Updated : June 6, 2025
Published : May 22, 2025
Help & Advice

Closing an ottoman bed should be simple – but depending on the design (and the weight of your mattress), it isn’t always.

At Furl, we’ve spent years rethinking how furniture functions in real homes. Our storage beds are built to be lived with – from gas-assisted frames that lift with ease to our newest electric-assisted ottoman that closes itself at the press of a button.

Whether you’re working with a traditional mechanism or exploring hands-free convenience for the first time, this guide will walk you through exactly how to close an ottoman bed – safely, smoothly, and with minimal effort.

First – understand your mechanism

Not all ottoman beds close the same way. Before you do anything, take a second to identify the mechanism you’re dealing with.

1. Gas-assisted models – These rely on gas pistons to make lifting and lowering easier. You’ll need to apply light pressure to guide the bed back down.

2. Electric-assisted models – These are operated by sensors and a discreet close button. No pushing, no bracing – the bed does the work for you.

Our newest design, handcrafted in Nottingham, uses the latter. A true revolution in daily living, and the result of years of customer feedback. (We really do take your notes on board!)

How to close a gas-assisted ottoman bed

1. Clear the space. Make sure nothing is obstructing the bed frame or the floor beneath it. Remove hands, objects, or bedding from the storage compartment.

2. Apply even pressure. Using both hands, gently push down on the mattress near the foot end. There’s no need to force it – the gas pistons are designed to assist.

3. Let the frame guide you. You’re not pushing the bed down – you’re guiding it. The pistons will provide controlled resistance until the frame closes snugly.

If you experience stiffness or difficulty, don’t force it. Check that the internal base is correctly aligned, and make sure the mattress isn’t too heavy for the gas lift specification.

How to Close an Electric-Assisted Ottoman Bed

If you’re using Furl’s latest model – the most advanced ottoman bed we’ve ever designed – the process is beautifully simple.

Step 1: Press the close button. Located discreetly at the foot of the bed, this button initiates the mechanism. Once pressed, the frame lowers itself – smoothly, quietly, and safely.

Step 2: Wait. The bed does the work. Advanced safety sensors will detect any obstruction and pause if needed. Once clear, the system resumes.

Step 3: Done. That’s it. No lifting, no leaning, no negotiating with a heavy mattress.

And because we’re only interested in offering the best ottoman beds on the market at Furl, this model also works manually in the event of a power cut, just like a standard gas lift. Because yes, practicality matters too!

Closing the gap between convenience and capability

It’s worth saying: most ottoman beds focus on making them easier to open. But we’ve always known the real challenge often comes after – especially with deep storage or a high-quality, weighty mattress.

This is just another of the many reasons why Furl’s electric-assisted model is more than just a technical upgrade. It’s a response to what we heard from you – customers who loved the concept of clever under-mattress compartments, but struggled with the day-to-day reality of operating them.

Our one-touch close system changes that. It gives everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or strength, equal access to effortless storage.

What if the frame won’t close?

On gas-assisted models, stiffness usually means one of two things: uneven storage weight, or the mattress exceeds recommended weight.

On electric models, obstruction is usually the culprit. The sensors are extremely sensitive, and deliberately so. Simply remove the object and press the button again.

If you’ve checked everything and the bed still won’t close, call us. We designed every mechanism and we install every bed ourselves, so we can help you get it sorted quickly.

The Furl Difference

At Furl, we don’t just make furniture. We solve problems – spatial, practical, and sometimes emotional too.

That’s why all of our ottoman beds – from our Low model with 22cm of clearance to the Max, with an incredible 40cm of storage depth – are engineered for real homes, real people, and real routines. They’re designed to fit into narrow staircases, to handle premium mattresses, and to stay open safely. And now, with our electric design, to close without a second thought.

Want to upgrade your bed further? Take a look at our clever under-mattress compartments and enhance your storage space even further.