How to Attach a Headboard to a Bed Frame
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Want to transform a kids’ room into a chic guest room, transition your little one from tweenhood to teenhood, or bring a quick and easy refresh to a bedroom that feels tired? With the right headboard, a few nuts and bolts, and some elbow grease, you can change the entire look and feel of a sleep space. (Not to mention stop your pillows from falling behind the bed… Isn’t that just the worst?!) To help you get the project done, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to attach a headboard to a bed frame. By the end, you’ll be a headboard-hanging pro!
When you’re looking for headboards to attach to your bed, you should first check that your headboard is actually bed-mounted, as opposed to wall-mounted or freestanding. Most bed-mounted headboards come with holes drilled on either side of the legs at the top end of the bed. Make sure that the specifications on both the frame and the headboard match up, or measure manually to double check. As long as everything aligns, then you’re good to go. While you’re there, see if your mattress is passing the test, too. If it’s been a while, it might be time for an upgrade.
What You’ll Need
- Bolts or screws
- Washers and nuts, to secure bolts
- Screwdriver, wrench, or Allen key (specified by the headboard spec sheet)
- Bracket modifier (not always necessary, but helps if there are major differences in width between headboard and bed frame)
- Pliers
How to Attach a Headboard to a Bed Frame
Step 1: Check Your Materials
Move your bed away from your walls to give yourself room to work from all sides. If your headboard came with nuts, bolts, and washers, great! If not, be sure to procure the right-sized bolts, nuts, and washers before you start assembling. Always read the instructions and spec sheet to ensure you’re purchasing the correct size.
Depending on your bed frame, it could also have a different attachment type. The most common are bolt-on and hook-on. Make sure that whichever headboard you choose matches the attachment type of the bed frame.
Step 2: Line Up the Supports
Grab your headboard and line up the bracket holes of the headboard to the bracket holes of the bed frame. (We recommend enlisting the help of a friend for this!) Your bed frame will likely have multiple rows of holes so you can customize the headboard height. Position your headboard at the height that works best with your setup.
Step 3: Secure the Headboard to the Frame
Then, secure the headboard struts into the bed frame with the bolts (or screws) determined by the headboard’s instruction manual. Once it’s at your preferred height on either side, use the washers and nuts to secure the headboard in place. Don’t tighten your bolts just yet, though; you’ll want to make sure that everything is in the right place first. Check that your headboard is aligned properly, and if not, make adjustments. Repeat this process with all of the attachment points.
Step 4: Tighten It Up
When all of the bolts are in place and your headboard is positioned properly, use a wrench or pliers to tighten everything. Put the bed back where it goes, and step back to admire your work. Congratulations on a job well done!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my headboard is compatible with my bed frame?
If your plan is to attach a new headboard to your existing bed frame (or vice versa), take note of the location and measurements of the pre-drilled holes, and cross check the specifications on the headboard before you buy. If you’re getting both a new headboard and a new bed frame, make sure that the specifications are the same.
Do all beds have holes for headboards?
Do I have to attach my headboard to the wall, too?
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