Ottoman beds have hydraulic gas struts that lift the mattress and platform with hundreds of newtons of force. Those struts make lifting and accessing storage easy, but improper use and misuse can also be dangerous.
The primary danger from an ottoman bed is the mattress platform slamming shut while you or someone else is accessing it.
If your ottoman bed slams shut, it could slam onto your hands, arms, or even your neck and head, potentially causing catastrophic injuries or death.
If that sounds dramatic, consider the sheer weight of your mattress and bed platform combined – it'll easily exceed 50kg, and the hydraulic struts that prop everything open won't slow down the closing action (they only work one way).
Your ottoman bed's struts will have at least 900N of force to negate the force of gravity and hold the platform open. Forces higher than that will open the platform independently, with a higher Newton rating accelerating it faster.
Most ottoman beds have struts with 1,000 to 1,200N of force, enough to lift the platform and resist closing for the first bit of pressure you apply. Your bed will need a good tug to get it moving, and it'll close at speed and slam if you don't hold it.
Other ottoman bed safety considerations
Hinges
The gas struts on your ottoman act as hinges with opening and closing movements, making them prime components for trapped fingers and hands.
This won't affect the person closing your ottoman, but anyone messing around at the other end of the bed (where the gas struts are) is at risk.
Always ensure the hinge side of your ottoman bed is clear of people when closing to prevent any nasty accidents that can break bones.
Safe closing
Your ottoman bed will slam shut if you close it and don't hold the straps if someone heavy enough jumps on the bed or if the struts fail (this is highly unlikely to happen to both struts simultaneously, but it isn't impossible).
Proper use of your ottoman bed requires holding the straps or handles during the closing motion. Your bed closes with a light thump - it should not slam or overwhelm you even if you have a thick, heavy mattress.
Pets and kids
Children and pets are additional safety considerations due to their innocence and unpredictability. You can't account for them running into your room when you're using your ottoman, but you can keep an eye out.
If you can, close your bedroom door during operation so no one can enter. If you have young kids, teach them not to mess around when you're using the storage. That means no running around or jumping into the storage area.
Childproofing Your Ottoman Bed
With their built-in storage compartments, Ottoman beds can be a convenient addition to a child's bedroom. However, they can pose potential safety hazards if not properly secured and used. Here are some tips for childproofing your ottoman bed:
1. Secure the Ottoman:
- Straps or Anchors: Secure the ottoman to the wall with safety straps or anchors. This prevents it from tipping over if a child climbs on it.
- Furniture Locks: Consider using furniture locks to prevent a child from opening the ottoman.
2. Remove Hazards:
- Sharp Corners: If the ottoman has sharp corners, use corner guards to protect your child from injuries.
- Small Objects: Avoid storing small objects, such as toys or coins, inside the ottoman. A child could swallow them.
3. Supervise Children:
- Close Supervision: Always supervise children around the ottoman, especially when the storage compartment is open.
- Teach Safety: Teach your child about the dangers of climbing on furniture and the importance of keeping the ottoman closed.
Storage usage
Your ottoman bed storage area will have a maximum storage depth. Storing items that exceed this depth could damage them and your mattress platform. It'll also slightly leave your ottoman bed propped open, creating a trapping risk.
Roll your duvets up and fold bedding to use space efficiently - you could even vacuum-pack them to save even more room. Plastic storage boxes are fantastic for shoes, accessories, books, and other bits and pieces.
Summing up
Ottoman beds can be dangerous when the storage space is accessed, but appropriate use, especially around children and pets, minimises these risks and makes them perfect for your family home.
Ottomans are no less safe than beds with drawers and have the advantage of requiring no clearance around your bed. This makes them a better choice in small spaces and kids' rooms where drawers are regularly slammed.