Can’t figure out how to attach a headboard to a bed frame?
If you’ve recently purchased a headboard for your bed but don’t know the procedure of installing it, you’ve landed on the right page. They have become an essential component of your bed for both comfort and aesthetics.
Headboards come in numerous dimensions to match the size of your bed. Hence, before you start attaching, consider taking measurements of the headboard and bed frame.
Other than that, various types of bed frames are available, each with unique characteristics and ways of attachment. So let’s dive into how you should select one.
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How To Select a Suitable Headboard
The first step in making the right purchase is to determine the size of your bed frame. Check the back of your bed and measure the distance between the screw holes on either side. The exact distance should be between the struts of your headboard for it to fit perfectly.
Next, measure the total height of your bed, including the mattress and the bed frame. This will assist in determining the height of the headboard that will be visible. In any case, the height of the headboard should never exceed the overall length of your bed.
Lastly, check out the different materials used in the construction of the headboard. You have the freedom to select one based on your preferences as long as the headboard follows the measurements you’ve taken.
Here are the different types of headboards to make it easier for you. The following headboards are categorized according to the material used in their manufacturing.
The different types of headboards
Metal Headboard
Wrought iron, copper, steel, aluminum, and brass.
Wooden Headboard
Wooden base and can be decorated using metal and fabric.
Upholstered Headboard
Various fabrics such as leather, velvet, and linen with metal buttons.
Tufted or padded.
Furthermore, headboards are classified based on their style.
Freestanding Headboard
Materials for attachment are not required.Can be attached to either the wall or the bed frame.
Traditional Headboard
Classic design.Mostly made from wood.Attaches to the bed frame directly.
Modern Headboard
Contemporary design.Uses metal and glass in construction.
Slat Headboard
Consists of vertical and/or horizontal slats.Slats are usually made of wood.
How To Attach a Headboard to a Bed Frame
Before you proceed with attaching your headboard to the bed frame, you have to gather the required tools.
Here’s a list of all the essential supplies you’ll need:
- Wrench
- Bolts (M6 and M8)
- Washers (big and small)
- Nuts
- Screws
- Allen keys (4mm and 5mm)
- Drywall anchor
- Headboard mount
The process varies with the type of headboard you wish to attach. If you have a standard headboard, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Get Your Tools and Headboard Ready for Assembly
To start, bring your tools and headboard to where you intend to assemble your bed pieces. Remember to lay the headboard facing down on the floor. Also, maintain a distance between the bed and the wall so that you have enough space to work comfortably.
Step 2: Attach the Struts to the Headboard
First, locate the holes at the backside of your headboard and align them with the holes of the struts. Typically, these holes come installed, and you don’t have to do the additional work. Insert the screws in these holes and tighten them with a 5mm Allen key
In some circumstances, the headboard holes are covered under the fabric, so it becomes difficult for you to locate them. Therefore, you’ll have to poke a screwdriver to expose them.
Step 3: Attach and Secure the Bed Frame to Your Headboard
Now, place the headboard with its front facing the bed frame. Then, locate the built-in holes of the headboard and align them with the bed frame’s screw holes. Install a bolt, washer, and a nut in each gap of the bracket.
Begin tightening the bolts in place using a 4mm Allen key. This will ensure that the headboard is securely mounted into the bed frame. Be careful not to tighten it all the way in at this initial stage since this will lock the headboard's movement and snaps the screw heads.
It is also recommended to have a peer help you out in keeping the headboard in a steady position. However, if there’s nobody around for assistance, use a heavy object to put against the headboard to hold it upright.
Step 4: Adjust the Height of Your Headboard
Put your mattress on top of the bed frame to better understand how high you want the headboard relative to it. Now, adjust the height of the headboard as you see fit. You can elevate or lower the headboard by adjusting its struts to the desired level.
This step is easier to implement if the bolts are already loosened. Once you’re satisfied with the height, make sure both sides of the headboard are leveled. Afterward, you may fully tighten the bolts to secure them in place.
If all the steps above are carefully followed, you shouldn’t have any problems attaching the headboard to the bed frame.
As there are a variety of bed types in the market, the method for mounting a headboard may vary slightly. To further aid you in this regard, here are a few additional techniques you may follow if your headboard and head frame are different from the usual.
How To Attach a Headboard to Different Types of Beds
Before we proceed, let’s take a look at a few types of beds that will be useful in the later discussion:
- Platform Bed: It provides a strong and sturdy base to your mattress, eliminating the need for a box spring. Platform beds are at a closer distance from the ground (around 12 inches) compared to other types.
- Divan Bed: This bed appears similar to a mattress. It is manufactured using a wooden frame enclosed in a thick fabric. The base also houses storage boxes for an organized look of the room.
- Adjustable Bed: This type of bed usually comes without a headboard. It has several hinges at multiple points, allowing you to adjust the bed at different positions.
For a Platform Bed
A platform bed has a base that extends out from the dimensions of the mattress. Since these beds are generally lower, it’s best to buy a headboard with a reduced height for perfect symmetry.
Attaching a headboard to a platform bed requires you to follow the same procedure as mentioned above. An additional step is to place a wooden slat horizontally across the bed frame for more stability.
For a Divan Bed
Most people who own Divan beds don’t prefer drilling holes into their beds. For this reason, the most suitable option for them is to buy free-standing headboards to avoid inserting extra bolts and screws for stability.
Here’s what you need to do to attach a headboard with a Divan bed:
- Locate the holes in your Divan bed by feeling through the fabric. However, the latest Divan beds have stickers to specify the position of these holes.
- Insert the knurled knobs through the free-standing headboard and into the bed.
- Use a wrench to secure the knobs tightly.
If you need a visual tutorial to understand better, here’s a short Youtube video you should watch.
For an Adjustable Bed
As most adjustable beds don’t come with a headboard, you end up without back support. For this reason, many individuals opt for attaching a headboard on their own.
You can also learn how to do it by following the steps below:
Step One: Examine the bed frame to determine whether it has built-in brackets for attaching the headboard. If not, you will need to buy the compatible brackets separately.
Step Two: Scan the headboard to see what type of attachment option it has, bolt-on or hook-on. The former has drilled holes, while the latter uses slits for the attachment of hooks.
Step Three: Now proceed to attach the brackets of your headboard to the adjustable bed frame.
Step Four: Since this type of bed requires room to adjust to different positions, leave a space of about 2 inches between the bed frame and the headboard. Then, secure the brackets by tightening the bolts.
Step Five: Ensure that all the components are perfectly lined up by matching the headboard flanges with the struts.
Step Six: Finally, attach the headboard and hold it in place by using bolts.
How To Hang a Headboard From Start To Finish
Final Thoughts
Attaching a headboard to a bed frame is not as complicated as it may seem. It will only take an hour if you have the necessary equipment and determination. However, you’ll need to read through this entire guide and not skip any steps.
A few things you should never forget while mounting any type of headboard to your bed frame are:
- Take measurements of your bed to choose the best headboard accordingly.
- Never over-tighten the screws and bolts at an early stage
- Make sure that all headboard parts are balanced on both sides.
This brings us to the end of the guide. If you further face any problems, feel free to let us know in the comments section below. We’ll try our best to help you out.
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