To attach a headboard to a bed frame, line up the holes or struts on the headboard with the fixing points at the head end of the frame, push the bolts through, set the height you want, then tighten the bolts by hand and finish with a spanner or Allen key. Most headboards fit with two or four bolts and take about 15 minutes with two people. If the holes do not line up, an adjustable headboard fixing kit or bracket usually solves it.

This guide covers wooden bed frames, metal bed frames and divan bases, plus what to do when the headboard wobbles or the holes are in the wrong place.

What you need

• The headboard and the bolts, washers and nuts that came with it
• An Allen key, spanner or screwdriver, depending on the bolts (many UK headboards use M8 bolts, but always check your instructions)
• A tape measure
• A second person to hold the headboard steady

Know your headboard type first

There are two main types, and they fit slightly differently:

• Strutted headboards have two long metal or wooden struts (legs) down the back. The struts bolt onto the bed frame or base, and most have slots so you can choose the height.
• Floor-standing headboards reach all the way to the floor and take most of their weight there. They still bolt to the frame for stability, but the height is fixed.

If you are choosing a new bed, our tall headboard beds and wingback beds come with the headboard designed to fit, such as the Hugo tall panelled bed, so there is no guesswork.

How to attach a headboard to a bed frame: step by step

1. Clear the space. Take off the mattress and bedding so you can reach the head end of the frame. Pull the bed a little way from the wall.
2. Find the fixing points. Look for pre-drilled holes or brackets at the head end of the frame. On upholstered frames they can hide under the fabric, so feel for them or use a bradawl to find them.
3. Hold the headboard in place. Ask your helper to stand the headboard against the frame and line up its struts or holes with the fixing points.
4. Set the height. For a strutted headboard, slide it up or down until the top sits where you want it. A good rule is for the bottom of the headboard to sit just below the top of the mattress so pillows do not slip down the gap.
5. Push the bolts through. Fit a washer on each bolt, push it through the strut and into the frame, then add the nut if there is one.
6. Tighten by hand, then with a tool. Get every bolt finger tight first, check the headboard is straight, then tighten them evenly with your spanner or Allen key. Do not over-tighten, as this can split wood or strip the thread.
7. Test it. Give the headboard a gentle push and pull. If it moves, tighten the bolts a little more, then put the mattress back and push the bed against the wall.

How to attach a headboard to a wooden bed frame

Most wooden frames have two holes in the head rail or the back legs. Line the struts up with them and bolt straight through. If your frame has no holes, measure the gap between the headboard struts, mark the same spacing on the frame and drill pilot holes slightly narrower than the bolt. Use bolts long enough to go right through with a nut and washer on the back.

How to attach a headboard to a metal bed frame

Metal frames usually have a bracket plate at the head end with two or more slots. Bolt the struts to these slots. If the slots are too far apart or too close, use a headboard bracket or adapter kit, which bolts to the frame and gives you new holes at the right spacing. Avoid drilling metal frames unless you have the right drill bits.

How to attach a headboard to a divan bed

A divan base has threaded metal inserts at the head end, usually two on each side of the centre. Screw the bolts through the headboard struts into these inserts. If you are fitting a divan from scratch, our guide on how to assemble a divan bed walks through the whole job. You can browse our divan beds with storage or learn more in what is a divan bed.

Fixing common problems

The holes do not line up. This is the most common issue, especially when the headboard and frame come from different brands. Fit an adjustable headboard fixing kit or bracket, which lets you move the fixing points left, right, up or down. Check the headboard matches the bed size too: a double headboard (4ft6) will not line up with a king size frame (5ft). Our bed size guide shows the exact widths.

The headboard wobbles. Tighten each bolt evenly and check every washer is in place. If it still knocks against the wall, stick felt pads or a strip of foam on the back so it sits snugly against the wall.

There is a gap between the headboard and the mattress. Lower the headboard on its struts, or push the bed frame closer to the headboard before tightening.

Bolts are missing. Check the packaging first. Otherwise, take one bolt to a hardware shop to match the size and thread, which is often M8.

Frequently asked questions

Can you attach any headboard to any bed frame?

Most headboards fit most frames of the same size, but the fixing points do not always match. An adjustable bracket kit fixes most mismatches.

What size bolts do headboards use?

Many UK headboards and bases use M8 bolts, but sizes vary. Use the bolts supplied or check your instructions.

How high should a headboard be?

Set it so the bottom of the headboard sits just below the top of your mattress. Taller statement headboards, like our Chesterfield beds, are fixed at a height designed for the bed.

Can I attach a headboard without drilling?

Yes. Use a floor-standing headboard pushed against the wall, or a wall-mounted headboard, or fit a bracket kit to the frame's existing holes.

Do I need two people?

It is much easier with two: one to hold the headboard straight while the other fits the bolts.

Let us do it for you

When you order a bed frame or a divan bed with headboard from British Bed Co, our team can deliver it to the room of your choice and assemble it for you at no extra charge, so the headboard is fitted and ready. Explore our luxury beds, find a matching mattress, and leave the fitting to us.