Symptoms
- Lid falls shut when let go
- Hinge arm disconnected or visibly bent
- Lid doesn't sit flush when closed
Likely causes
- CommonWorn or failed gas strut/lift supportSimilar to a car trunk strut, these lose pressure over time and stop holding the lid up.
- CommonHinge arm popped out of its mounting bracketThe connecting point can work loose or pop free from repeated use.
- PossibleBent or broken hinge hardwareOverloading the lid, like sitting on it while open, can bend the hinge.
What to do
- Open the lid and inspect the hinge or gas strut mechanism on both sides.
- If a strut or arm has popped out of its socket, try reseating it firmly by hand.
- Test if the strut still provides any resistance; if it moves freely with no resistance, it has failed and needs replacing.
- Measure the strut's length and mounting style, or take a photo, to find a matching replacement.
- Remove the failed strut's mounting screws, install the new strut in the same location, and secure it.
- Test the lid through several open-close cycles to confirm it now holds position safely.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
Ottoman lid gas strut/lift supportSearch: “storage ottoman lid support hinge”
When to call a pro
A furniture repair pro can source a matching strut if the exact original part isn't easy to find online.
Safety
Use caution
Keep fingers clear of the hinge area when testing, since a failed strut can let the heavy lid drop suddenly.