Why Is My Ottoman Bed Not Closing? (Common Causes & Fixes)

If your ottoman bed won't close, won't stay down, or the gas lift has stopped working, it's almost always one of a few simple causes. Here's how to diagnose and fix each one.

Ottoman bed gas lift not working

The gas lift (the pair of gas struts/pistons) is what raises the base and lowers it gently. When it stops working you'll notice the base drops too fast, won't hold up, or won't lift at all. Gas struts lose pressure over a few years — they're an inexpensive, easy replacement. Match the Newton (N) rating printed on the old strut when ordering a new one. See our full gas strut replacement guide.

Ottoman bed pistons stuck or seized

If the pistons feel stuck or seized — the base jams partway, judders, or won't move smoothly — check that the strut brackets at each end aren't bent and that nothing in the storage well is fouling the arm. A genuinely seized strut won't free up and should be replaced (always replace both sides as a pair so the lift stays balanced).

Why won't my ottoman bed close?

If the base won't seat flat when you push it shut, check these in order:

• Bedding is snagging — loose duvets, sheets or storage bags caught in the hinge or strut path. Tuck everything fully inside the well.
• The base is overloaded — too much weight, or weight piled at one end. Redistribute it evenly and keep within the storage limit.
• The frame is out of level — an uneven floor or loose bolts can rack the frame so it no longer lines up. Tighten all fixings and check it sits flat.

Ottoman bed not going down (won't stay closed)

If the base rises back up or won't go down, the usual cause is a mattress that's too light for the strut rating — the struts overpower it and push the base open. A heavier mattress, or replacement struts with a lower N rating, fixes it. Also check nothing in the storage well is propping the base from underneath. If it's the opposite problem — the base won't stay up — see ottoman bed won't stay up.

Mattress too heavy to lift

The opposite problem: a mattress far heavier than the strut rating means the gas lift can't raise the base. Replacement struts with a higher N rating solve this.

Related reading

Using the right technique helps — see how to close an ottoman bed safely. For more fixes, read ottoman bed problems and their solutions.

Still stuck?

Our UK support team can help — contact us or message us on WhatsApp. Shopping for a better-built frame with reliable dual gas struts? Browse our ottoman storage beds with a 5-year guarantee — and don't forget code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.