How to assemble and care for your Ottoman storage bed?

An ottoman storage bed is a smart bed that does two jobs at once. It appears to be a regular bed on top, but underneath the mattress is an ample storage space where you can store your stuff.  

These beds are great for people who don't have much room in their bedroom or house. Instead of buying extra dressers or storage boxes, you can use the space under your bed.

This bed is super easy to lift because it has special springs or gas pistons that do most of the heavy work. You won't need to be strong to open it; in fact, most people can lift the mattress with just one hand.

Let’s talk about you assembling your ottoman storage bed with clear instructions. Plus, we'll give you tips on how to care for it so it stays in great shape for years to come.

Preparation and Planning

A little prep will save you time and help you avoid mistakes. Here are some steps you can follow before putting up your ottoman bed:

Tools You'll Need

Your ottoman bed often comes with basic tools, but it's much easier if you have your own. Take a screwdriver, a set of Allen wrenches, and a hammer to tap parts into place. Always check your bed's instruction manual first to confirm the exact tools needed.

Pick the Perfect Spot

Before you even start building, decide exactly where your bed will go in your bedroom. Make sure you have enough room to walk around all sides of the bed. Also, double-check that you'll have space to lift the mattress once the bed is built.

Clear Your Workspace

You'll need lots of floor space to spread out all the bed parts and work comfortably. Clear an area that's at least as big as your finished bed, plus some extra room to move around. This way, you can easily organise everything.

Safety First!

Always wear shoes while you're putting the bed together to protect your feet from heavy pieces. It's a good idea to have someone help you with the bigger parts; ottoman beds can be heavy to manage by yourself.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Now it's time to build your ottoman bed. Follow these steps in order and take your time with each one. 

1. Open and Check Everything: Carefully open all the boxes. Lay out every piece where you can see it and compare it to the list in your instruction book. Make sure nothing is missing before you start!
   
2. Understand Your Guide and Parts: Read the whole instruction booklet once. Then, sort all the screws, bolts, and tiny pieces into separate piles so they're easy to find.
3. Build the Base: Connect the long side pieces to the headboard and footboard using the biggest bolts. Tighten everything well and make sure the frame sits flat on the floor.
4. Put in the Lift System: Attach the gas lifts (or springs) to the bed's base and the part that lifts. Follow the arrows and pictures in your manual exactly.
5. Attach the Storage Box: Connect the storage box to the lifting part. Make sure all corners are secure and the box doesn't wiggle when you gently shake it.
6. Add the Headboard (if you have one): If your bed came with a headboard, attach it to the main frame using the brackets provided. Make sure it's straight and firmly connected.
7. Last Checks: Recheck and tighten all screws and bolts one more time. Test the lift mechanism to make sure it moves smoothly. Finally, sit on the bed to ensure it doesn't rock or move.
   

How To Resolve Common Issues?

Even the best-built beds can have small problems from time to time. Don't worry - most issues are easy to fix with simple solutions.

Bed Won't Lift or Drops Too Fast

If your bed won't stay up or slams down, make sure the gas pistons (the parts that help it lift) are securely attached and not broken. You might just need to tighten some bolts or, if a piston is old or damaged, you'll need to replace it.

Noisy or Stiff Lifting

If your bed squeaks or is hard to lift, just spray a little furniture oil on the hinges and any other parts that move. Then, open and close the bed a few times to allow the oil to spread evenly.

Messy Storage Underneath

Is the storage space under your bed a jumbled mess? You can use fabric boxes to keep things neat and separated. Always put heavier items at the bottom to help keep the bed balanced.

Wobbly Bed

If your bed feels shaky, check that all the screws are tight. Also, make sure the bed frame is sitting flat on the floor. You may need to adjust the legs or add some extra support slats under the mattress.

Daily Care and Maintenance

Want your ottoman bed to last longer and work smoothly? Just a few minutes of daily care can make a big difference in keeping it in top condition.

• Lifting and Lowering: Always lift the mattress slowly and carefully. Let the gas pistons do most of the work. Don't pull it up quickly or push it down hard. Doing so can damage the lifting system over time.
• Weight Limits for Storage: Look in your bed's manual to find out how much weight you can store inside. Don't put too much in! If you're storing heavy things like books or tools, spread them out evenly instead of piling them all in one spot.
• Keep the Storage Area Clean: Once a month, vacuum or wipe out the storage space to get rid of dust and dirt. Also, quickly check to make sure nothing has spilt or leaked that could stain the inside.
• Clean the Bed Frame: Weekly, wipe down the outside of your bed frame with a soft cloth. If your frame is wood, use a wood cleaner. If it's fabric, a mild soap will work. This keeps your bed looking new and stops dust from building up.

You may also like to read: Divan vs. Ottoman beds - Which is more comfortable?

Final Thoughts

Your ottoman storage bed is a smart buy because it'll save you space and keep your bedroom tidy for many years. Just keep in mind to check the screws and bolts every few months to ensure they're still tight. If your bed starts squeaking or sticking, fix it quickly so the problem doesn't get worse. If you take good care of it, your bed will provide you with a comfortable sleep and lots of hidden storage for a long time.