How to Make Your TV Bed Last for Years

A TV bed lasts for years when you look after three things: the lift mechanism, the frame and the upholstery. Keep the space around the footboard clear so the lift never strains, tighten fixings a few times a year, vacuum and spot clean the fabric regularly, rotate the mattress, and never overload the screen bracket beyond the maximum size and weight stated for your model. None of this takes long, and it makes a real difference to how the bed performs over time.

TV beds are more complex than standard frames because they combine furniture and a motorised mechanism. That is part of their appeal, but it also means a little routine care pays off. The advice below applies to most designs in our modern TV beds UK collection, though you should always follow the specific guidance supplied with your bed.

Start with a careful assembly

Longevity begins on the day the bed arrives. Most problems that appear months later trace back to assembly: a bolt not fully tightened, a slat placed upside down, or a cable pinched under the frame.

Build the bed on a clear floor with plenty of space. Lay out every part and check it against the instructions before you start. Hand tighten all the bolts first, then go round and tighten them fully once the frame is square. This stops the frame twisting as you work. It is a good habit for any flat packed piece from our bedroom furniture UK collection, and it matters even more on a bed with moving parts.

Pay particular attention to the footboard housing and the lift. Route the power cable exactly as shown, keeping it away from moving parts. Test the lift before you add the television, so you can confirm it runs smoothly without load.

Looking after the lift mechanism

The lift is the heart of a TV bed. Treated well, it should give years of reliable use.

Respect the limits

Every mechanism has a maximum screen size and weight. Check both before buying a television, and stay within them. A screen that is too heavy makes the motor work harder and puts extra stress on the bracket. A screen that is too wide can rub against the housing as it rises.

Keep the path clear

Never place anything on top of the footboard lid or directly in front of the housing. Books, cups, phones and folded clothes left on top can block the lid and strain the motor. Train everyone in the house, including children and guests, to check the top is clear before pressing the button.

Let it finish

Allow the lift to complete each movement before reversing it. Repeatedly stopping and starting the mechanism halfway puts unnecessary stress on the motor and gears.

Listen for changes

A healthy lift has a consistent sound. If it starts to grind, click or slow down, stop using it and check for obstructions, loose fixings or a cable that has slipped into the path of the mechanism. Contact the supplier before attempting anything more involved.

Electrics and cables

Keep the power cable tidy and protected. Run it along the skirting rather than across the floor, and avoid pinching it under the feet of the bed. If the bed is moved for cleaning, check the cable afterwards.

Plug the bed into a wall socket where possible rather than a long chain of extension leads. If you need an extension, use a good quality surge protected lead and keep it off the floor where it could be stepped on or caught by a vacuum cleaner.

Switch the bed off at the socket if you are going away for an extended period.

Keeping the frame solid

Every bed loosens slightly over time as timber and fixings settle. On a TV bed, a loose frame can also affect how smoothly the lift operates.

Every three or four months, go round the frame with the tools supplied and check every bolt. Tighten anything that has worked loose, but do not overtighten, which can strip threads or crush the timber. It takes ten minutes and prevents most creaks and wobbles.

Check the slats at the same time. Make sure each slat is seated properly in its holder and none are cracked or bowed. Replace damaged slats promptly, because a weak slat lets the mattress sag and puts uneven load on the frame.

Avoid jumping or standing on the bed, and discourage children from using it as a trampoline. Sudden impact loads are hard on any frame and harder still on one with a mechanism inside.

Caring for fabric upholstery

Fabric TV beds benefit from a light, regular routine rather than occasional deep cleaning.

• Vacuum the headboard, side rails and footboard every week or two with a soft upholstery brush. Dust works into the weave over time and dulls the colour.
• Deal with spills immediately. Blot with a clean, dry cloth, working from the outside in. Do not rub, which spreads the stain and damages the fibres.
• Test any cleaning product on a hidden area first, and always follow the care instructions for your specific fabric.
• Brush velvet and other pile fabrics gently in the direction of the pile to lift pressure marks.

Sunlight can fade upholstery over time. If your bed sits in strong direct sun, lined curtains or blinds during the brightest part of the day help protect the colour.

Caring for faux leather

Faux leather is straightforward to look after. Wipe it down with a soft, slightly damp cloth every week or two, then dry it with a clean cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive pads and solvent based cleaners, which can dull or crack the surface.

Keep faux leather away from direct heat. A headboard pressed against a radiator, or a frame next to a heater, can dry out over time. Leave a gap so air can circulate.

Mattress care supports the frame

The mattress and the frame work together. A sagging or unevenly worn mattress places uneven load on the slats and can make the bed feel tired long before the frame itself is worn out.

Rotate the mattress from head to foot every few months, and turn it if it is a double sided design. Use a breathable mattress protector to keep it clean, and air the bed by pulling back the covers for a while each morning. When the time comes, our modern mattresses UK sale range covers every standard UK size.

Firmness labels can be confusing when replacing a mattress. Our piece comparing mattress firmness labels with UK indentation testing explains what to look for.

Looking after storage bases

If your TV bed has an ottoman base, check the gas struts occasionally. They should lift the platform smoothly and hold it securely when open. If the base starts to drift down or feels heavy to lift, the struts may need replacing.

Do not overfill the storage well. Overpacking puts pressure on the base panel and makes the lid harder to close. Keep heavy items spread evenly across the base rather than piled at one end.

Protecting the television

Lower the screen when you are not watching. It protects the television from knocks and dust, and keeps the room looking tidy. Dust the screen with a dry microfibre cloth rather than spraying cleaner directly onto it, and keep the area around the housing free of liquids.

Moving house with a TV bed

If you move home, take the bed apart rather than trying to carry it assembled. Remove the television first and pack it separately in its original box if you still have it. Lower the lift fully, switch off and unplug the bed, then dismantle it in the reverse order of assembly.

Keep all bolts, washers and small fittings together in a labelled bag, taped to the headboard or footboard. Wrap the footboard housing carefully, since it contains the mechanism and is the most delicate part of the bed. When you reassemble in your new home, follow the same steps as the first time: hand tighten, square the frame, tighten fully and test the lift before refitting the screen.

A simple care calendar

• Weekly or fortnightly: vacuum or wipe the upholstery, dust the screen, clear the footboard lid.
• Every three months: check and tighten frame fixings, inspect slats, rotate the mattress.
• Every six months: check the power cable, test the ottoman struts, look over the lift for any changes in sound or speed.
• As needed: spot clean spills straight away, brush pile fabrics to lift marks.

Good care across the whole bedroom follows the same principles. Our guide to bedside cabinets for UK bedrooms that last for decades looks at the build quality details worth checking on any long term piece, from joints and runners to finishes.

Find TV beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture designed for everyday use at Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a TV bed last?

With careful assembly, sensible use and routine maintenance, a well made TV bed should give many years of service. The lift, frame and upholstery each benefit from regular checks.

What is the most common cause of TV bed lift problems?

Obstructions on or around the footboard lid, and screens that exceed the stated size or weight limit, are the most common issues. Keeping the lid clear prevents most problems.

How often should I tighten the bolts on my bed?

Every three or four months is a good routine. Tighten gently and avoid overtightening.

Can I use any television on a TV bed?

Only one within the maximum screen size and weight stated for your mechanism. Check both figures before buying a new television.