Are ottoman beds strong and how long will one last?
An ottoman bed is not just a place to sleep, it is also a storage solution that literally opens up a large space in which to put pillows, bed sheets, duvets and anything else you need to place out of sight and out of the way.
Because they are built with lightweight materials while relying on hydraulic systems, some people wonder, are ottoman beds strong enough? A quality ottoman bed is as sturdy as any other type of bed.
What is an ottoman bed?
The original ottoman furniture, from the Turkish empire dating to the 14th century, was an upholstered bench or long seat without armrests. It wasn’t long before the design lent itself to beds.
An ottoman bed is one with built-in storage below the mattress between the box frames. An ottoman bed has hinges to allow access to the space beneath, so when it is closed, you can’t even tell that the mattress lifts up, making it a discrete storage space suitable for any bedroom.
Today’s ottoman beds can be lifted up by a gas hydraulic system with pistons. The struts are designed to securely hold the full weight of the cleat on which the mattress sits, plus the slats and frame, as the top section is both lifted and lowered.
The system isn’t just designed to aid the up and down movement, as it also prevents the top from rising too quickly and unexpectedly colliding with the user and slamming back down to the closed position.
Are ottoman beds strong?
Have you ever wondered, 'are ottoman beds strong?'. Well, you'll be pleased to know that a well-made ottoman bed is reliable, strong and sturdy. If you’re shopping for an ottoman bed, it is important to look out for what weight it is capable of supporting and raising.
Selecting a good quality ottoman bed means you won’t need to worry that the weight of the mattress won’t impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the lifting mechanism. No one wants to have to take a mattress off a bed to access the storage area, after all.
How strong an ottoman bed is, and how easy is to lift, also depends on the strength of the pistons used in the ottoman itself. The capability of the pistons is measured in newtons (n).
A basic ottoman bed is likely to have lower gauge pistons and be unable to lift heavier mattresses. As a general guide, consider the following when purchasing an ottoman bed in terms of the number of pistons and the force they can operate at:
- 4x 600n for a side-lift ottoman
- 4x 800n on an end-lift divan ottoman bed
- 2x 900n on a double bedstead ottoman
- 2x 1100n on a kingsize
- 2x 1350n on a super kingsize
Good quality metal struts are important too. Plastic struts and brackets are usually unlikely to perform well, support the weight of your mattress and have an increased risk of failure, which is particularly dangerous should this happen when the lifting mechanism is in use.
Product: Electric Ottoman Bed
What is the maximum weight can an ottoman bed take?
A standard ottoman bed will usually be designed to lift 40 to 60 kg of the weight of a typical mattress. Heavy-duty mattresses will often weigh more than this. At Reinforced Beds, our extra strong ottoman beds are capable of safely lifting a mattress weighing up to 100 kg. If your mattress is heavier, then a bespoke option is available supplied with stronger struts and higher-pressure hydraulic systems that can lift more.
Are ottoman beds comfortable?
Ottomans are just like other types of bed frames, with the only difference being their lifting mechanism and storage beneath. Good quality ottoman beds are designed to deliver comfort and support for the body. They’re constructed from lightweight metal frames with robust fittings.
Ottoman beds come in a selection of sizes to suit your size, body shape and needs. Though the construction and design of the bed itself are a consideration, the most important factor for bed comfortability is always the choice of mattress.
How long do ottoman beds last?
High quality ottoman beds will provide a long period of service life. If properly maintained, they will last for 10 years quite easily.
They do need to be looked after, of course. The hydraulic lifting mechanism may need to be checked from time to time. If there is an issue with the pistons, hinges or brackets, they may need to be repaired, but choosing a well-made ottoman bed from the outset will minimise any problems.
Are ottoman beds noisy?
This is a surprisingly common question. No one likes a noisy bed after all. As with any bed frame, a properly assembled ottoman bed won’t produce any squeaks or knocks. The only noise from the lifting pistons will be a quiet hiss as the gas expands and contracts. Plus, as the mechanisms ensure smooth movement, there will be no crash at the top or bang at the bottom.
A good ottoman bed will last for years. Plus, the benefits of additional storage make an ottoman bed an ideal option for properties with frequent guests, particularly so that guests aren’t subject to clutter.
At Reinforced Beds, we stock a range of high-quality, strong ottoman beds, and we can also tailor the construction to ensure you find an ottoman bed ideally suited to your needs.
Simply drop us a line or give us a call to find out more about our ottoman beds and how they can provide a convenient, long-lasting sleep solution for your requirements.