Ottoman Spacers — Why They’re Needed & How to Fit Them

Why Do Ottoman Beds Need Spacers?

If you've been looking at ottoman beds, or you've recently received one, you may have noticed that some models include spacers between the headboard and the bed base. After the question why won't my ottoman bed close, it's the second most common question we get asked:

"Why is there a gap between my headboard and the base?"

The simple answer is that the spacers are there to allow your ottoman bed to function properly.

What Are Spacers?

Spacers are small fittings that sit between the headboard and the divan ottoman base. They create a small gap, usually just a few centimetres, between the two.

Although this may seem unusual at first, they're an important part of the bed's design.

Why Are Spacers Needed?

When an ottoman bed is opened, the base lifts upwards using gas-assisted pistons. As the base rises, it moves slightly towards the headboard.

Without enough clearance, the moving base can catch or rub against the headboard. Over time, this could cause damage to the fabric, restrict the lift mechanism, or prevent the ottoman from opening fully.

The spacers provide the clearance needed so the base can lift smoothly without making contact with the headboard.

Do All Ottoman Beds Need Spacers?

Not all ottoman beds require them, but divan ottoman beds with floor-standing headboards do.

Whether spacers are needed depends on several factors, including:

•            The design of the ottoman mechanism

•            The style and depth of the headboard

•            The manufacturer's specifications

For this reason, it's always important to fit the bed as instructed by the manufacturer.

Does This Make The Bed Longer?

Yes, slightly.

A standard UK small double, double is 190cm long and a king size is 200cm. The divan base is also typically these lengths, but once you add a floor-standing headboard and the required spacers, the overall footprint of the bed increases.

For example, a bed with a 6cm deep headboard and 3cm spacers will occupy around 199cm of floor space.

This is worth considering if your bedroom is particularly compact. We have all the external measurements on our website so make sure you check these out first.  When measuring the space don't forget to take into account skirting boards if space is particularly tight,

Is There a Way to Avoid The Spacers?

In some cases, yes.

If space is limited, many manufacturers offer mini headboards that can be wall mounted instead of attaching directly to the divan base. Because the headboard is fixed to the wall rather than the bed, the spacers are no longer required. Wall mounted brackets can be easily found online. 

This allows the bed base to remain at its standard 190cm length while still giving you the appearance of a full headboard.

Not every bed range offers this option, so it's worth checking before you order.

Can I Remove the Spacers?

We wouldn't recommend it.

Removing the spacers may stop the ottoman opening correctly and could result in the base catching on the headboard. This may also affect the manufacturer's warranty if the bed has not been assembled as instructed.

If you're concerned about the overall length of your bed, it's always best to contact us before making any alterations.

Need Advice?

If you're unsure whether an ottoman bed will fit your room, or you'd like to know whether a wall-mounted headboard is available for the model you're considering, our team will be happy to help. You can contact us via email or calling us directly.

We can explain the overall dimensions of each bed, including the additional space required for headboards and spacers, so you can choose the best option for your bedroom. No matter what your question is we are always more than happy to help you. You can access more buying guides here.