How to Attach a Headboard to a Bed Base: A Simple 5-Step Guide

A headboard is more than just a decorative addition to your bed – it provides support, protects your wall, and adds a polished look to your bedroom.  

But if you’ve just bought a new headboard (or bed base), you might be wondering how to attach the two together. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think! This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to attach a headboard to your bed base in a way that’s secure and stylish. 

What you’ll need 

Before you get started, make sure you have: 

• Your headboard 

• The bed base 

• Headboard bolts (these often come with your bed or headboard, but you can purchase them separately if needed) 

• A screwdriver, Allen key, or wrench (depending on the bolts provided) 

Step 1: Check your bed base and headboard compatibility 

There are numerous different types of headboards. And each of them attaches to the bed base in a slightly different way. The first step on the road to attaching a headboard to a bed base is to double check that they’re compatible. Here’s what you need to know: 

1. Slot-head headboards: Most UK bed bases come with pre-drilled slots or brackets at the head end, designed to fit standard headboards. Double-check that your bed base and headboard align. 

2. Strutted headboards: Strutted headboards are the most common headboard type in the UK. The struts sit at the side of the base and a bolt is pushed through the gap in the strut and into the base for added stability. 

3. Floor-standing headboards: Floor standing and hotel height headboards should be attached use the fittings provided. These fittings attach to the bed base directly to stabilise your headboard. 

Step 2: Locate the attachment points 

Step 2 involves finding where the attachment points are located. To do this: 

1. Flip your bed base upright and locate the pre-drilled holes or brackets. 

2. For strutted headboards, you’ll see slots on the headboard’s vertical struts that align with these holes. 

Step 3: Position the headboard 

Now it’s time to line your headboard up with your bed base. Do this by following the steps outlined below: 

1. Place the headboard in position, ensuring the slots on the struts align with the pre-drilled holes on the bed base. 

2. Adjust the height of the headboard to your preference. Most headboards (with the exception of floor standing ones) are adjustable so you can raise or lower them to suit your mattress and personal style. 

Step 4: Secure the bolts 

Next, you’ll need to fasten the headboard in place. To do this: 

1. Insert the headboard bolts through the slots on the struts or the floor standing headboard and into the pre-drilled holes in the bed base. 

2. Tighten the bolts using your screwdriver, Allen key, or wrench. But make sure you don’t overtighten – you want the headboard secure but not at risk of cracking the wood or damaging the fittings. 

Step 5: Adjust and check stability 

The final stage is checking that the headboard has been properly secured. To do this: 

1. Once the bolts are secure, gently shake the headboard to ensure it’s firmly attached. 

2. Make any final height adjustments if needed, and double-check the bolts are tightened evenly. 

Tips for floor-standing headboards 

If you’ve chosen a floor-standing headboard, here are a few tips to ensure it’s properly attached to your bed base: 

1. Position the headboard upright against the wall and push the bed base into place. 

2. Use the headboard bolts to attach the headboard to the bed base for added stability, but note that much of the support will come from the headboard’s contact with the floor. 

Troubleshooting common issues 

When it comes to attaching headboards to bed bases, there are a number of common problems that arise. Here, we’ll talk you through what to do should you encounter any of these everyday issues. 

1. Holes don’t align 

If the holes on your headboard don’t align with the holes on your bed base, you’ll need to: 

• Double-check that your bed base and headboard are compatible. 

• If the holes are slightly misaligned, you may need an adapter kit or additional fittings. 

2. Missing bolts or hardware 

If this happens when buying a headboard from Bensons for Beds, get in touch with our customer care team who will be more than happy to fill out a spare parts order form on your behalf. Otherwise, if the bolts weren’t included, you might need to purchase some more. Headboard bolts can generally be bought from most UK hardware stores or online retailers. For most headboards, we’d recommend looking for M8 (8mm) bolts, which are standard for most bed bases. Though, if your new headboard came with manufacturer-issued instructions, it’s always best to give these a read through first. 

3. Wobbly headboard 

If your newly fitted headboard is a bit wobbly, here’s what you’ll need to do: 

• Ensure all bolts are evenly tightened. 

• Add felt pads or rubber washers if the headboard knocks against the wall. 

How to attach a headboard to a bed base: final thoughts 

Attaching a headboard to a bed base is a quick and straightforward task that can instantly enhance the look and feel of your bedroom. Whether you’re working with a strutted headboard or a floor-standing one, taking the time to secure it properly will give you that comfort, stability, and style for years to come. 

So, grab those tools, get your headboard in place, and enjoy the polished, cosy vibe it brings to your space!