Choosing Adjustable Bed Headboards and Footboards
Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to customize comfort and support. Adding compatible headboards and footboards can further enhance the look and function of these beds. As we shop for the perfect adjustable bed headboard and footboard combo, there are a few key factors to consider.
Benefits of Adding Headboards and Footboards
Complementing an adjustable bed frame with a headboard and footboard offers some nice perks:
- Headboards provide extra comfort and back support when sitting up in bed.
- Footboards give the mattress added stability and prevent slippage at the foot of the bed.
- Headboards and footboards allow for more design flexibility to match any bedroom's aesthetic.
The right headboard and footboard pair will upgrade both the form and function of your adjustable bed.
Enhanced Comfort and Support
A headboard gives you something comfortable to lean and sit back against instead of just a wall or head of the bed frame. Upholstered headboards with padded backs are especially comfy. The added back support makes reading, working, or watching TV in bed even more enjoyable.
Footboards help keep your mattress properly in place so it doesn't slide down with regular use. This prevents any uncomfortable gaps that can form between the mattress and head of the bed.
Customized Bedroom Style
Headboards and footboards allow you to add your own design twist to an adjustable bed set. Mix and match materials and colors to perfectly coordinate with your existing room decor. Opt for an ornately carved wooden headboard for a traditional vibe or a sleek leather headboard for a contemporary look.
Choosing Compatible Headboards
Shopping for a headboard tailor-made for your adjustable bed ensures a proper fit and full functionality. Be sure to:
- Consider the adjustable bed's dimensions and room size
- Decide on desired material based on look, durability and budget
- Match any colors, wood tones, fabrics to your room's overall aesthetic
Adjustable Bed Dimensions
Always measure the length, height and width of your adjustable bed before selecting a new headboard. Adjustable beds come in sizes from twin up to split king. Make sure to leave a small gap between the bed frame and headboard for fitting variations.
For smaller bedrooms, choose low-profile headboards that don't overwhelm. Taller headboards can make a bedroom feel cozier. Just ensure the height doesn't exceed the top of the mattress when fully extended.
Material and Style Preferences
Wooden headboards with paneled designs offer versatile, classic style in natural wood tones or painted colors. Durable metal headboards work well for modern minimalist spaces. Upholstered headboards come in endless fabrics like linen, velvet, leather.
Look for simple, versatile headboard shapes, colors and patterns that integrate nicely into your existing room decor. Neutrals like white, black and brown, along with subtle prints or textures tend to be flexible options.
Choosing Compatible Footboards
Footboards specially designed for adjustable beds properly secure the mattress while accommodating remote-control and massage features. Considerations when selecting footboards include:
- Matching adjustable bed frame dimensions
- Providing full mattress support
- Leaving access open for bed adjustments
Sized To Fit
Always cross-reference your adjustable bed model, its mattress dimensions as well as mattress thickness. Leave a bit of extra length and height allowance to prevent any fitting or clearance issues.
Measure carefully before installing to confirm footboard widths won't obstruct remote controls or functions like leg lifts located at the corners or foot of the bed.
Accommodating Adjustable Features
Certain footboards are specially designed with an open center, notched corners or removable support slats. These features ensure the footboard doesn't block access to buttons or motors that raise, lower, tilt or vibrate areas of the bed.
If your chosen footboard lacks built-in allowances, removable or rearrangeable interior wood or metal bed slats can help tailor any standard footboard to work with an adjustable frame.
Styling Tips
A headboard and footboard expand the decorating possibilities of your adjustable bed set. Have fun playing with height, scale, color combos and layering in accessories. Here are some top tips for choosing and styling adjustable bed headboards and footboards that maximize visual appeal.
- Scale headboard height to room size for ideal proportions
- Incorporate attached shelving, sconces or artwork
- Echo decorative details like tufting, nailheads,ording
Creative Touches
Have fun accessorizing your headboard with wall art, photos, floating shelves or sconces with integrated USB ports. Contrasting throws, lumbar pillows and accent fabrics connect it further to surrounding furnishings.
Footboards also present a unique vertical canvas for adding style. Affix woven baskets for extra storage or removable decals and artwork.
Design Continuity
Tie everything together through color palettes, fabrics and decorative detailing. For a cohesive look, integrate headboard and footboard elements like framed insets, nailheads or tufted buttons elsewhere like benches or curtains.
Shopping Considerations
While the options may seem unlimited, keep this guidance top of mind while browsing headboards and footboards for your adjustable bed:
- Carefully measure bed frame space
- Read product dimensions and specs
- Review return shipping policies
Size Compatibility
Bring exact adjustable bed measurements with you to furniture showrooms. If buying sight unseen online, scrutinize all listed dimensions and technical details.
Many retailers allow returns within 30 days. But return shipping heavy wood headboards or footboards can get pricy. Opt for free curbside pickup if available.
Installation Guidance
Ready to attach your headboard and footboard? Proper mounting helps these additions blend seamlessly into your adjustable bed frame. Safety measures during installation are also key.
- Lift safely or get help to avoid injury
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Allow for settling adjustments
Professional Assistance
Take advantage of white glove delivery and assembly if its offered. Large headboards and footboards, especially solid wood constructions, have considerable weight. Reinforced internal frames minimize likelihood of future warping or structural issues.
If conveniently possible, have retailers handle the installation. Otherwise, get help maneuvering these fixtures into place while carefully following the manufacturer guides.
Settling Allowances
Over time, natural slight settling of floors and the bed's box spring can occur. Initially leave a little bit of space between moldings and walls or ceilings to prevent scrapes. Integrated leveling feet also help make any necessary tweaks to balance and alignment.
Design Inspiration
Headboards and footboards introduce all sorts of fresh design possibilities for adjustable beds. Use these examples to spark headboard ideas that align with your personal style.
- Modern metallic tones and linear designs
- Rustic wood elements and country charm
- Tufted elegant fabrics and carved details
Modern and Minimal
The clean lines of a sleek leather or wood headboard pop against a neutral wall. Opt for beige or white bedding with crisp metallic accents and ample natural lighting.
Contemporary spaces also suit fabric headboards with elegant channel quilting or subtle geometric patterns. Include a few fur throws and marsh pillows for luxe texture.
Rustic and Relaxed
Bring nature indoors with an unfinished wood headboard, textural bedding and floral accents. Whitewashed and distressed finishes boost the cozy factor. Paint an abstract tree silhouette or wreath for some charming focal art.
Play with scale too. Extend headboard height to the ceiling to make the bed a room highlight. Include woven wall hangings, a hanging lantern light fixture and a plush area rug.
Additional Pairings
A headboard and footboard form the perfect basis for layering in other adjustable bed add-ons. Complement with nightstands, under-bed drawers, lighting and plush mattresses for a fully decked-out sleep sanctuary.
- Plush mattresses
- Coordinating nightstands
- Drawers for concealed storage
- Reading sconces
- Breathable premium sheets
Mattress Considerations
Be sure to choose a mattress specially designed for adjustable bases. These integrate internal wall hugger engineering that allows the bed to articulate while keeping your mattress perfectly flush to the wall.
Look at mattress height in relation to your headboard and footboard. You generally want just 2 to 4 inches of clearance between the top of the mattress and bottom edge of the headboard when it's extended fully.
Bedside Storage and Lighting
Free up precious floor space with storage drawers that slide right under the bed frame. For easy access keep remotes, books, eyewear and snacks within arm's reach.
Sconces mounted to or alongside your headboard offer perfect lighting levels for reading without glare. Many designs recharge devices overnight via USB ports.
Maintenance
Follow proper care guidelines and tackle occasional repair issues to help your adjustable bed headboard and footboard look their best for years.
- Dust and clean regularly
- Inspect and tighten hardware
- Touch up paint nicks or scratches
- Condition leather and wood
Protecting Finishes
Carefully dust wood headboards, footboards and accent details like legs each week. Twice yearly, thoroughly clean using only products specially formulated for wood furniture.
Vacuum dust and debris from upholstered headboards then spot treat stains immediately before they set. Check any leather pieces monthly for scuffs or ink marks and re-condition as needed.
Structural Upkeep
Every few months inspect joints, legs and hinges to spot any loose screws or worn parts. Reinforce weaker points with wood glue before they become major issues. Fill indentations with plastic wood filler.
Catch paint chips early and blend small touched ups into existing colors using a foam brush. After some years fully stripping and repainting provides renewed vibrancy.
Troubleshooting Tips
Minor tweaks or modifications to adjustable bed headboards and footboards often resolve any problems that arise over time. Common fixes include:
- Removing home slats for access
- Adjusting heights
- Repairing scratches or gouges
- Refinishing damaged areas
Access and Comfort
If your footboard blocks bed functions, try repositioning its legs further outward. Fully remove any flexible or detachable plywood base inserts if helpful.
Add squashy pillows against a hard wood or metal headboard lacking cushioning to up lounging comfort. Foam back cushion inserts are another easy upgrade.
Aesthetic Improvements
Refresh surfaces with new stain or paint shades to tie in color scheme changes over time. Use tack cloths before reapplying finishes to avoid dust debris.
Fill in scratches or chips on wood headboards with matching filler sticks. Limit visibility by blending touch ups into the wood grain pattern.
The right headboard and footboard combination adds aesthetic polish while boosting comfort and functionality. Now that you know what to look for, focus on choosing adjustable bed-friendly models that integrate beautifully into your personal retreat.
Measure carefully, allow for clearance gaps, mind the details of your room's existing style and scale proportions for a truly custom bed that upgrades both form and function.