by A headboard is a piece of furniture that can be attached to the head of almost any type of bed. Originally, headboards were used for separating beds from cold walls to keep the bed warm. As different types of heating systems and construction materials have emerged, the use of headboards has changed from functional to decorative. Although some people use headboards to give their bed a more luxurious look, headboards can also be used to help you feel more comfortable while resting in a sitting position, watching TV, or reading a book in bed. You may be interested to find out more about how headboards work. There are a lot of reasons why you need a headboard, maybe one you haven’t thought of. You also want to choose the right headboard for your bed and properly attach your headboard too. However, you may want to adjust the height of your headboard for additional comfort or to give your bed a particular look. But how do you raise the height of a headboard?
To raise the height of a headboard, you can use bed risers or extension brackets. First, take measurements of the freestanding headboard legs. Then, select plastic or wooden bed risers with suitable dimensions. Next, place the chosen bed risers under each leg of the headboard. Finally, secure the bed risers to the headboard using screws
After buying a mattress or a box spring with different dimensions than one you previously had, you may notice that your headboard sits too low for you to feel comfortable in bed. Instead of buying another mattress or box spring to match the overall dimensions of your bed, you can simply raise your headboard. Make sure to also take a look at our headboard height and size chart for more information.
Raising a headboard can help with various issues. For instance, if you wake up at night with heartburn or acid reflux, raising your headboard with bed risers will help you sleep with your chest and head elevated. For more information about how raising the head of a bed can help with gastroesophageal reflux disease, see this study from Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Raising the height of a headboard has also been shown to help alleviate lower back pain. For more information on this topic, see this study from the Journal of Clinical Nursing.
How To Use Bed Risers To Raise the Height of a Headboard
Plastic or wooden bed risers can be used for raising a headboard. Image from Amazon.Regular bed risers can be used not only for increasing the height of a bed but also for making a headboard taller. Bed risers are perfect for freestanding headboards: you will just need to select the right bed risers for your headboard and attach them to the legs of the headboard.
To use bed risers to raise the height of a headboard, first take measurements of the freestanding headboard legs. Then select bed risers with suitable dimensions. Next, place the bed risers under each headboard leg. Finally, use screws to secure bed risers to the headboard legs.
Below, we’ll discuss these steps in more detail. Also, make sure to take a look at our step-by-step guide to choosing the right bed riser.
Step 1. Take Measurements of the Freestanding Headboard Legs
The very first thing you should do is take accurate measurements of the freestanding headboard and its legs. This is essential for choosing bed risers with suitable dimensions. Besides, you will need to know the height of the headboard and how high you would like it to be.
Since bed risers come in various shapes and sizes, you will need to know the exact dimensions of your headboard and its legs. The measurements of the legs will be used for choosing bed risers with the correct dimensions. On the other hand, the height of the headboard will be used to help choose bed risers that are tall enough to increase the overall height of the headboard.
If you don’t measure these things carefully, the bed risers you purchase might not fit the headboard legs or they might be too short or too tall for your headboard.
You can buy adjustable bed risers like these ones from Amazon for ~$15.
Step 2. Select Bed Risers with Suitable Dimensions
Considering the measurements taken in the previous step, select bed risers with the proper inner dimensions and height. If the inner dimensions of the bed risers are less than the dimensions of the headboard legs, you will not be able to fit the legs into the bed risers. If the bed risers are too wide, you will not be able to attach them to the headboard legs securely.
Furthermore, you should select bed risers that add however much height you want to add to your headboard. For instance, if you want to raise the height of your headboard by 4 inches, go with bed risers that are approximately 4 inches tall. You may want to choose bed risers that are slightly taller than the height you want to add to the headboard because the inner surface of bed risers are curved slightly upward.
If you are good at woodworking, you can simply DIY your own bed risers, taking into account the dimensions of your headboard legs. For additional instructions on how to make DIY bed risers, check out this YouTube video by Just Build It Canada.
| Bed Riser Name (from Amazon) | Height | Price |
| DuraCasa 2” Risers | 2 inches | ~$25 |
| HomeIt Adjustable 3,5,8 Risers | 3-8 inches | ~$18 |
| Whitmor 6” Risers | 6 inches | ~$10 |
Step 3. Place the Bed Risers Under Each Headboard Leg
Next, you will need to place the bed risers under each leg of your freestanding headboard. This step is pretty straightforward: just put the bed risers under the legs so that the legs are situated on top of the curved inner surface of the bed risers. If you cannot fit the legs into the curved area, try another pair of bed risers. Otherwise, the legs may not fit securely into the risers, which could cause the bed to be unstable.
Step 4. For Extra Safety, Use Screws To Secure Bed Risers to the Headboard Legs (Optional)
As an optional step, you can also use screws when attaching bed risers to the headboard. It isn’t mandatory to do so because bed risers are designed so that headboard legs can perfectly fit into the curved area of the risers. If it seems that the legs are not securely attached to the bed risers, there is no need to worry: simply take some screws and a screwdriver and secure the bed risers to the headboard. This step might be especially useful for raising the height of a headboard in a child’s bedroom.
How To Use Headboard Height Extension Brackets
You can also use extension brackets to raise the height of a headboard. Image from Deal Beds. Alt: Headboard extension brackets make it easy to raise the height of wall mounted headboards.If you don’t want to raise a headboard with bed risers, you can raise the height of a headboard by using adjustable extension brackets. Brackets can help you attach a freestanding headboard to your bed frame while allowing you to adjust the height of the headboard.
To raise the height of a headboard using extension brackets, first purchase extension brackets with suitable dimensions. Then, attach the extension brackets to the headboard. Finally, use the upper slots on the extension brackets to install the headboard to the bed frame
Detailed instructions for each step are provided below.
Step 1. Purchase Extension Brackets with Suitable Dimensions
To make sure that extension brackets are suitable for a particular headboard and bed frame, take measurements before purchasing the brackets. You can buy extension brackets at a local hardware store or an online retailer. Here’s an example of some extension brackets from Amazon.
As we discussed in the previous section, it’s essential to know the exact measurements of your headboard and your bed to ensure that you purchase suitable bed risers. It’s actually easier to choose a set of extension brackets since you can attach them anywhere on the bed frame. Brackets also allow you to have complete control over the height of the headboard.
| Bracket Names and Links to Amazon | Height | Price |
| King’s Brand Headboard Extensions | 5 inches | ~$20 |
| Ronin Factory Headboard Brackets | 3-5 inches | ~$16 |
| Caforo Modification Plates | 3 and ⅞ inches to 5 and ¼ inches | ~$15 |
Step 2. Attach Extension Brackets to the Headboard
To attach extension brackets to the headboard, you will need a wrench or a screwdriver, depending on the type of fasteners that come with your extension brackets. If bolts come with the brackets, you will need a socket wrench to tighten the bolts. If the package includes screws, choose either a mechanical or electric screwdriver.
Make sure you secure the extension brackets to the headboard in the right way. If you fail to attach them correctly, you might damage the headboard, or the headboard could fall or even injure you while you’re sleeping. For more information about how to prevent injuries from occurring in bed, see this study from the Journal of Forensic Nursing.
Step 3. Use the Upper Slots on the Extension Brackets To Install the Headboard to the Bed Frame
Once you have attached the extension brackets to the headboard legs, it is time to install the headboard to the bed frame using the upper slots on the brackets. You will need additional fasteners to secure the headboard to the bed frame, so use either the screws or bolts that are included in the package.
You might need a helping hand to complete this step. Before attaching the headboard to the bed, it is a good idea to see how the headboard looks at the desired height. To do so, you can ask someone to hold the headboard for you. After checking the height of the headboard and its alignment, you can tighten the fasteners and secure the headboard to the bed frame.
One downside to using extension brackets is that the bed frame can be damaged if you make several attempts to attach the headboard to the bed frame. To avoid any damage to your bed, make sure you secure the headboard in the right place.
How To Lower a Headboard That Is Too Tall
Some beds have relatively tall headboards that might not match the overall design of your bedroom. Image from Overstock.While you may want to raise some types of headboards, you may also want to lower a headboard that is too tall. Tall headboards can be alluring and luxurious, but a very tall headboard can ruin the overall aesthetic of a bedroom. However, there are several easy, straightforward ways to make your headboard a little bit shorter and more appealing to the eye.
To lower a headboard that is too tall, consider the following tips:
- Tip 1: Use a comforter and pillows to make the headboard look shorter
- Tip 2: Use relatively tall furniture in the bedroom
- Tip 3: If the headboard comes with legs, cut the legs and attach the headboard either to the bed frame or to the wall
- Tip 4: Consider purchasing another headboard
Below, we’ll share some additional information about each of these tips.
Tip 1. Use a Comforter and Pillows To Make the Headboard Look Shorter
When a headboard appears to be too tall, the height of the headboard might not actually be the problem. In some cases, the appearance of your bed can make the headboard look taller than it really is. To solve this issue, you can use a fluffy comforter to cover the bed and arrange some pillows on top of it. A quilt and pillows can help you fill in any empty space and make the headboard look a little bit shorter.
A simple bolster pillow makes this tall headboard seem like it’s the right height. Image from Amazon.Tip 2. Use Relatively Tall Furniture in the Bedroom
The height of the furniture in your bedroom can also affect how tall the headboard looks. Sometimes the headboard is actually not that tall; rather, the furniture in the bedroom may be too short. If you have not purchased any furniture yet, consider buying relatively tall cabinets and dressers for the bedroom. This will help create the illusion that your headboard is not too tall.
Tip 3. If the Headboard Comes with Legs, Cut the Legs and Attach the Headboard Either to the Bed Frame or to the Wall
If you have already decorated your bedroom and the extra pillows or taller furniture do not help, there is another tip you can try. If you have a headboard that comes with legs, you can easily cut the legs and mount the headboard either to the bed frame or to the wall. Shortening the legs will decrease the height of the headboard and make the overall look of the bedroom much more aesthetically pleasing.
Tip 4. Consider Purchasing Another Headboard
If none of the options mentioned above work for you, you may want to consider purchasing a completely new headboard with your preferred dimensions. To do so, take measurements of the bed and decide how tall you want the headboard to be. Then, go to your local furniture store and select a headboard with the corresponding dimensions. We really like adjustable height headboards like this one from Amazon.
How To Raise a Wooden Headboard or an Upholstered Headboard
You can raise a wooden headboard or an upholstered headboard using the same approach as any other headboard material. First select the right bed riser height, then place the riser under the headboard, and finally screw in the riser into the headboard.
Generally speaking, there are three types of headboards: freestanding headboards, bed frame-mounted headboards, and wall-mounted headboards. To raise the height of a wooden headboard or an upholstered headboard, first consider whether it is a freestanding, bed frame-mounted, or wall-mounted headboard. Some general tips for increasing the height of each type of headboard are provided below.
How To Raise a Wooden or Upholstered Freestanding Headboard
To raise a freestanding headboard use regular bed risers to increase the height of the headboard.
To do this, refer to the step-by-step instructions in the very first section of this article. You can also attach a freestanding headboard to the bed frame at the desired height using extension brackets. To do this, see the instructions in the second section of this article.
Another way to raise a freestanding headboard is to cut off the legs of the headboard and mount it either to the bed frame or to the wall.
How To Raise a Wooden or Upholstered Bed Frame-Mounted Headboard
If you have a bed frame-mounted headboard, it might already have specific brackets. In some cases, the brackets can be used to adjust the height of the headboard. If the brackets are not adjustable, you will need to uninstall the headboard and attach it a little bit higher on the bed frame.
How To Raise a Wooden or Upholstered Wall-Mounted Headboard
Wall-mounted headboards are attached to the wall using brackets or fasteners. Change the location of the wall brackets to raise or lower the headboard. You can also purchase adjustable bracket systems to make this easier.
On the other hand, a headboard might be attached to the wall using bolts or screws. If that’s the case, you will need to remove the fasteners and secure the headboard higher on the wall. While this is an easy thing to do, removing and attaching fasteners can damage the wall. The resulting holes in the wall might not be a problem if you aren’t changing the position of your bed, but they might not be ideal if you’re planning to move the furniture in your bedroom around at another time.
You may also be interested to know how you can fix a wobbly headboard once it’s attached. Make sure to take a look at some of our ideas in this article as well. You may also decide to add a reading nook to your bedroom. Be sure to look at these 10 bookcase bed nook ideas to make your bedroom look cozy for some ideas on how to make it work.