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How to Attach a Headboard to a Wall (7 Simple Tips)
Ed Malaker
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The headboard on your bed provides support for your pillows and head while you sleep and read. The headboard also helps the bed look more like a complete piece of furniture and makes the room more inviting. However, many people struggle with installing the headboard because there are different types.
If you have a bed you need help with, keep reading while providing several tips and tricks that will help you finish the project so you can try it out.
Installing a Headboard to a Bed Frame
Beds with a headboard that attaches directly to the frame are extremely common in the United States, and you have likely seen a few in your lifetime. Luckily, you can usually find instructions for this type of headboard with the paperwork that comes with your bed.
Helpful Tips Before You Get Started:
These headboards usually attach using bolts, screws, or specialty fasteners, so make sure you have all of the parts before you get started. You will also likely need pliers, a wrench, or a socket set to loosen and tighten bolts that hold the headboard to the main bed frame.
Remove the mattress and box spring from the bed frame to access the holes to attach the headboard.
If the headboard came with the bed, you will likely only need to line up the headboard legs with the frame, install the bolts, and tighten them down.
In some cases, the headboard is part of the frame and will essentially be the top crossbar. You will connect it as you build the bed using nuts and bolts.
Image By: Spacejoy, Unsplash
Free-Standing Headboards
Free-Standing Headboards are the easiest to install if your bed didn’t come with one, and it’s a great option for people that aren’t mechanically inclined. As the name suggests, these headboards don’t require you to drill holes or install nuts or bolts. Place it behind your bed to create the appearance of a headboard, and if it’s up against the wall, it can be quite sturdy.
This type of headboard often has plenty of space to store books and other items, so it is a great choice if you spend a lot of time in bed.
The 7 Tips On How to Attach a Headboard to a Wall
Wall-Mounted Headboard
Wall-mounted headboards are attractive but are also the hardest to install. Here are some tips that can help you achieve a better result.
The 7 Steps In Attaching a Headboard to the Wall:
Carefully measure your wall using a tape measure and mark it to identify where you will hang the headboard. Measure the wall several times to ensure your marks are accurate and don’t forget to consider bed placement. Leave enough space for the bed foundation, mattress, and headboard.
Use a commercial stud finder to find and mark the available studs you can drill into to support the headboard.
Once you know where the wall studs are, use your measuring tape to determine where the headboard hangers will go.
When you know where the headboard hangers will go, you can mark where you need to drill. Most hangers will require you to drill two holes and screw in heavy bolts that will hold the hanger on each side of the headboard. It’s important that all four screws go all the way into the wall stud to hold the headboard securely.
Measure carefully and place the mounting hangers evenly, or your headboard can appear tilted.
Attach the headboard to the hangers to confirm it is level.
Place your bed in front of the wall-mounted headboard, and enjoy.
Image By: Sidekix Media, Unsplash
What is the average size of a headboard?
Twin
A twin bed usually has a headboard roughly 41 inches wide, extending 14 inches above the mattress.
Full
A full-size bed will have a headboard 56 inches wide and will usually rise 28 inches above the mattress.
Queen
A queen-sized bed will have a 62-inch-wide headboard that rises 28 inches above the mattress.
King
A king-sized bed is the largest and usually has an 80-inch-wide headboard that can rise 58 inches above the mattress.
Summary
Installing your headboard to a wall is not difficult and usually only requires you to drill and install four screws into your wall studs. Two screws in each hanger, one hanger on each side of the headboard. Finding the wall studs and careful measurements are the keys to success. The wall studs provide the strength to hold the headboards, while proper measurements ensure everything is straight.
If you find you cannot drill into your walls for some reason, a free-standing headboard can help you achieve a similar appearance without the work.
Featured Image Credit: brizmaker, Shutterstock
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Ed Malaker
Ed Malaker is an experienced writer who has brought his knowledge to a wide range of blogs, including home improvement, guitars, computer programming, tools, fitness, and pets. If you don't catch him writing, you can usually find Ed working in the garden or taking on DIY projects around the house. Ed’s also a talented musician, spending time composing music for independent films or helping people fix their guitars.
Ed Malaker
