How To Attach A Headboard

A simple guide to fitting a headboard securely to your bed or divan.

Learn how to position, align and secure a headboard correctly, whether you have a strutted, floor standing or wall-mounted design.

1. Check The Headboard

Identify whether your headboard is strutted, floor standing or designed to attach directly to a wall.

2. Check The Fixings

Make sure you have the correct screws, bolts, brackets or other fittings supplied with the headboard.

3. Position & Align

Centre the headboard and check the height before tightening the fixings completely.

4. Check Stability

Once fitted, make sure the headboard is level, secure and free from excessive movement.

Screwdriver

Useful for tightening screws and securing brackets supplied with many headboards.

Allen Key

Some beds and headboards use Allen bolts instead of conventional screws.

Adjustable Wrench

Useful for tightening nuts and bolts where required.

Tape Measure & Level

Helpful for checking that the headboard is centred, correctly positioned and level.

1. Position The Headboard

Place the headboard against the bed and centre it so it sits evenly across the mattress and base.

2. Locate The Fixing Points

Find the pre-drilled holes or fixing points on the bed or divan where the headboard struts will attach.

3. Attach The Struts

Secure the struts using the supplied screws or bolts, keeping the headboard aligned as you work.

4. Check The Height

Before fully tightening the fixings, check that the headboard is at the desired height and sits level.

5. Tighten The Fixings

Tighten the screws or bolts securely without forcing them or damaging the fittings.

6. Test The Headboard

Gently check the headboard for excessive movement and make sure all fixing points are secure.

Position The Bed

Make sure the bed or divan is fully assembled and sitting securely in its final position.

Centre The Headboard

Place the headboard behind the bed and align it with the centre of the mattress and base.

Check The Fixings

Depending on the design, a floor standing headboard may attach to the bed or require a separate fixing method.

Check Stability

Once positioned or fitted, make sure the headboard is stable and does not move excessively.

1. Measure The Position

Measure where the headboard should sit and mark the fixing position on the wall.

2. Identify The Wall Type

Check the wall construction before choosing screws, plugs or other fixing hardware.

3. Use Suitable Fixings

Choose fixings that are appropriate for both the wall type and the weight of the headboard.

4. Check The Finish

Use a level to check alignment and make sure the headboard is securely mounted.

Using The Wrong Fixings

Unsuitable screws, bolts or wall anchors can leave the headboard loose or unstable.

Not Checking Alignment

Always centre and level the headboard before fully tightening the fixing points.

Leaving Fixings Loose

Loose fixings can cause movement and noise, so check all screws and bolts after assembly.

Ignoring The Instructions

Different headboards have different fitting systems, so always follow the instructions supplied with your product.

Strutted Headboard

Strutted headboards attach to the bed base using vertical struts and compatible fixing points. They are commonly used with divan bases.

Floor Standing Headboard

Floor standing headboards sit behind the bed and create a larger feature. The exact fixing method depends on the individual design.

Wall Mounted Headboard

Wall-mounted headboards are secured directly to the wall. The correct fixings depend on the wall construction and headboard weight.

Check the manufacturer's fitting instructions before starting.

Make sure the headboard is suitable for your bed or divan.

Have the correct tools and supplied fixings ready.

Centre the headboard and check its height before securing it.

Use the supplied hardware or manufacturer-recommended fixings.

Secure all fixings without overtightening.

Make sure the finished headboard is straight and correctly aligned.

Check that the finished installation is secure and does not move excessively.