with a little time and patience, an ottoman bed can be built with little concern.
If you’ve just received your ottoman bed, are waiting for it to arrive, or have just placed your order, don’t worry - we’re here to help. As experts in all things ottoman beds, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make assembling your new bed straightforward and stress-free.
Here’s how to put an ottoman bed together, from start to finish.
How Long Does It Take To Build An Ottoman Bed?
Building an Ottoman Divan Base
Assembling an ottoman divan base is a relatively quick and straightforward task, typically taking between 10 to 15 minutes. The process involves aligning and securely joining the pre-assembled base sections, screwing in the feet, and, if you've chosen to include a headboard, attaching the headboard struts. All components are usually well-marked and designed for ease of assembly, making it a job that can be comfortably completed by one person without the need for assistance.
Flat-Packed Ottoman Bed Frames
In contrast, flat-packed ottoman bed frames are more complex and can take an hour or longer to assemble, depending on the design and your familiarity with flat-pack furniture. These beds often require more steps, such as assembling the frame from individual panels, attaching the lifting mechanism, and securing the slats or baseboard. Due to the size of the parts and the need for accurate alignment, having two people is recommended to ensure a smoother and safer build.
How to Assemble Your Ottoman Bed
Step 1: Locate Your Instructions
All our ottoman beds will arrive with highly detailed instructions. These instructions include:
- A step-by-step guide specific to your bed.
- List of tools you may need.
- Helpful illustrations to visualise your assembly process.
You can find these instructions within your bed frame’s packaging. Be sure to get these first before putting anything together, and to be careful not to throw them away.
Note: Assembly steps can vary between ottoman bed styles. For help with building other bed types, see our guide: Are Beds Easy To Assemble?
Step 2: Check Your Components
To make sure that every part and fitting is present, start by laying all the boxes you’ve received out on the floor.
Then, cross-referencing with your instruction manual, take note of everything that’s present. If there’s anything missing, don’t proceed. Putting a bed together with missing parts may compromise its strength and could impact any warranty claims.
Contact your bed frame’s retailer, who should be able to advise on your next steps. If that happens to be us, simply contact us and we’ll send out any parts that might be missing as soon as possible.
Step 3: Check Your Tools
Once you’ve checked all parts are accounted for and not damaged, the instructions should specify if there’s any tools needed to complete the assembly. Some beds will come with tools like spanners or allen keys in the box, but some beds may require extra tools.
Step 4: Prepare Your Bedroom
To avoid unnecessary lifting and awkward movements, it’s best to build an ottoman bed in the bedroom it’ll be used in. Sometimes, this isn’t possible, in which case, you should choose a room that’s close by. If you do this, try to free up as much space in the target bedroom as you can.
This will make it much easier for you to move into place once you’ve finished building.
Step 5: Headboard and Footboard Assembly
With ottoman bed frames, the headboard and footboard will usually have small legs to be attached. Often, these legs can be put on with some small screws by using an allen key. Line up the legs on the bottom of the head or footboard and screw them in tightly.
Step 6: Building the Side Rails
To help the bed frame take shape, you must now connect the headboard and footboard to the side rails of the bed, forming the outer frame. Depending on their style and size, some ottoman beds will also have cross braces that provide even more structural support. These can be put in place after the outer frame is assembled.
Step 7: Installing the Lifting Mechanism
It’s now time to add the signature feature of the ottoman bed; the lift system. These gas lift mechanisms allow the base to rise to access the large internal storage space at either the end or side. To ensure the mechanism functions properly, it’s vital to ensure that the parts are aligned perfectly before fully tightening the screws.
Note: If your ottoman bed is side opening, this will be your only opportunity to choose whether your ottoman bed will be left or right side opening. There will usually be a step within the instructions illustrating which way to attach the mechanism, depending on your preference.
Step 8: Fitting the Bed Base
With the lifting mechanism in place, your ottoman bed is nearly complete. But, now comes the time to assemble the base.
Steps for this can vary depending on the kind of base your bed has. With slatted ottoman bed frames, for example, simply slot the wooden slats into the designated grooves within the side rails.
With an ottoman divan base, these will already have a solid interior base installed, no assembly is necessary.
Step 9: Final Checks and Finishing Touches
Before you finish up, now comes the time to check your work and ensure no parts are left over and that all fixings are fully attached.
Not just this, you should also check the lifting mechanism to ensure that it moves freely, and without too much resistance.
All that’s left is to add your mattress, pillows and duvets, and your bedding, and you’re done!
How To Dismantle An Ottoman Bed
Disassembling an Ottoman Divan Base
Taking apart an ottoman divan base is usually just as simple as putting it together and can be done in about 10–15 minutes. First, if a headboard is attached, start by unscrewing and removing the headboard struts. Next, unscrew and remove the feet from the base sections. Finally, separate the base sections by undoing the connectors or clips that join them together. Since these bases are designed for easy assembly, disassembly is typically straightforward and can be done solo. Be sure to keep all screws and fittings in a labeled bag if you plan to reassemble it later
Disassembling a Flat-Packed Ottoman Bed Frame
Start by removing the mattress and lifting mechanism (if spring-loaded or gas-powered, be cautious and follow safety guidelines). Then, unscrew and remove the slats or baseboard. Proceed to carefully undo each section of the bed frame, typically beginning with the side rails and then moving to the headboard and footboard. As with assembly, this process is best done with two people to help handle larger or heavier panels safely. Keep all screws, bolts, and hardware organized and labeled for future reassembly.
Find Your Perfect Night’s Sleep At Bed Factory Direct
Don’t forget to check out our range of mattresses to pair with your new ottoman bed at Bed Factory Direct.
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