Nothing makes a brand new divan look like a cheap hotel bed faster than no headboard or worse, one that's leaning like it's had one too many. Adding a headboard sorts that right out. It gives the room a proper grown-up feel, stops your pillows sliding down the wall, and means you can sit up comfy watching telly without bashing your head on plaster.
Most UK divans come ready with fixing points at the head end. Usually hidden under the fabric, but dead easy once you know where to poke. Strutted headboards are by far the most common and straightforward. No drilling walls and no faff. Floor-standing ones work too if you fancy something chunkier, and wall-mounted options exist for rentals where you're not allowed to mess with the base, though they take a bit more effort.
Right, let's get stuck in. You do not need a full toolbox for this.
Tools You'll Actually Need
A spanner or adjustable wrench, or sometimes just a screwdriver if the bolts are fiddly
The bolts, washers, and any plastic guides that came with the headboard
Maybe a pillow or a mate to help hold it steady if you're working solo
Most kits include everything, so check the box first. If washers are missing, you can grab some from B&Q for under a fiver.
Step by Step: Fitting a Strutted Headboard
Step 1: Turn the divan around so you can easily reach the back. Feel along the top edge at the head end to locate the fixing points. There are usually two on each side, roughly fifteen centimetres in from the corners.
Step 2: Sometimes the holes are hidden under the fabric. You might see small indents or stickers marking the position if you are lucky.
Step 3: If there are no obvious holes, run your fingers across the fabric until you feel the threaded inserts underneath. Carefully pierce the fabric with a screwdriver or scissors to expose the holes. Only make a small opening so you do not damage the covering.
Step 4: Grab the bolts from the fitting kit. They are usually larger bolts with plastic heads or washers. Screw them loosely into the holes on the divan base and leave about two to three centimetres sticking out. This gives enough space for the headboard struts to slide over.
Step 5: Stand the headboard behind the bed and line up the struts. These are the wooden or metal legs attached to the back of the headboard. Each strut will have a slot or groove that fits over the bolts. Slide the struts down onto the bolts until the headboard sits flush against the back of the divan.
Step 6: If you are working on your own, holding everything steady can be tricky. A simple trick is to lean the headboard against the wall with a pillow behind it while you adjust things.
Step 7: Adjust the height. Slide the headboard up or down until the height looks right. You want a good portion of it visible above the mattress once the bed is made. Too low and it disappears behind pillows, too high and it looks a bit odd.
Step 8: Once you are happy with the position, tighten the bolts properly using the spanner. They should feel firm but not overly tight. Over-tightening can damage the threads or even crack the base.
Step 9: If your kit includes washers, place them on the bolts before tightening. They help spread the pressure and prevent wobbling.
Step 10: Finally, give the headboard a gentle shake to make sure it feels solid. If it moves slightly, tighten the bolts a little more or check that the struts are sitting straight.
What About Floor Standing or Other Types?
Floor-standing headboards sit directly on the floor and then attach to the divan using bolts in the same way. Because they are heavier, it helps to have someone assist while positioning them.
Older UK houses often have thick carpets, which can cause floor-standing headboards to sit slightly unevenly. If this happens, placing felt pads under the feet usually sorts the issue.
Wall-mounted headboards are another option. To install one, measure the position carefully, drill the mounting points into the wall, attach the brackets, and then push the bed up against it. These are useful if you cannot alter the divan base, though they require a bit more DIY work.
If your divan bed does not have fixing points at all, which can happen with older models, you can buy a universal headboard bracket kit from Argos or online. These kits clamp or screw onto the sides of the base and usually take only ten extra minutes to install.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong bolt size is a common issue. Always use the bolts supplied with the headboard whenever possible. Incorrect sizes can damage the threads and cause the headboard to wobble.
- Skipping the washers is another mistake people make. Washers help distribute pressure and stop the headboard from digging into the fabric-covered base.
- Setting the height too low can also be a problem. Before fully tightening everything, place a pillow against the headboard to see how it will look once the bed is made.
- And finally, avoid tightening the bolts too much. Firm pressure is enough. Over-tightening can damage the bed frame.
- Do not forget to match the size of the headboard to the bed. A single headboard should go with a single divan, a double with a double, and a king-size with a king. Using the wrong size can make the bed look odd and affect stability.
Quick Tips for Choosing a Headboard
If you enjoy sitting up in bed reading or watching telly, an upholstered headboard is often the best choice because it feels soft and comfortable.
Neutral fabrics such as grey, beige, or cream tend to work well in most bedrooms and are less likely to go out of style.
If you want a more modern look, winged or panelled headboards are very popular at the moment and can make the bed the centrepiece of the room.
Why Adding a Headboard Is Worth It
A headboard does more than just improve the look of your bed. It protects the wall from scuffs and marks, provides extra support when sitting up, and helps keep pillows in place.
In many bedrooms, the bed becomes the focal point of the space. A well-chosen headboard can make the entire room feel more finished and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to fit a headboard to a divan bed is surprisingly simple. Once you locate the fixing points, the whole process usually takes no more than fifteen minutes.
All you really need is a spanner, the bolts supplied with the headboard, and a bit of patience.
After fitting it properly, your divan bed will instantly look more complete, feel more comfortable, and give the room a much more polished appearance.
And once everything is in place, you can enjoy the important part. Climbing into bed, getting comfortable, and finally having a proper night’s sleep.