How to Use a Headboard With an Adjustable Base

Headboards are a fantastic way to highlight your personal style and add character to your bedroom. But can you still use a headboard if you have an adjustable base? The answer is: absolutely!

Here, we’ll help you understand what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for a headboard that will pair well with your adjustable base and mattress. We’ll also share some simple installation tips and tricks to make mounting your new headboard a breeze.

Benefits of Using a Headboard

Some people might wonder if a headboard is even necessary with an adjustable mattress. While it’s not required, we would argue that there are many benefits to having this extra statement piece.

The first benefit, of course, is personal style. Headboards set your bedroom apart and are an excellent way to show off your personality. There are so many different headboards that you’re sure to find one that suits your desired aesthetic.

Headboards pull double-duty because they protect your wall from damage and dirt. This could include sweat and oil from your head or scuffs and scratches from your bed moving around.

Also, headboards provide extra comfort when sitting up in bed. If you have an adjustable base, you already know about the benefits of sleeping with your head elevated. A headboard provides an extra layer of comfort when you want to sit up in bed (especially when you opt for a plush, upholstered design).

How to Choose a Headboard That Works With Your Adjustable Base

How do you choose the right headboard for your adjustable base? Luckily, most headboards will work with adjustables, as long as you have the right equipment. So, when selecting the perfect headboard, feel free to select whichever one speaks to you!

How To Install Your Headboard in Three Easy Steps

Now, let’s talk about how to attach your headboard to your adjustable mattress. Here, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide to make the process as easy as possible. Keep in mind that these steps are specific to our GhostBed Adjustable Base.

You can watch the setup video here.

1. Gather your equipment (including headboard brackets)

The first step to attaching your headboard is to gather all your equipment, including a wrench or socket set with a ½ inch adapter. You will also need some nuts and bolts, as well as a set of adjustable bed headboard brackets. You will also need two mounting adaptors.

When installing your headboard, make sure that your brackets are a universal fit, meaning that they fit a wide array of headboard heights and sizes. If you plan to mount the headboard against the wall, you’ll need additional parts—these will usually come with your headboard itself.

2. Attach the headboard brackets

The process for installing your headboard brackets and adaptors will vary depending on your headboard design, size and style. Generally, you will secure the mounting adaptor to the bed frame using a few bolts. Next, you will attach the headboard bracket to the mounting adaptor. Make sure to keep a 1- to 2-inch gap between the edge of the bed and the headboard brackets. This is because you’ll need a bit of clearance for raising and lowering the base once it’s in position.

3. Tighten all the bolts

Lastly, make sure all the bolts are tight. If they seem to be loose, tighten them all the way.

What About Floating Headboards for Adjustable Beds?

With a floating headboard, you’ll mount it to the wall alone instead of the bed frame. As you can see in the picture above, you can use a floating headboard with your adjustable base alone, eliminating the need for a separate frame. With that in mind, you will mount the headboard to the wall like you would with anything else heavy that you hang on the wall:

1. Use a level to draw a horizontal line where you want the headboard to go.
2. Use a stud finder to locate studs along this line.
3. Attach brackets to the wall to ensure that your headboard is securely attached.

Floating headboards are a great decor piece, are easy to install and don’t have to coordinate with any particular bed frame or bracket types.

An Adjustable Base & Headboard: The Perfect Pair

Opting for an adjustable base for your bed is a great move that is sure to improve your quality of life. And the good news is you can attach nearly any headboard to your adjustable base, as long as you have the universal adaptors to help. Our headboard brackets are designed to accommodate virtually all headboard styles and can be adjusted to the exact width, height and distance from the wall that you need for a fully customized sleeping experience.