Ottoman beds raise a hinged mattress platform on gas struts to reveal storage underneath. The difference between gas-lift and side-lift models comes down to which edge of the bed opens.
A side-lift ottoman opens from one long edge, so you stand beside the bed and swing the platform up. An end-lift (gas-lift) ottoman opens from the foot, tilting the whole platform toward you. Both use the same hardware — a hinged lid on gas pistons — but the opening direction changes where the bed sits and how much floor space it needs. Get that detail wrong and the storage becomes awkward to reach.
How The Gas Lift Mechanism Works
Gas pistons (struts) do the heavy lifting. Each holds pressurized nitrogen gas; when you lift the platform, the gas expands and pushes the rod outward, assisting the raise so you’re not muscling a mattress-and-lid assembly by hand.
Most ottoman beds use two struts, one on each side of the frame, mounted between the bed base and the underside of the lid. The hinge runs along the opening edge so the platform pivots rather than lifting straight up. Pushing the platform down compresses the gas again, and the struts resist slightly, stopping the lid from slamming shut on your hands.
Strut force is rated in newtons (N) — the piston’s push, not the weight of mattress it can carry, a distinction many buyers miss. The real load depends on the lid’s weight, the mounting points, and the hardware, not the mattress alone. Replacement struts should match the bed maker’s approved specification, never a number guessed from mattress weight.
Gas Lift vs Side Lift
The mechanism is identical; the lift direction is the whole difference. Side-lift models open from the left or right long edge, suiting a bed with clear space along one side. End-lift models open from the foot, suiting a bed pushed into a corner or against a wall where no long edge is accessible.
Clearance is where the choice gets practical. A side-lift bed needs open floor along the opening side so you can stand there and raise the platform. An end-lift bed needs standing room at the foot plus the full arc the lid travels — you can’t jam the foot against a dresser and expect it to open cleanly. Before ordering, measure the space in front of the edge that will open, not just the bed’s footprint. A model that looks fine on paper can fail the moment the platform hits a wall or radiator.
| Lift Type | Opens From | Clearance Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Side lift | Left or right long edge | Open floor beside the bed |
| End lift (gas lift) | Foot of the bed | Standing room at the foot plus lid arc |
| Strut type (both) | Gas pistons rated in newtons | Match maker’s spec, not mattress weight |
| Hand force | Assisted by gas pressure | Lighter lift, softer close |
If you’re weighing specific models, our roundup of the best bed in an ottoman compares tested options side by side, including lift style and clearance needs.
Common Mistakes, And What To Check Before Buying
Assuming a higher newton rating is automatically better trips up most buyers and DIY replacements. Too much force makes the platform hard to pull down and stresses the mounting points; too little and the lid won’t stay up. Use the exact rating the maker specifies.
Calculating replacement struts from mattress weight alone is the second error. Because the strut works against the lid and frame, not the mattress by itself, that math rarely matches the real load. The Dunelm side-lift ottoman bed assembly instructions show the platform and struts installed as a system, which is why parts must be matched rather than swapped by feel.
The third mistake is ignoring clearance for the opening direction. A beautiful side-lift bed against a wall it can’t open away from is a daily frustration. Measure the open space first, then pick the lift type that fits.
Specs like piston ratings or maximum user weight, where listed by a seller, are product-specific claims for that model — not standards for every ottoman bed. Dreams’ ottoman bed range shows how much these details vary, so always check the maker’s own documentation.
FAQs
Do ottoman beds need two people to lift?
No, the gas struts assist one person. The pistons carry most of the platform’s weight as you raise it, so a single adult can normally lift the lid and hold it open. If the platform feels heavy or won’t stay up, the struts are likely worn or under-spec and should be replaced with the maker’s approved parts.
Can I replace the gas struts myself?
Often yes, but only with the exact specification the bed maker approves. The newtons rating is not a mattress-weight figure, and an over-powered strut can strain the mounting points. Source replacements through the manufacturer or seller of your specific model rather than guessing from mattress weight, and follow the maker’s fitting guidance.
How much space does a side-lift ottoman need to open?
Enough open floor along the long edge that opens for you to stand beside the bed and raise the platform without hitting a wall or furniture. Measure the area in front of that edge before buying. An end-lift model is the better choice when no long side is accessible, since it opens from the foot instead.
References & Sources
- Dunelm. “Side Lift Ottoman Bed Assembly Instructions.” Confirms the platform and strut installation layout for a side-lift ottoman bed.
- Dreams. “Ottoman Beds.” Shows how lift style and specifications vary across specific ottoman bed models.
- Bed Guide. “Ottoman Bed Mechanics.” Explains gas piston operation and newton ratings versus mattress weight.
