How to Attach a Headboard to a Bed Frame?
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Feb 13, 2023
A headboard is an upright panel attached behind the head of a bed. They protect the sleepers from drafts banging into the wall and add to the bedroom's aesthetics. Almost every headboard can fit a standard bed frame, provided they are the same size as your bed frame. Attaching the headboard to the bed frame is not challenging if you follow the proper steps.
Here we will discuss how to attach a headboard to a bed frame, install a headboard, types of headboards, and how to choose a headboard based on your mattress size.
Can a Headboard Be Attached to Any Bed Frame?
Yes! A standard bed frame is made to hold any headboard. The bed frame has brackets with four horizontal slots, one above the other. These enable you to install any headboard or raise it a few inches if needed.
A headboard-compatible bed frame is easy to find. For convenience, the bed frames are designed to be compatible with all the headboards. Even the installation process is easy and requires a few tools.
Popular Headboard Installation Options
There are so many options you can select from. You can pick headboards based on the size, material, design, purpose, and installation options. The design and size are a matter of preference, but the installation process depends on the type of headboard you have in your bedroom.
Wall Mounted Headboard
Tall and extra-wide headboards are attached to the wall for better support and balance. Because of that, they provide enough support when you lean against them while sitting in bed. Tall and wide headboards fit best with large platform beds like a queen, king, or California king.
Tall headboards are so long - 65 to 70 inches - that they can cover the entire length of the wall, while extra-wide headboards are 95 to 100 inches wide, extending beyond the width of a mattress.
Headboards are 3 to 4 inches wider than a bed frame but extra-wide headboards are 25 to 30 inches wider than the bed frame. If you choose an extra-wide headboard, you don't have to worry about the size as these headboards work well with the beds like a king, queen, or cal king size.
How to Install a Wall Mounted Headboard
- Decide on how high you want the headboard to be by holding it against the wall.
- Mark the points with a pencil where you want to position your headboard.
- Measure the length between the hooks behind your headboard. Make sure you measure from below the marked upper side to classify two points to hang your headboard. But, ensure that these points are located on supporting elements such as studs. So, you will need to find them, and you can use a stud finder for it.
- Drill holes into these points to fix the fitting elements included with your headboard. If your headboard does not come with suitable parts, you can buy French cleats, z-clips, or wall anchors from the store. Once they are installed, it isn't wrong to test them to ensure they are fixed properly.
- After installing the fitting elements, you can mount a headboard to the wall. Given the headboard size, you may need help from a second person.
- Once you mount the headboard, push the bed frame against the wall to align it correctly with the headboard.
Freestanding Headboard
It's effortless to install a freestanding headboard as these headboards are thick and can stand upright without additional support. You don't need to mount them to anything, unlike frame-mounted headboards that must be mounted on metal bed frames and wall-mounted headboards that need to be attached to the wall. Generally, they have bookshelves or storage spaces and are 10 to 12 inches thick. They do not come with pre-drilled holes or attachment hardware, but they can easily be secured with a wall or bed frame mount.
How to Install a Freestanding Headboard
- Remove your bed and place the freestanding headboard.
- Move back your bed against the headboard.
Bed Frame Mounted Headboard
Some bed frames come with headboards. When you buy a separate one, ensure that the width of the mounting holes on both sides joins with your frame for a perfect fit. If you still want to install a headboard, you can attach almost every standard-size headboard to bed frames.
Your headboard can be as wide as your bed frame or 3 to 4 inches wider. That is why you should not mix the sizes. For instance, a queen headboard goes perfectly with a queen platform bed.
How to Install a Bed Frame Mounted Headboard
- Align the holes behind your bed with the struts of the headboard.
- After aligning the holes, hold it straight and tighten the bolts through the mounting holes. You will need someone to help you with this step.
- Use a washer to ensure tightness. Do the process with both legs.
- Check if the headboard is positioned correctly. If you like the way it looks, tighten the bolts using a wrench or pliers.
How to Attach a Headboard to a Wooden Bed Frame?
It’s simple to attach a headboard to a wooden bed frame as it is easy to drill a wooden frame.
- Gather the tools: place the headboard on the floor with its face-down. You might need tools like bolts, washers, wrench, nuts, wall mounts, screws, drywall anchor, 5mm Allen key, and 4mm Allen key.
- Attach legs to the headboard: Attach the legs to the headboard with big bolts and washers using a 5mm Allen key.
- Attach the headboard to the bed frame: Finally, attach it to the wooden frame using smaller bolts, nuts, and washers with a 4mm Allen key.
How to Attach a Headboard to a Bed Frame Without Holes?
If you want to avoid drilling holes in your bed frame or wall, it’s best to buy a freestanding headboard. Due to their thickness, freestanding headboards will stand between the bed frames and headboards without any additional support. In this case, you don’t need any special tools to attach the headboard to the bed frame.
How to Attach a Headboard to a Platform Bed?
The process of adding a headboard to a platform bed is similar to that of connecting to a wooden bed. You can also buy platform beds that come with an attached headboard.
How to Attach a Headboard to an Adjustable Bed Frame?
Adjustable beds are very comfortable, and a headboard will make it look even better. The steps to attach a headboard to an adjustable bed are the same as that of a standard bed. You can attach a wall-mounted, frame-mounted, or free-standing headboard to an adjustable bed frame.
How to Attach a Headboard to a Metal Bed Frame?
- Remove the mattress from the metal bed frame.
- Move the headboard where it should be after the installation.
- Drill a hole in the front side of the metal bed frame to align with the holes in the headboard.
- Assemble a bed frame with headboard using bolts, nuts, and screws.
- Put the mattress and padding back.
How to Attach a Headboard to a Box Spring?
Attaching a headboard to a bed frame can be a daunting task. As box springs are mostly covered with fabric, you cannot see the wooden part in them. Also, the wooden parts in the box spring are not sturdy and durable as the wooden bed frame makes it difficult to attach a headboard to a box spring. So, don't attach a headboard to a bed frame as it will damage it.
Instead, You can use a free-standing or wall-mounted headboard with a box spring which will be more decorative and add style to your bedroom.
How to Choose a Headboard?
If you are looking for a headboard, there are various options. Depending on features, materials, installation process, size, and intended use, we can divide the headboards. Let’s discuss this briefly to help you make the right choice.
Material
- Wooden Headboards: Wooden headboards or classic headboards can be easily re-decorated or painted. Earlier, these were used to prevent cold. Nowadays, people buy wooden headboards for decoration purposes.
- Metal Headboard: A metal headboard can give your bedroom a vintage or modern look. You can paint it according to your preference.
- Upholstered Headboard: The upholstered headboard of a bed is famous for being comfortable, elegant, and luxurious. Upholstered headboards can be made from various types of fabric, like linen, velvet, and leather. They are decorated with metal buttons. These headboards can be padded or tufted. Padded headboards are comfortable, and tufted headboards have fancy details.
Installation Options
- Freestanding Headboards: Freestanding headboards are the most convenient headboards. You only have to place the headboard between the wall and the bed frame. You don’t require any drilling or tools for installation.
- Bed Frame Mounted Headboards: Bed frame-mounted headboards give an all-in-one set look. The headboard looks like a part of your bed.
- Wall Mounted Headboards: Floating headboards go with all types of bed frames. You have to directly attach the headboard to the wall.
Size
Your headboard should match the size of your bed so that your bed looks pleasant. For example, if you have a king size bed, you will need a larger king size headboard. Remember wider beds need a taller headboard to look suitable with your bed. Also, consider the size of the room. Choose the larger or extra-wide headboard if you have enough space.
Headboard connected to the bed frame provides comfort, support as well as a luxurious feel. It’s easy to choose a headboard, but attaching a headboard to a bed frame is tricky. However, with these elaborated steps and tips, we have tried to make it easy for you.
However, the right headboard is the one that suits your preferences and needs. But if you are looking for an easy-to-install option, you can go for a freestanding headboard.
