How to attach a headboard (with or without drilling): quick and effective solutions

Categories: Decoration Inspiration
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Fixing a headboard without drilling

Installing a headboard seems simple... until you find yourself facing a plasterboard wall or a rental property where drilling is prohibited. Yet, the headboard plays an essential role in the comfort and decor of a bedroom: it structures the space, protects the wall, and adds a touch of style. Good news: there are now clever solutions for installing your headboard without damaging your walls — and without spending hours on DIY.
In this article, discover all the methods for fixing a headboard, with or without drilling: quick tricks ideal for fragile walls, to more solid systems for heavy or solid wood models.

✅ Quick answer: How to fix a headboard without damaging your walls?

To fix a headboard without drilling, you can simply place it between the wall and the bed, use heavy-duty adhesive strips or velcro, or choose a freestanding headboard with non-slip feet. These solutions are perfect for plasterboard walls, renters, or those who frequently change their decor. If your headboard is heavy or very wide, a wall mount with cleats or sliding rails will be more secure, provided you respect your wall's constraints.

Why properly securing your headboard is important

Installing a headboard isn't just about decorating the bedroom. It improves daily comfort: stable support when reading or watching a movie, protection from the cold wall, and even sound insulation if you share a party wall.

But with plasterboard walls, beds without fixing points, or rental apartments, it's not always easy to know how to attach it. Fortunately, there are methods with or without drilling that adapt to all situations.

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Fixing a headboard without drilling: 3 simple and effective methods

1. Place the headboard between the wall and the box spring

This is the quickest and most common method. Simply slide the headboard behind the bed, without any fixing. The weight of the box spring and mattress is enough to hold it in place. This technique is ideal if you have a headboard that's not too tall (less than 130 cm) and not too light.

The advantage is that you don't need any tools. In a few seconds, the headboard is in place, and you can remove it just as easily if you want to move the bed or change models.

However, this solution may lack stability with models that are too thin, very light, or too tall. If you feel it moving, combine it with velcro strips or add non-slip pads under the headboard.

2. Use velcro or heavy-duty adhesive strips

If you want to fix the headboard to the wall without making holes, velcro is an excellent solution. Simply stick the "hook" part on the wall (clean and dry) and the "loop" part on the headboard. Then, press firmly to fit them together. Some brands even offer ready-to-use kits.

This system works very well with light or medium-weight headboards, particularly those made of fabric or thin wood panels. It's ideal for rentals, as you can remove everything without leaving a trace.

Important tip: clean the wall thoroughly before applying the strips. Dust or flaking paint reduces adhesion. Avoid this method on rough or grainy walls.

3. Choose a freestanding headboard

Some models are designed to stand on their own, thanks to their weight and stability. They're called "freestanding headboards." They often have discreet feet or rubber pads that prevent them from sliding.

You just need to slide it behind the bed, making sure it's straight. This is the cleanest solution, without glue or screws, while offering very good stability, even for slightly taller models.

This type of headboard is perfect if you like to change your decor regularly or if you're planning a move.

Wall mounting: for a heavier or taller headboard

If your headboard is solid wood, metal, or simply very wide, drilling-free methods may not be sufficient. In this case, wall mounting is more suitable. Two systems are particularly recommended.

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1. The cleat system
(wood or metal)

This is a two-part fixing: one cleat fixed to the wall, and another to the back of the headboard. One fits into the other. This is called a "beveled" or "dovetail" fixing. The recommended angle is approximately 30°, which ensures good support.

Start by firmly fixing the wall cleat with screws suitable for your wall (concrete, brick, plasterboard...). Then, install the second cleat on the back of the headboard. The assembly is invisible once mounted, and you can remove or change the headboard easily.

This method is particularly stable. It also allows you to create a slight gap between the wall and the headboard, which prevents moisture buildup or rubbing.

2. The metal sliding rail system

Sliding rails are tracks fixed to the wall and the headboard. Once installed, simply slide the headboard up and down to clip it in place. This is a system often used for heavy wall-mounted objects.

Kits are usually supplied with the necessary screws and anchors. All you need is a drill and a spirit level to ensure alignment. Installation is quick (less than 30 minutes in most cases) and very stable.

Sliding rails are recommended if you want a system that's easy to dismantle, especially if you regularly change models or decor.

Fixing a headboard according to your wall type

The type of wall is very important in choosing the method.

  • If your wall is concrete or brick, you can use standard screws without any problem, with suitable anchors.
  • If your wall is plasterboard, you need to be more careful. We recommend using a stud finder to screw directly into the metal structures of the wall. Otherwise, you can use specific anchors called Molly bolts, which deploy behind the partition to firmly hold the fixing.
  • Finally, if your wall is fragile or decorative (for example, wallpaper or fragile paint), opt for no-drill solutions.

What to do if your bed doesn't allow for a headboard to be attached?

Some modern beds, such as platform beds or metal box springs, don't have fixing points for a headboard. In this case, two options are available.

The first is to choose a freestanding headboard, as mentioned above. This is the simplest and safest method if the bed frame cannot be modified.

The second is to use an independent wall mount, with no connection to the bed. This allows you to attach a solid headboard, regardless of the bed structure, while maintaining great design freedom.

Conclusion: which solution should you choose to fix your headboard?

As you've seen, there are many ways to fix a headboard, with or without drilling. The choice mainly depends on three criteria: the weight of your headboard, the type of wall, and your DIY skill level.

If you're looking for simplicity, opt for a freestanding headboard or velcro strips. For solid long-term support, especially with heavy materials, prefer wall fixings with cleats or sliding rails.

In all cases, it's essential to respect the compatibility between your wall, your bed, and your headboard. And if you still have doubts, guides offered by specialized manufacturers like Chambrekids can help you choose the right model and installation method.

To learn more about headboards…

To go further in customizing and arranging your bedroom, we also recommend these complementary articles on the Chambrekids blog. They'll provide you with creative and practical ideas about headboards: