Fixing a headboard on an adjustable bed: a practical guide (2023)

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Headboards used to protect the head from drafts. That was back then, when homes weren't as warm and cozy as they are today. While we don't need them in the old-fashioned sense anymore, you can add a headboard to make your room more stylish or to match other bedroom furniture. Your adjustable bed frame may already come with headboard brackets, so you can easily attach a headboard. If not, you will need to take some additional steps.

Attach a headboard to an adjustable bed frame in a few simple steps

Make sure you have bedside brackets or buy new ones

Some bed frames already have headboard supports. If this is your case, all you need to do is get a matching header and make sure you have all the screws to secure the brackets to the new header. If your bed does not have supports, you will need to purchase some, preferably from the bed frame manufacturer.

Here is an example of a headboard bracket set. Includes support rails (square end ones), header flanges (T shaped ones), bolts and nuts. You can get zip ties in different shapes.

Instead of a pair of square mounting rails that fit the bed frame, you may receive two pairs of items: a pair of mounting brackets and a pair of flat mounting rails, like this one:

In either case, you will need pieces on the left and right sides of the bed that will attach to the bed frame and pieces that will attach to the headboard.

Bed frames may come with headboard accessories, but headboards do not. Therefore, after ordering a headboard, you should not expect to receive a headboard stand. Also note that many kits don't even come with a set of screws that must be used to secure the platform support flanges to the actual platform. The size of these screws will depend on the thickness and style of your headboard.

attachment types

Most brackets are screw-on. This means that there are holes where you need to insert screws.

The other type is a mounting hook, which you can see below.

Screw mounts are more secure but can take a little longer to install. Snap-on supports are easy to put on and remove, so they can be useful for people who move or change beds frequently. You need to decide what kind of headboard accessory you prefer.

Prepare and make room for work.

Organize your bedroom and move all furniture away from the bed. lift your headadjustable bedso that the headrest is easily accessible.

Make sure your header support kit has these Screws that hold the flanges to the head. Some kits only have screws that secure the support channels to the bed and the flanges to the support channels, but are missing the large screws needed to secure the headboard to the flanges.

Position the headboard against the wall and keep the bed frame close for easy connection. Headboard width should be between the width of the bed frame and up to four inches wider.

Finally, ask someone for help; you will likely need someone to hold the headboard while you insert and tighten the screws.

Attach Brackets and Header

Exactly how you attach the clips will depend on the clip type, but most follow a similar (or the same) attachment method.

• Use the 3-inch shipping screws to secure the headboard support rails to the bed frame.
• Slide a washer onto the bolt and place a nut on it. Tighten by hand, but leave room for movement. Do this on both sides.
• Now attach the head support flanges to both channels in the support with the 1/2” screws and hand tighten. You now have two loosely connected sets.
• Lower the slat frame to the flat position for the next step.
• Take a tape measure and make sure the flanges are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches from the edge of the mattress. Slide the assembly in or out until this measurement is reached. That's because you don't want the mattress and/or box spring touching the headboard.To moveabove or below.
• Return the bed to the raised position.
• Tighten the long screws when both assemblies are properly spaced. Do not tighten the zips yet.

• Measure the distance between the platform mounting holes.

• Measure the distance between the flanges. The holes in the flange must line up with the holes in the cylinder head. If they do not match, adjust the flanges in or out until they fit.

• Tighten the head support flange bolts.
• Attach platform to flanges.

Observe a lacuna!

When finished, double-check the gap between the adjustable frame and the headboard. People with young children should be aware of this space, as children can get trapped in it while playing.

It should hit the sweet spot: leave enough room for the headboard not to get in the way of the bed's fit, but even when the bed is in the lowered position, it shouldn't be too far from the headboard.

Headboards that do not attach directly to the adjustable bed

Many adjustable beds have a traditional headboard, but you can also use a wall-mounted "floating" headboard or a freestanding headboard.

floating headboards

Mounting the headboard to the wall gives more stability and a bed that can be easily moved.

People often choose to mount tall, extra-wide headboards on the wall. In general, all super heavy headboards need extra stability, so mounting them on the wall is much better.

You don't have to worry about size compatibility either, because the extra-wide headboards look great with both queen and king beds.

You need someone to help you hold the board.

To install a floating headboard:

• Place the headboard against the wall to see where you want to place it. Hold it to decide how high you want it. Ideally, the bottom edge of the headboard should be a few centimeters below themattressup so that the wall is not visible.
• Use a pencil to mark the top and bottom edges. Also, mark the center of the headboard on the wall by drawing a straight line.
• Now place the headboard upside down on the bed or the floor and draw a line down the center of the board. If the material is dark, then glue a light-colored ribbon and draw a line on it.
• Inspect the back of the board for solid wood or other solid support to hold the clasps.
• Use a stud finder (a device that locates studs in walls) to make sure it is safe to place the fasteners.
• It would be perfect if the fixed points of your headboard matched perfectly with the studs in your walls. If not, you can first place a wall plate over two adjacent studs for support.
• Lighter headboards may need about two supports and heavier ones may need three or four supports.
• Be sure to evenly space the brackets and take careful measurements so that the brackets on the wall perfectly match those on the headboard.
• Install headboard clips pointing down and wall clips pointing up. That way they will fit together when you hang the headboard.
• If you've added a board to the wall for support, chances are the headboard will sway from side to side. To fix it, use another board of the same thickness, but this time glue it to the back of the headboard.
• If you are not completely satisfied with the placement of the brackets and want to move the headboard up or down a bit, don't move the ones on the wall, move the ones on the headboard.

independent headboards

These headboards are thick and stand alone as shelves (sometimes they have tops that double as bookcases) or are U-shaped and "hug" the bed.

Either way, these headboards come in a variety of options, from wooden to upholstered shelving.

They're also easy to install: just slide the headboard to the back of the bed and snap the bed back into place. You can always drill holes and even put in a freestanding header, but it's not really necessary.

final result

When trying to figure out how to put a headboard on an adjustable bed, the first thing to check is whether you already have the supports or need to buy new ones. Also make sure you have the large screws that secure the brackets to the headboard.

Secure the brackets loosely at first and tighten when you have the correct measurements. Then attach the headboard to the brackets.

If you want a big, heavy headboard for your adjustable bed, consider wall mounting it. Finally, you can also use one of the freestanding headboards. They are the most difficult, but also the easiest to install, that is, just lean against the wall.

When you're done, take a break and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Related product reviews:

• Amerisleep adjustable bed base
• The best box spring beds
• Zinus bed frame

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