The Complete Guide to Finding the Best Floating Headboard For Your Adjustable Bed

If you have an adjustable bed, you know the freedom and comfort it provides. With so many reclining and customizable positions, adjustable beds allow you to find the perfect angle for reading, watching TV, or just relaxing. But did you know that you can take the experience up another notch by pairing your adjustable bed with a floating headboard?

What is a Floating Headboard?

Unlike a traditional headboard that attaches to the bed frame, a floating headboard is mounted directly onto the wall, completely separate from the bed. This floating design gives them a light, airy quality that can create the illusion of more space in small bedrooms. Floating headboards come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, colors and materials to match any decor.

The key advantage of a floating headboard is the versatility it provides. Since it doesn't connect to the bed frame, a floating headboard is compatible with any type of bed base, including adjustable beds. This flexibility means you can pair a beautiful headboard with your high-tech adjustable base to create a custom sleep sanctuary that is uniquely you.

Features and Benefits

In addition to complementing adjustable beds, floating headboards provide a few other excellent benefits:

• Protect walls from damage that can occur when you recline or change positions in an adjustable bed.
• Provide extra comfort and support when sitting up to read or watch TV.
• Create a polished, integrated look since they don't require a bed frame.
• Give the illusion of a larger space since they have a floating quality.

With minimalist contemporary designs being so popular, floating headboards are the perfect way to achieve this pared-down aesthetic in your master suite or guest bedroom.

Materials for Floating Headboards

One of the best aspects of floating headboards is the wide spectrum of materials they come in. Depending on your personal style, you can find the ideal look and feel.

Wood

For many people, warm, natural wood is the first choice for a headboard. Options like oak, maple, acacia, and pine provide a timeless beauty. You can customize the look further by selecting from various stains, paints or distressing techniques. Rustic, coastal, contemporary - there are so many design directions you can go with a wood headboard. Just be sure to use properly dried wood that can stand up to the humidity of a bedroom.

Metal and Iron

Looking for something with an industrial vibe? Iron and metal headboards provide eye-catching, architectural designs. Wrought iron is a top choice for intricate shapes and patterns. Steel and aluminum options take on a more modern, sleek aesthetic. Just keep in mind that metal and iron headboards often weigh more than wood, so make sure your mounting method can handle the load.

Upholstered

For a soft, welcoming look and feel, upholstered headboards provide comfort. With countless fabric options from velvet to linen, and smooth to tufted designs, it's easy to customize the look. Just be aware that upholstered headboards are more prone to dust and potential stains.

Other Materials

Beyond the most common options above, floating headboards are also available in faux leather, woven rattan or wicker, acrylic, and other unique materials to make a serious style statement.

Choosing the Right Size

One of the most important factors in picking out a floating headboard is making sure you choose the proper size. You'll want your new headboard to fit perfectly with your adjustable base without any unsightly gaps.

Measure Your Adjustable Bed

Start by carefully measuring the width and height of your adjustable bed frame. Make sure to measure at the tallest height your bed will reach. Don't forget to account for the thickness of your mattress as well. This will ensure your floating headboard is sized to properly sit above your mattress.

Consider Desired Overhang

In most cases, you'll want your floating headboard to be 2-6 inches wider than the mattress to provide an attractive overhang on both sides. This not only gives the headboard a nice framed look, but also ensures that the mattress won't bump against the headboard when adjusting positions.

Mind the Motion

Be sure to leave at least 1-2 inches of clearance between the headboard and top of the mattress. This gives the mattress clearance to recline without rubbing against the back of the headboard.

Standard vs. Custom Size

While you can often find ready-made floating headboards in standard bed sizes like queen and king, don't be afraid to go custom. This ensures an ideal fit and allows you to include special design details.

Design and Style Considerations

Since a floating headboard serves as a focal point in your bedroom, you'll want to choose a style you love. Here are some design factors to keep in mind:

Match Your Decor

Look for a floating headboard that complements your existing decor. Whether your style is modern, traditional, minimalist or eclectic, select a headboard that enhances the overall look.

Color Palette

Coordinate or contrast your headboard's colors and patterns with other accents in the room, like pillows, art and drapery. A vibrant headboard can energize the space, while a neutral one provides flexibility.

Tufted vs. Smooth

Tufted headboards featuring buttons provide plush, elegant style. But sleek, smooth headboards work well in contemporary spaces. Choose the look you find most appealing.

Built-in Storage

If you need extra space for books, remotes or reading glasses, some headboards feature clever built-in shelving. Just be mindful of total weight limits.

Lighting

For additional function and atmosphere, you can incorporate ambient lighting into your floating headboard. From soft LED strips to directional reading lamps, lighting opens up lots of design possibilities.

Installing Your Floating Headboard

One of the biggest perks of a floating headboard is how easy they are to install compared to traditional headboards. Here's an overview of the process:

Mounting Hardware

Floating headboards use a metal bracket system to mount directly onto the wall. This often includes L-brackets, T-brackets and Z-brackets. Make sure to use the proper anchors for your wall type like drywall toggles, molly bolts or wood screws.

Secure It

Be sure to attach your floating headboard securely into wall studs for maximum strength and stability. Use a stud finder to locate studs, and use at least 3-4 mounting points across the headboard.

Level and Lift

Use a level to ensure your floating headboard hangs evenly. Often two people make the installation process easier - one to position the headboard on the brackets while the other secures it.

DIY or Pro Install?

If you're handy, installing a floating headboard yourself is definitely feasible. But for very heavy headboards or tricky wall types, professional installation can ensure it's perfectly secured.

Budget and Where to Buy

Floating headboards come in a wide range of price points based on size, materials and other features.

You can find stylish floating headboards from these sources:

• Furniture stores: Try larger furniture and department stores for a wide selection.
• Online retailers: Websites like Wayfair offer speedy shipping right to your door.
• Etsy: Find handcrafted and custom floating headboards from independent artisans.
• Custom shops: Work with a local carpenter or upholsterer to build a one-of-a-kind piece.

Choosing Your Perfect Floating Headboard

As you search for the ideal floating headboard, keep these key factors in mind:

• Size - Measure carefully to ensure an accurate fit with your adjustable bed frame and mattress height.
• Material - Select a material like wood, fabric or metal that aligns with your personal style.
• Design - Seek out details like tufting, lighting or storage that meet your needs.
• Wall mounting - Be sure the headboard includes hardware for secure wall installation.
• Clearance - Allow 1-2 inches between the headboard and mattress for adjustability.

Here are a few of our favorite floating headboard picks that would look fantastic with an adjustable bed:

• Nellie Wall Mount Headboard - A minimalist wood design with clean lines.
• Josslyn Upholstered Headboard - Tufted fabric and bronze nailheads for a glamorous statement.
• Dominic Forged Iron Headboard - Industrial metalwork to add an urban loft vibe.
• Custom Reclaimed Wood Headboard - Rustic, eco-friendly style designed specifically for your space.

If you're looking to enhance your adjustable bed with a headboard that provides style, comfort and versatility, a floating headboard is an excellent option. Following this guide will help you find the perfect design, material, size and installation method. With so many beautiful choices, you can easily create a dreamy bedroom retreat with the custom feel of a high-end hotel. Go ahead and give your adjustable bed the stylish floating headboard it deserves!