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How Long Do Ottoman Beds Last? A Guide to Durability and Maintenance

August 29, 2026

Do Ottoman Beds Break Easily? What to Look for Before You Buy

Ottoman beds are a brilliant way to add extra storage to a bedroom without taking up any more floor space. With the entire area beneath the mattress available for storage, they're particularly useful in smaller bedrooms or anywhere cupboard space is limited.

However, because an ottoman bed contains hinges and a lifting mechanism, it's reasonable to wonder: do ottoman beds break easily?

The short answer is no — a good-quality ottoman bed shouldn't break easily. They're designed to be opened and closed repeatedly, and with the right mattress, correct assembly and sensible use, an ottoman bed should provide years of reliable service.

That said, quality does vary. Here are the main things to consider before buying.

What Can Go Wrong With an Ottoman Bed?

A standard bed frame has relatively few moving parts. An ottoman bed is slightly different because the mattress base lifts to reveal the storage compartment underneath.

This usually involves gas-lift pistons, hinges and additional fixings. These components are designed to cope with regular use, but they're also the areas most likely to cause problems if an ottoman is poorly constructed, incorrectly assembled or repeatedly overloaded.

Can the Gas-Lift Mechanism Break?

Most ottoman beds use gas-lift pistons, sometimes called gas struts, to help raise the mattress and base and hold them securely in the open position.

A good-quality gas-lift mechanism should be designed to withstand regular opening and closing. However, the weight of your mattress is important.

If a mattress is significantly heavier or lighter than the lifting mechanism is designed for, the ottoman may become difficult to operate.

It's also worth knowing that a newly assembled ottoman bed can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to close before the mattress has been placed on it. The gas struts are designed to work against the weight of the mattress, so this doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with the bed.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid forcing the mechanism if something doesn't feel right.

What About the Hinges and Fixings?

Every time you open an ottoman bed, some pressure is placed on its hinges and fixing points. On a well-made bed, these should be strong enough to cope with regular use.

Over time, however, bolts and fixings can occasionally loosen. Checking and tightening them periodically is a simple way to help keep your ottoman operating smoothly.

If the bed suddenly becomes difficult to open, doesn't appear to lift evenly or starts making unusual noises, it's worth checking the fixings rather than continuing to force it.

Do Ottoman Beds Have Slats?

Some do, but many ottoman beds use a platform-style base instead of traditional bed slats.

A platform base is usually a solid or boarded mattress support that lifts together with the mattress to give you access to the storage compartment underneath. Because the mattress is supported across a larger surface area, there's no individual slat to potentially become damaged or break.

Other ottoman beds use sprung or solid slats. These can provide excellent mattress support too, but, just like the slats on a standard bed frame, they can become damaged through excessive weight, jumping on the bed or incorrect installation.

When comparing ottoman beds, it's therefore worth checking whether the model has a platform or slatted base, as well as looking at the overall quality of the frame and lifting mechanism.

Does Opening an Ottoman Bed Every Day Wear It Out?

A well-made ottoman bed should be designed for regular use.

If you're storing everyday items such as bedding, towels, clothes or shoes underneath your bed, you may open it frequently. This shouldn't cause a problem when the bed is operated correctly.

Always use the lifting handle or designated lifting point rather than pulling the frame up from one side. Open and close the bed smoothly and avoid forcing it if the mechanism feels unusually stiff.

Are Cheap Ottoman Beds More Likely to Break?

Price doesn't automatically determine quality, but construction is particularly important when buying an ottoman because there are more components involved than with a simple bed frame.

Two ottoman beds can look remarkably similar in photographs while being very different underneath.

Before buying, consider the quality and strength of the frame, the mattress support, the gas-lift mechanism, hinges and fixing points. It's also worth checking the recommended maximum weight, manufacturer's warranty or guarantee and customer reviews.

Spending a little time looking beyond the appearance of the bed can help you choose one that's built to last.

Does Mattress Weight Matter on an Ottoman Bed?

Yes. The lifting mechanism has to work with the weight of the mattress sitting on top of it.

A particularly deep or heavy mattress may require a stronger lifting mechanism, while a very lightweight mattress may not provide enough resistance for some gas struts.

If you already own your mattress, check that it's suitable for the ottoman bed you're considering. If you're buying a new bed and mattress together, make sure the combination is compatible.

This can make a big difference to how easily the bed opens and closes.

Can You Overload an Ottoman Bed?

It's easy to underestimate just how much you can fit underneath an ottoman bed, but that doesn't mean the storage compartment should be overloaded.

Always follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding weight limits and make sure stored items don't interfere with the lifting mechanism.

It's also important that nothing inside the storage area prevents the mattress base from closing properly.

How Can You Make an Ottoman Bed Last Longer?

Ottoman beds don't require complicated maintenance, but a few simple habits can help prolong their lifespan.

Check bolts and fixings occasionally and tighten them if necessary. Avoid exceeding recommended weight limits, don't force the lifting mechanism and always use the designated handle when opening the bed.

You should also avoid sitting, standing or placing heavy objects on the mattress platform while it's raised.

If the bed becomes noticeably harder to operate, investigate why rather than repeatedly forcing it.

So, Are Ottoman Beds Reliable?

Yes — a good-quality ottoman bed should be a reliable, long-lasting choice.

While an ottoman contains more moving parts than a basic bed frame, the lifting mechanism is specifically designed to cope with the repeated opening and closing required to access the storage space.

Choosing a well-constructed bed, using a suitable mattress and following the manufacturer's instructions will all help ensure your ottoman continues to operate smoothly.

And for many households, the benefits far outweigh the small amount of additional maintenance involved.

Instead of leaving the space underneath your mattress unused, an ottoman bed turns almost the entire footprint of your bed into valuable hidden storage — without taking up another inch of your bedroom.

Find Your Perfect Ottoman Bed at Beds on Legs

At Beds on Legs, you'll find a wide range of ottoman beds in different sizes, colours and styles, making it easy to add valuable storage without compromising on the look of your bedroom.

Whether you're trying to maximise space in a smaller room, need somewhere for spare bedding or simply want a clutter-free bedroom, an ottoman bed can be a practical and stylish solution.

Explore our collection of ottoman beds and find the perfect storage bed for your bedroom. Just click here.