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How to attach a headboard to a divan bed
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- Tony Brown
Fitting a headboard to your divan bed is usually straightforward. How you attach the headboard to the bed depends on the type of headboard you have and the fixings provided. Understanding the steps involved ensures your headboard is fitted correctly.
Headboard types
There are typically two types of headboard: strutted and floor-standing. Strutted headboards are more common. They have two vertical planks attached to the back of the headboard, allowing you to adjust the headboard’s height. Floor-standing headboards are full-height and stand directly on the floor.
You typically lift a strutted headboard and lower the slots over the bolts. With a floor-standing headboard, you hold it upright and align it with the holes in the bed. However, the exact process may vary depending on the fixings provided.
Tools required for fitting a headboard
You’ll need a few essential tools to attach the headboard to the bed.
Headboard bolts
Headboard bolts are usually provided with your bed and are used to attach the headboard to the base.
The bolts are usually packed with other fittings, like the castors, in a plastic bag, usually inside the bed’s drawers or attached to the underside of the base.
Headboard bolts are not always universal and can vary in length and size. If you can’t locate the bolts, contact the manufacturer or retailer where you purchased the bed, and they can send the correct replacement bolts.
Headboard brackets (European-style fittings)
Some floor-standing headboards use metal brackets instead of bolts to attach the headboard to the base. These brackets are more secure than bolts and prevent the headboard from moving around. You will also require matching metal brackets on the divan for the two to connect.
Screws
Strutted headboards typically include screws for attaching the struts. These screws may already be inserted into the back of the headboard or in a small plastic bag attached to the struts.
A sharp pair of pointed scissors
You may require a sharp pair of scissors to remove the headboard packaging or to pierce the fabric covering the pre-cut holes so that the headboard bolts can pass through.
Screwdriver
You’ll need a Phillips or a flathead screwdriver to tighten or loosen the bolts.
Metal washers
Some headboard bolts come with metal washers for protection. Place the washers onto the bolts before inserting them through the holes in the base.
A tape measure
You may need a tape measure to ensure the headboard is straight after attaching it.
Prepare the space
Before you attach the headboard to your bed, ensure you have plenty of room to work with and that there is a clear path to your destination if you’re moving it from another room.
Identify any restrictions along the route, like steps, low ceilings, and narrow bends. Also, remove any items that might be in the way or could interfere with the fitting of the headboard. This could include, beside cabinets, rugs, pictures, mirrors and fixtures to prevent any breakages or injuries. It’s often advisable to slide your mattress away from your headboard or store it somewhere while you’re attaching the headboard.
If your headboard is slightly wider than the bed, you may need to move your bedside cabinets or other items slightly to make room for it.
How does a headboard attach to a divan bed?
Ensure the headboard is the same size as the bed. For example, if you have a double bed, you would require a double headboard.
You may need to measure the distance between the fixing points on the base and the headboard to ensure they are the same distance apart and will align properly. Also, check that you have the correct fittings. These are usually provided with the divan, although you may require longer bolts for some floor-standing models.
Headboards can be heavy and difficult to move. It’s advisable to have someone help you when attaching the headboard to the bed to avoid injuries or damage to the headboard and nearby items.
Don’t lean the headboard against any sharp edges or surfaces.
How to attach a strutted headboard to a divan bed
- Unpack the headboard: Carefully remove the headboard from its packaging. The struts may already be attached to the back of the headboard and folded against it.
- Prepare the headboard: Lay the headboard face down on a firm flat surface and locate the pre-cut holes in the back of the headboard. Remove any screws that are attached to the back of the headboard.
- Adjust the struts: Position the struts so that they point downwards and line up with the holes in the back of the headboard. Use a screwdriver to screw the bolts through the holes in the struts and into the pre-drilled holes in the back of the headboard.
- Locate the fixing points: Divan beds typically have pre-cut holes for attaching the headboard. There are usually stickers over these holes indicating where to insert the headboard bolts. You can usually attach the headboard to either end of the bed. This is in case your divan has storage that needs to be accessible from a certain side of the bed. Once you’ve established which end to attach the headboard, locate the fixing points.
- Insert the bolts: Carefully screw the headboard bolts into the holes. Keep the bolts straight when passing them through the holes; otherwise, they can cross-thread if not properly aligned. You may need to carefully pierce the fabric with scissors to allow the bolts to pass through. Avoid fully tightening the headboard bolts. Leave a small gap to allow the struts to fit between the base and the bolt heads.
- Position the headboard: Lift the headboard above the base and align the struts with the bolts. Slowly lower the headboard, allowing the slots to slide over the bolts. Once you’ve set the headboard to your preferred height, tighten the bolts to secure it in place. Avoid overtightening the bolts, as some struts have rough surfaces that could leave marks or indentations in the divan base.
- Final checks: Check that the headboard is level, and then move the bed back into its original position. Avoid pushing or pulling the headboard while moving the bed to prevent any damage. Also, don’t allow the struts to drag along the floor.
How to attach a floor-standing headboard to a divan bed
The process for attaching a floor-standing headboard is similar to fitting a strutted headboard. But, while a strutted headboard needs to be lifted over the bolts, a floor-standing headboard is positioned flush against the divan base before the bolts are screwed in through the back of the headboard.
- Check the fittings: Some floor-standing headboards are thicker than strutted headboards and may require longer bolts than those supplied with the divan. These longer bolts should be supplied with the headboard.
- Unpack the headboard: Carefully unpack the headboard from its packaging, ensuring you have all the necessary fittings.
- Headboard position: Decide which end of the bed to attach the headboard.
- Locate the fixing points: Find the pre-cut holes in the divan and, if necessary, carefully pierce the fabric with scissors or a sharp tool.
- Position the headboard: Keep the headboard upright and position it against the divan base. Ensure the slots in the headboard align with the pre-drilled holes in the divan base.
- Insert bolts: Insert the bolts (with washers, if provided) through the slots on the headboard and into the pre-drilled holes in the divan base. Keep the bolts straight when passing them through the holes to avoid cross-threading.
- Final checks: Once you’ve tightened the bolts and the headboard is secure, push the bed back into its original position.
Some free-standing headboards come with metal brackets instead of bolts. To attach the headboard, align the brackets, then lift the headboard and gently push it down so that it slots into the brackets.
Can you wall mount a headboard?
Wall-mounting a headboard is a popular option that keeps it securely fixed to the wall. Check with the manufacturer that your headboard is suitable for wall mounting and ensure your walls can support its weight.
You would typically secure the headboard to the wall using metal brackets, Z-clips or French cleats. Wall mounting a headboard is relatively straightforward, but it requires some basic DIY skills and care to avoid damaging the wall or headboard.
Final thoughts
The right headboard can transform the look and feel of your bedroom. When using a headboard with your bed, ensure it is compatible and has the correct fixings. Take your time and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting the headboard to your bed.
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About the author
Tony Brown is the founder and creator of The Bed Consultant. His career in the bed industry began in 2002. After graduating from university with a degree in Business Administration, Tony joined one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the UK as a bed consultant. Tony has helped thousands of customers find the perfect mattress.