You may have a really nice headboard that fits your room decor or even a headboard that you love so much you are struggling to find anything that comes close when shopping for a new bed. The question you now find yourself asking is, will my headboard fit a new bed?
The short answer to this question is yes but there are a couple of things that you need to take into account. The first to consider is, what size bed was my existing headboard made for? In the UK beds are generally manufactured in five widths. These are Single (135cm), Small Single (75cm), Three Quarter (120cm), Double (135cm), king size (150cm) and Super king size (180cm) with a rarer sixth option being a three foot six (approx 105cm). If your headboard is currently on a bed of any of these sizes and the bed you are looking to purchase is the same, the odds are your headboard is very likely to fit. Most problems regarding size are related to European bed sizes, the kind you may purchase from a famous European flat-pack furniture store.
If you have a bed frame (a bed that works as one unit with connected side rails, foot-end and slats) You will not be able to use the headboard on your new bed. Unless you have a third party specialist see if they can adapt it for your needs.
How does the headboard fix to the bed
Headboards are usually fixed to the bed by special bolts (supplied with the bed, not the headboard) which pass through a fixing point, such as a hole, slot or strut on the headboard, into a screw fitting in bed. These fittings should already be obvious in your existing bed, in your new bed their position is usually marked with a sticker.
What are the standard measurements between the fixing points
If your bed is a standard UK size the fixing points are usually spaced at a standard width. This width is the distance between the two fixing points on the bad. By simply measuring the space between these fixing points you should find you have a measurement which closely matches (within a few millimeters ) with one of the following:
| Single bed (90cm) | 61cm |
| Three Foot Six bed (95cm) | 76cm |
| Three-Quarter bed (120cm) | 91cm |
| Double (135cm) | 106cm |
| King size (150cm) | 122cm |
| Super Kingsize (180cm) | 152cm |
Headboard Types
The type of fixing points headboards use varies, dependant on the type of headboard you have or are interested in. The different types of headboard include:
Floor standing Headboards – These can be fabric, metal or wood and sit directly on the floor. These type of headboards commonly have a slot in the main body of the headboard for the bolts to slide through. Floor standing headboards are fixed in height and position so take care when choosing.
Strutted Headboards – These use a strut for fixing. A piece of wood or metal that is fixed to the headboard and extends downwards. open-ended slot is usually the fixing point for these type of headboards. The position of these headboards can be adjusted up or down to suit your needs.
Wall mounted Headboards – these types of headboard usually use hidden fittings to connect to your wall. They are commonly bought with fitted wardrobes. As they are not dependent on the bed’s fittings there should be nor problem with sizes.
Once you have established that the distance between the holes is a standard width you now need to ensure your current headboard is in sound condition. To do this, check that the fixing points of the headboard are strong and in good condition. If not it may be possible for us to supply replacement struts when you purchase your new bed. If all is right, you should have the answer to, will my headboard fit a new bed.
Will my headboard fit a new bed?
If everything above matches up, bed size and the width between fixing points, there should be no problem for your existing headboard to fit your new bed. Remember, your new headboard may look different on your new bed due to mattress thicknesses and base height. Therefore it is always worth exploring if the bed you are choosing will “look right” with your old headboard.
Need any further information to find out the answer to, will my headboard fit a new bed? call 01254 681 082. Our sleep experts are more than happy to help.