Are Ottoman Beds Safe? What to Know (Kids, Pets & Gas Struts)

Ottoman beds are safe when they're well built and operated correctly — the same is true of any furniture with a moving mechanism. Here's what genuinely matters.

Why quality gas struts matter for safety

A base that drops unexpectedly is the main safety concern with ottoman beds, and it's almost always caused by worn, mismatched or poor-quality struts — not a fundamental design flaw. Quality dual gas struts, rated correctly for the mattress weight, hold the base securely and lower it in a slow, controlled motion.

Safety around children

• Don't let young children operate the lifting mechanism unsupervised
• Keep the storage well closed when not in active use
• Check struts periodically — a base that's becoming harder to lift or slower to hold is an early warning sign, not something to ignore

Safety around pets

Keep pets out of the storage well while the base is open, and always fully lower and check the base is seated flat before leaving the room, especially with cats that may climb in.

Operating the lift safely

Always lift and lower with both hands centred on the mattress, guiding the motion rather than forcing it. Never leave the base propped open unsupervised, and keep fingers clear of the hinge point as it closes.

Are ottoman beds dangerous?

Not inherently — the risk profile is similar to any furniture with a lifting mechanism (car boots, storage benches). The key differentiator is build quality: reliable dual gas struts, a sturdy timber frame, and correctly matched strut ratings.

Related reading

See how ottoman beds work and our gas strut replacement guide. Shop our ottoman storage beds.