Bedroom

Published August 18, 2026

8 min

How to Attach a Headboard to Your Nectar Adjustable Base

Headboard brackets, step-by-step installation, and everything to know before you start — so your setup goes smoothly.

A man and woman lying in an adjustable bed with an attached headboard

Table of contents

Do You Have the Right Brackets?What's in the BoxHow to Attach the Headboard: Step-by-StepTips for a Smooth InstallTroubleshootingReady to Start Using Your Adjustable BaseFrequently Asked Questions

One of the most common questions after an adjustable base arrives: can I still use a headboard with this? The answer is yes — and it's more doable than it looks. Nectar's headboard bracket system is designed to work with standard headboards, and the full install can realistically be done in about an hour with two people and no power tools.This guide walks through the complete process, from checking compatibility to tightening the last bolt, including the things worth knowing before you start.

Do You Have the Right Brackets?

If you ordered a Willow or Hampton headboard at the same time as your Nectar adjustable base on the Nectar website, brackets were automatically added to your cart and you should have everything you need. If the headboard came separately (ordered later, or not a Nectar brand headboard), reach out to Nectar's customer support to have brackets added to your order.A note on compatibility: Nectar's brackets work with most standard headboards, but not universally. Some headboards have mounting holes in positions that need extender plates to bridge the gap, which aren't sold by Nectar and would need to come from a hardware store. If compatibility seems unlikely, a universal adjustable bracket kit is a solid alternative. (Search "Adjustable Headboard Brackets for Metal Bed Frame with Footboard Extension Kit – Universal Fit" for the right type.) Wall mounting is always an option too — it maintains the base's full range of motion and keeps a traditional bedroom feel.One important thing to know upfront: using a non-Nectar headboard does not affect your adjustable base trial or warranty in any way.

What's in the Box

Before starting, lay everything out so nothing gets lost mid-install.From the headboard bracket box:

2 inner headboard brackets
2 outer headboard brackets
2 retainer bolts
2 washers
Allen key wrench

From the headboard box (Willow or Hampton):

2 bolts (J)
2 washers (L)
2 washers (K)
2 nuts (N)
Wrench (O)
Hex wrench (P)

Having two people available for this is worth it — particularly for the steps that involve lifting and repositioning the base.

How to Attach the Headboard: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assemble the Headboard Support Legs

Place the headboard flat on the floor. With one person holding the headboard and another holding a support leg (B), align the mounting positions on the headboard to the top and middle mounting positions on the support leg. Attach using bolts (J), washers (K), and lock washer (M), tightened with the hex wrench (P). Don't fully tighten yet — final headboard height can be adjusted later. Repeat for the other support leg.

Step 2: Flip the Adjustable Base

Turn the adjustable base over so the top side faces down. This gives you access to the leg installation holes at the head end of the frame.

Step 3: Remove the Head Section Leg

Unscrew the leg at the head section by turning it counterclockwise. Set it nearby — you'll need it in the next step.

Step 4: Slide In the Inner Bracket

Slide one inner headboard bracket over the leg installation hole. Before moving on, double-check that the opening of the bracket faces away from the adjustable base — this is the most common installation mistake, and catching it now saves you from backtracking later.

Step 5: Reattach the Leg

Screw the leg back in clockwise until secure. This locks the inner bracket in place. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 on the opposite side of the head section.

Step 6: Attach the Outer Brackets

Return the adjustable base to its upright position. Move both the base and headboard close to their final position in the room before continuing — it's much easier to adjust spacing and alignment at this stage than after everything is bolted down.Slide each outer bracket so its open side goes onto the exposed square tube of the inner bracket. Insert a retainer bolt with a washer through the outer bracket and into the inner bracket, and tighten with the Allen key wrench — snug, but not fully tight yet. Leaving a little slack makes the spacing check in the next step easier. Repeat on the other side.

Step 7: Check Spacing and Alignment

Before locking everything down, confirm there's 1.5 to 2 inches (38.1–50.8 mm) of space between the edge of the base and the headboard brackets. The bottom of the headboard cross member should sit no more than 3 inches above the top of the mattress once everything is in place.If alignment is off, loosen the retainer bolts slightly, reposition the brackets, and retighten.

Step 8: Attach the Headboard

Align the headboard holes with the bracket slots. Using bolts (J) with washers (L) and (K), secure with nuts (N). Tighten fully using wrench (O) and hex wrench (P). Once you've confirmed alignment, go back and fully tighten the support leg bolts from Step 1 as well.

Step 9: Place the Mattress

Place your mattress on the adjustable base. Installation is complete.

Tips for a Smooth Install

A few things that tend to save time:

Do Steps 3–5 on both sides before moving on — getting both inner brackets locked in before flipping the base back over keeps the workflow cleaner.
Don't overtighten the outer brackets before checking alignment — it's much easier to reposition when there's still a little give in the bolts.
Check for wall contact before finalizing — once the headboard is in, verify there's clearance between the headboard and the wall. Contact during elevation changes is a common source of noise.
Have the video queued up — if any step feels unclear from the instructions, Nectar's video walkthrough covers the full install visually. Worth bookmarking before you start.

Troubleshooting

Headboard feels loose or wobbly. Tighten all bolts using both the Allen key and the wrench. Confirm the headboard is centered and all bracket positions are fully locked.Bracket holes aren't lining up. Loosen the bolts slightly to give yourself more flexibility, then re-confirm correct slot positioning before retightening.Bracket isn't sitting flush. Check that you're using the correct mounting holes, remove any obstructing hardware, and reposition along the bracket slots.Noise when the base moves. All bolts should be fully tightened. Check that the headboard isn't contacting the wall or pressing against the adjustable base — both surfaces can transmit noise during elevation changes.

Ready to Start Using Your Adjustable Base

With the headboard secured, Nectar's adjustable base is ready to do what it's built for: personalized head and foot elevation, programmable memory positions, and a setup that actually fits how you sleep. If you haven't had a chance to explore the wireless remote and app yet, that's the next worthwhile step.And if you have a video of the install you'd like to add here — drop it in and the visual walkthrough will make a helpful companion to this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are headboard brackets included with a Nectar adjustable base?If you ordered a Willow or Hampton headboard at the same time as your adjustable base on the Nectar website, brackets are automatically added to your cart. If the headboard was purchased separately, reach out to Nectar's customer support to have brackets added to your order.Will using a non-Nectar headboard void my warranty?No. Using a headboard that isn't a Nectar brand product has no effect on your adjustable base trial or warranty.What if the brackets don't work with my headboard?Some headboards need extender plates or additional hardware to bridge mounting gaps — those can typically be found at a hardware store. If the brackets ultimately aren't compatible, wall mounting is a practical alternative that keeps the base's full range of motion intact.What tools do I need?The Allen key wrench is included in the bracket box. You'll also need a standard wrench, which comes with the headboard hardware. No power tools are required.How long does installation take?With two people, most installs run about an hour from start to finish.Can I use any adjustable base headboard bracket kit?Nectar's brackets are designed specifically for Nectar adjustable bases. If you're looking for a third-party option, a universal adjustable bracket kit — the type marketed for metal bed frames with footboard extension — is worth exploring.