How to Fit a Headboard
A headboard can make a world of difference to your bed set-up, giving you a more comfortable, supportive, and aesthetically pleasing space to sleep. If you've just found the headboard of your dreams but are wondering how exactly to attach it, you're in the right place.
At Happy Beds, our headboards are all fully compatible with our divan bed frames, meaning it's simple to attach them yourself at home. From the steps you need to take to FAQs, here's everything you need to know about how to attach a headboard to a bed.
How to put a headboard on a divan bed in 4 steps:
How do you attach a headboard to a bed? We've broken it down into four simple steps…
1. Decide where your headboard will be placed
Our divan beds come with headboard stickers on either end of the base to help show exactly where you should fit a headboard. Once you've located these, decide which end your headboard will be attached to, and pierce the centre of the stickers.
2. Fit the headboard struts
Your headboard will come with struts to attach. There will be four stapled areas at the back of the headboard; between these, you will be able to feel a hole for the screws.
Line up the holes in the struts to the holes in the headboard and screw them firmly in place using the bolts provided.
3. Attach the headboard screws
Your new headboard will come with the screws you need to attach it to a divan bed. Take two screws and press them into the holes you've already pierced on the base of the bed. You should be able to do this until you meet resistance. You can then screw the headboard screws clockwise to attach them to the base. Make sure not to screw them too tightly - leave just enough room for the headboard struts to slot into place. Around 4 to 5cm of thread should be enough.
4. Slot the headboard in place on your bed frame
At this point, you can slide your headboard into place at the top of the bed in line with the screws. Most of our headboards are adjustable, so you can decide the height you'd like your headboard to be. When deciding how high you want your headboard to be, remember to consider the depth of the mattress. Once you reach the desired height, you can tighten the screws until the headboard is locked firmly in place.
Can you fit a headboard to any bed?
You can't necessarily fit a headboard to any bed - it must be compatible. For example, strutted headboards need bolts to attach them to the bed, so there need to be brackets or bolt holes in your bed base. Always double-check your bed frame before buying a new headboard to be sure you have the means to attach it.
Some headboards can work with a wider range of beds. Free-standing headboards, for example, require no installation, as they stand on their own between the bed and the wall. Wall-mounted headboards are also available, but these require a little more DIY and offer a much more permanent headboard option.
How is a headboard supposed to fit?
A headboard should sit with the bottom of the headboard beneath the top of the mattress, without any gaps. Headboards with struts are helpful when finding the perfect fit for your bed, as they are fully adjustable. You can simply loosen the bolts, lift the headboard to the exact height you need, and then retighten the headboard in place.
Should a headboard sit on the mattress?
No - if your headboard sits on top of the mattress, it's too high. The idea is that the bottom edge of your headboard shouldn't be visible when looking at your bed, so you should ensure the headboard is a few inches lower than the top of your mattress.
What is the purpose of a headboard on a bed?
Headboards have several benefits - aside from aesthetics, they provide additional support, prevent damage to the wall, and help banish the cold. If you're unsure whether you need a headboard, we've put together a ‘Why Buy a Headboard?' guide alongside our useful divan beds buying guide, the perfect bed to use a headboard with!
We've got you covered if you're looking to buy a new headboard. From small single headboards to larger super king-size headboards, we have various options in different sizes and colours to suit your décor style.