The Lazy Person’s Guide to Bed Assembly Without the Tears

Bed Expert October 9, 2025

The Lazy Person’s Guide to Bed Assembly (Without the Tears)

You bought the dream bed. Now it is staring at you from a mountain of boxes like a boss level you did not sign up for. Breathe. Bed assembly does not need to end in missing screws and quiet despair. This guide gives you clear steps that work for most modern frames, storage beds and divans. We will keep it simple, a little cheeky and very doable.

Before you touch a single bolt

Clear the space. Move side tables and lamps. You want a tidy work zone around the bed area so you can walk all the way around.
Protect the floor. Lay a clean blanket or the box cardboard so you do not mark wood or snag carpet.
Call a friend. Two people make lifting, lining up and cheering much easier. Bribe with snacks.
Open every box and check parts. Count the hardware, slats and fixings against the manual. Bag small parts in bowls so nothing escapes.
Grab your toolkit. Cross head screwdriver, flat screwdriver, rubber mallet, tape measure and a small socket set. An electric screwdriver on low torque is fine. Hand finish the last turn so you do not over tighten.

Helpful links. If you want the official stuff, our step by step support lives here: assembly page. For care after build, save our care and maintenance guide.

Part one. Build the frame

Lay out the rails and headboard. Position headboard, footboard and side rails on the floor in the shape of the bed. This dry run makes the build feel instantly easier.
Attach side rails to the headboard. Keep fixings finger tight at first. If a bracket will not line up, loosen the opposite corner and try again. Tighten fully only when the rectangle is square.
Add the footboard. Check that both side rails are the same height at the foot. If one looks low, swap the rails left to right before you continue.
Install the centre support. Many frames use a centre bar with legs. Set the legs so they just kiss the floor. Too high and the bed rocks, too low and the slats bow.

Buzzfeed break. If you just discovered an extra screw, do not panic. Hardware packs often include a spare. If you have five extra, that is not a bonus, that is a clue. Recheck step one.

Part two. Slats, platforms and the calm of even weight

Slatted bases. Start at the head and work to the foot, spacing evenly. If there are plastic end caps, face the smooth side up. Listen for a clean click.
Platform boards. If your frame uses boards, place them in order and secure every fixing point. Gaps cause squeaks. No one wants a comedy soundtrack at 2 a.m.

Part three. Headboard height and alignment

Stand the bed up and check the headboard height against your mattress depth. A deeper mattress raises the visual line. If your headboard has slots, choose the setting that leaves a little reveal above your pillows. That reveal looks tidy in photos and in real life.

Ottoman storage beds without drama

Ottoman beds are simple when you follow the sequence. Build the outer frame first, then the lift platform, then the gas pistons. Never fit the pistons to a loose platform. It will spring like a cartoon trap.

Fix the lift frame to the bed frame. Hinge side at the head or side as shown in your manual.
Attach the pistons. Heavier end to the bed frame, lighter end to the lift frame is a common pattern. Clip with the metal ball facing out so you can remove it later for service.
Add the mattress before testing. Gas pistons are balanced for real weight. The first lift feels firm but smooth. If it will not stay down, your pistons may be reversed. Swap sides and try again.

Want inspiration while you plan storage layouts. Browse our ottoman storage beds for examples of tidy interiors and clean silhouettes.

Divan beds in the fast lane

Unbox the two base sections. Join them with the supplied clips at the middle.
Fit the feet or castors. Press fit castors click in with a firm push. Screw in feet turn until snug.
Add drawers and check runners. Drawers should glide. If a drawer rubs, nudge the runner bracket by a millimetre and retest.
Attach the headboard. Headboard bolts slide through the divan back. Line up, tighten by hand, then finish with a quarter turn.

TV beds and cable calm

Run cables before you finish the footboard. Leave a gentle loop so the lift action does not strain the plugs. Keep power leads away from moving parts. If your model includes remote control pairing, do that with the lift in the parked position. For a look at current styles, see our TV beds and TV beds with storage.

Common squeaks and quick fixes

Squeak at one corner. Loosen the nearest joints, square the frame, then re tighten in a cross pattern.
Slat noise. Add the supplied anti squeak tape or a thin felt strip where the slat meets the rail.
Rocking on a hard floor. Fit felt pads to feet so the frame sits flat and does not skid.
Ottoman lid uneven. Check both hinges are at the same hole position and that pistons match strength on left and right.

When to pause and ask for help

If a part looks bent, a hole does not line up after a careful retry, or something feels unsafe, stop and contact support. We are happy to help on the contact page. Want to review delivery or returns steps before you begin. Here is our delivery and returns info.

Dress it and enjoy

Once the frame is solid and quiet, add your mattress and style the top. If you need a new mattress, compare options in our mattress collection. For frame inspiration while you plan a future refresh, browse bed frames. If you like a tidy finish at the foot, consider an ottoman box or a bench.