If you’ve just scoped out the perfect headboard to refresh your space and add some style to your bedroom, you’re now left with just one question: will this amazing find actually fit on the bed frame I already have at home? Beyond that, can a headboard be attached to any bed frame?
This might come as a surprise, but the answer is yes to both.
A standard bed frame is able to hold practically any type of headboard. That means you can spend more time picking out the perfect headboard and less time worrying about whether or not it will even work.
Before you go out and make your purchase, we’ll discuss how you can ensure your new headboard will fit your existing bed frame, plus the different headboard options, and how you can attach a headboard to a bed frame once you’ve got it.
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Deciding Which Headboard To Buy
As a prospective buyer, you have a lot of options. You can search for headboards based on material, installation options, design, size, and intended use.
The headboard material and design are all about personal preference; however, the installation method might depend on the type of bed frame you have and where you want to place your bed. From a practical standpoint, we’ll focus on the installation options and how they fit together with various bed frames and room configurations.
Which Bed Frames Can Be Attached to Headboards?
For the sake of convenience, the vast majority of headboards and bed frames are compatible. Frame-mounted headboards create a cohesive aesthetic and are an affordable and simple option for renters and homeowners alike. 2The installation process is straightforward and requires very few tools.
To see if your bed frame is compatible, examine near the head of the bed for headboard brackets. Most bed frames have four horizontally oblong bolt holes or slots arranged one above the other. These pre drilled holes accommodate multiple types of headboard designs and allow you to adjust the height of the headboard.
If your bed frame can’t accommodate a headboard for whatever reason, you can still enjoy the aesthetic and functionality of a headboard with two other popular installation options:
- Free-standing – These floor standing headboards are a convenient option that require no installation. Floor standing headboards are designed to stand on their own, usually in between your bed and the wall. This installation method is a perfect option for renters or anyone that shies away from a power tool.
- Wall-mounted – Homeowners and handypeople may choose to attach their headboard to the wall for a more permanent installation method. A floating headboard only works for certain bedroom arrangements where the head of the bed is pressed up against the wall. You won’t be able to rearrange your furniture on a whim, but this wall mounted headboard option does provide a clean and modern aesthetic that many people love.
Compared to a free standing headboard and wall mounted headboard, frame-mounted headboards are often preferable because they leave you with unlimited configuration options. You can place the bed at an angle, against a window, or in the middle of the room—the choice is yours!
As long as you have a standard bed frame, you should have no problem attaching your headboard to it. Also, don’t forget to make sure your headboard is the same bed size as your bed frame.
How Do You Attach a Headboard to a Bed Frame?
The actual process is relatively straightforward: you’re connecting headboard to bed frame, like adding two and two. After you’ve identified the appropriate headboard brackets to support a frame-mounted headboard, follow these twelve simple steps, and you’ll have your headboard up in no time:3
- Shift your bed away from the wall so you have room for the next steps.
- Position the headboard against the bed frame with the finished side facing the bed.
- Center the headboard legs in line with the bed frame’s brackets so the pre drilled holes on the legs align with at least two of the bolt holes in each of the brackets.
- Lift the headboard to the correct height, either by enlisting the help of a friend or by using a stack of books as makeshift support.
- If you don’t have an assistant on hand, use another piece of furniture to hold the headboard upright against the bed frame.
- Find a washer and bolt, which should be included with the fasteners for your headboard.
- Insert the bolt through the bracket and the aligned headboard leg hole.
- Slip a washer onto the bolt if it extends beyond the other side of the leg.
- Screw a nut onto the bolt until it’s nice and snug.
- Repeat this process with the remaining headboard bolts.
- Periodically examine that the headboard is still centered with the bed base as you use the remaining bolts.
- Tighten the headboard bolts using a wrench or pliers as a final safety measure.
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Sources:
- Hunker. How to Attach A Headboard to a Bed Frame. https://www.hunker.com/12157380/how-to-attach-a-headboard-to-a-bed-frame
- Mattress Nut. How to Attach a Headboard – Step-by-Step Guide. https://www.mattressnut.com/attach-headboard/
FAQs
How do I know if my headboard is compatible with my bed frame? ›
To see if your bed frame is compatible, examine near the head of the bed for headboard brackets. Most bed frames have four horizontally oblong bolt holes or slots arranged one above the other. These pre drilled holes accommodate multiple types of headboard designs and allow you to adjust the height of the headboard.
Can you attach any headboard to a platform bed frame? ›Many types of headboards can be added to a platform bed, whether it's made from metal or wood. Accurate measurements of the bed's height and width are important to ensure a good fit.
What is the purpose of a headboard on a bed? ›A headboard gives support to your bed, but most importantly it protects your wall against abrasion. As well as a headboard's practical uses, a headboard can also give your bedroom a very personal touch.
What is a freestanding headboard? ›What Are Floor Standing Headboards? A standing headboard is a separate headboard unit that stands directly on the floor. They are independent of the bed but this doesn't mean they wobble. They attach to a divan base using the same fixtures that strutted headboards use.
How do you support a freestanding headboard? ›Freestanding headboards can be supported by attaching them to the bed frame or by attaching them to the wall. Some headboards can stand alone without any support between the wall and the bed, but they need to have a depth to them that will allow them to stand without tipping.
How do you attach a headboard to a wood platform bed frame? ›Attaching Headboards to Platform Frames
Apply glue and screw them onto the insides of the legs with 3-inch screws, keeping them flush with the fronts of the legs. Now, put the headboard where you want it to be, ensuring it is tight against the bed's sides. Next, drill holes that face the bed.
Generally speaking, you can easily convert an existing bed into a platform bed with just a few tools. According to Pillow Bedding, there are two primary methods for converting a traditional bed frame into a platform bed: the slats method and the plywood method.
Can you put a platform bed on a regular bed frame? ›Usually, the answer is no. One of the reasons is because not all adjustable bases are a zero clearance. With zero clearance, when I adjust the feet up high, a lot of times, the legs will come down, and then it will hit the frame that's underneath. Also, platform beds generally sit a lot higher than a regular bed frame.
What can I use instead of a headboard? ›Some popular headboard alternatives include hanging a large tapestry or piece of art on the wall behind the bed. Another option is to use a screen or set of curtains. And if you're short on space, you can even opt for a headboard-less bed. So, whether you choose to go with a headboard or not is entirely up to you.
Are headboards outdated? ›Short answer is: no, headboards are far from outdated. They've got a long lifespan and will have a place in our homes for years to come. From a stylistic perspective, it all comes down to the look and feel you want to have in your room and choosing a headboard that compliments your vision.
Do you sleep better with a headboard? ›
Stabilizes the Bed
It doesn't make for a very restful night of sleep. By adding a headboard to the frame, you stabilize the bed. You will minimize the amount of movement, ensuring that you have a steady base all night long. A headboard and rails will provide even more stability for an even better night's sleep.
Yes, a headboard can be attached to any bed frame provided they are size compatible. For example, a twin headboard can be attached to a twin platform bed, bunk bed, or four-poster bed, but a twin headboard cannot be attached to a full size bed frame.
What is a floating headboard? ›A floating headboard, also known as a hanger headboard, is a headboard that is mounted on the wall at the head of your mattress instead of being attached to your bed frame. They add no stability to the bed itself, but create a beautiful accent with little to no hassle.
What is a hanging headboard? ›A wall mounted headboard or “floating headboard” is simply a headboard that is mounted to the wall rather than being attached to your bed frame. A wall mounted headboard uses screw or a mounting system. to hold it in place and ultimately has the same function as a standard headboard.
Do headboards need to be mounted? ›Yes, a headboard needs a frame. However, you can have a frame without a headboard if you choose. The way you attach a headboard to your frame completely depends on the headboard in question. It's important to ensure your headboard is compatible with your bed frame and vice versa.
How do attachable headboards work? ›Headboards work by attaching to the wall behind your bed, to the bed itself, or being freestanding behind the bed. Headboards can help decorate your bedroom, make your bed more comfortable, and provide storage space.
Does a headboard need to be against a wall? ›'Generally speaking the best position for a headboard is against a solid wall, and the worst is probably when in line with the door. Also, placing a headboard against the same wall that contains the bedroom door usually causes arguments, as the supportive influences of the headboard is disturbed.
What is the difference between a platform bed and a regular bed frame? ›What Is a Platform Bed? A platform bed is a low profile bed frame with a solid or slatted surface for mattress support. The standard height of a platform bed ranges between 5 to 12 inches. Other traditional bed frames such as sleigh beds, canopy beds, or four-poster beds may not adequately support a mattress.
What is the difference between a platform bed frame and a regular bed frame? ›A platform bed is a bed type featuring a large, sturdy base designed to hold a mattress and which does not require the extra support of a box spring or other mattress foundation. Many platform beds are designed a bit lower to the ground than regular bed types.
What is the difference between a bed frame and a platform? ›A platform bed is a type of bed frame that supports your mattress without the need for a box spring. Unlike traditional bed frames, platform beds are closer to the ground, and typically lift your bed about 12 inches off the ground.
Can I put mattress directly on slats? ›
Most mattress types can rest directly on the slats. Durable: Most modern box springs are made of a wooden frame wrapped in fabric—they offer height but very little support. Slats are much more supportive and will ensure your mattress doesn't sink or slide.
How much weight can a platform bed frame hold? ›King bed: 1200 lbs. Queen bed: 1000 lbs. Full bed: 1000 lbs.
Can you use bed frame without box spring? ›A box spring, specifically, is not always necessary. The important thing to keep in mind is that box springs do require the support of a separate bed frame (in most cases). If you have or prefer a basic metal bed frame with just one or two center support bars, you likely need a box spring to complete the set.
How do I find the right headboard? ›- Consider Focus. A headboard is a great way to add interest to a bedroom. ...
- Consider Function. Do you want to add a headboard that will just look pretty? ...
- Consider Size. Your headboard has to match the size of your bed to achieve an overall pleasing look. ...
- Consider Style. ...
- Consider Creativity.
The headboard size should be compatible with your mattress size for the perfect fit. Most twin, full, queen, king, and Cal king headboards are as wide as their compatible mattresses or 2 to 4 inches wider. The standard height varies between 14 to 58 inches, depending on the size of the bed.
Can you put a king headboard on a Queen frame? ›The king headboard is considerably wider than a queen size mattress and bed frame which measures a significant 16 inches narrower. By using a king headboard with a queen mattress and bed frame it would leave 8 inches of king size headboard exposed on each side of the mattress and would be very unattractive.
Can you put a queen headboard on a king bed frame? ›A move up from a queen to a king-size bed usually means a change to a king-sized headboard or bedframe, but it doesn't have to. When you love your current headboard or don't want to shell out any more money, you can easily use your queen headboard with your king bed.
How much higher than the bed should the headboard be? ›Standard headboards are 14 inches off the top of the mattress for twin beds, 28 inches for queen beds, and 58 inches for king and California king beds. However, there are short, tall, and adjustable headboards that fall outside of this range.
Do headboards need to be attached? ›Yes, a headboard needs a frame. However, you can have a frame without a headboard if you choose. The way you attach a headboard to your frame completely depends on the headboard in question. It's important to ensure your headboard is compatible with your bed frame and vice versa.
Should your headboard be against the wall? ›The head of your bed should be sitting securely against a solid wall. This means that you are supported from the back. I know it may seem like common sense, but I've seen people place the beds with the headboard in the middle of the room, or even the whole bed floating in the middle of the room.
Does a headboard make a room look smaller? ›
Make the room look bigger
But because the headboard is typically against a wall, it doesn't add bulk to the look. Instead, it can create the illusion that the walls stretch further away from the bed, especially if the floors around the bed are kept cleared of clutter.
The short answer is yes. However, you'll have to tap into your creative side to make up for the slight bed size difference between your full size mattress and your queen headboard.
How do you attach a headboard to a queen bed? ›- Attach the legs to the headboard. ...
- Find the holes already drilled into the bed base. ...
- Pierce the bed base fabric. ...
- Screw the bolt into the hole. ...
- Slide the headboard onto the bolt screws. ...
- Adjust the headboard to the correct height.
Full-size beds are shorter and more narrow than queen beds. A queen mattress measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. By comparison, a full mattress is 53 inches wide and 75 inches long.
What size bed frame would you need for a queen bed with a headboard only? ›The length of a queen size bed frame ranges from 70-90 inches long, depending on the material of the bed frame and whether or not there is a headboard. While wooden queen bed frames with a headboard can measure 90 feet long in total, metal queen bed frames without a headboard can be as short as 70-71 inches.
Can I convert my queen bed frame to a king? ›Yes, you can convert a queen bed frame into a king bed frame. Since the queen bed frame is not as wide as a king bed frame you can adjust the bed frame if it is a modular bed frame or a wooden bed frame that can be adjusted or changed by adding a bit of wood and nails and screws to the bed frame.
Can you use 2 twin headboards for a king? ›Yes, two twin beds can be put together. They will be the width of a king bed (76 inches), but slightly shorter in length. If you don't mind a little extra space near your headboard or at the foot of the bed, you can combine two twin beds in a king size bed frame.