I'm about to pull the trigger on a split king adjustable base for my heavy self (260 lbs). My current upholstered headboard is attached to the old metal bed frame, and I really don't want to ditch it. Is there any way to keep the headboard and still use the adjustable base? Or am I doomed to a headboard-less existence?
Headboards
Will an adjustable base work with an upholstered headboard?
Depends on the base. Most adjustable bases have legs that are separate from the headboard brackets. If your headboard attaches to the old frame via bolts, you might be able to get a headboard bracket kit for the adjustable base. I did that with a Tempur-Pedic base and my fabric headboard. Took some drilling but it holds.
Or just wall-mount the headboard. Zero connection to the base, no worries about articulation. I did that when I switched to an adjustable and honestly it looks cleaner.
Wall mount is an option but I rent,so I’d rather not put holes in the wall if I can avoid it. rusty_spatula, did the bracket kit come with the base or did you buy it separately?
Separately. The base had generic slots on the back but no hardware for a headboard. I got a universal bracket kit from the same store. Just check the weight rating—some kits are flimsy. At 260 lbs you don’t want the headboard wobbling every time you raise the head section.
Honestly, most upholstered headboards are lightweight enough that a basic bracket works fine. The real issue is clearance: when the head of the base articulates, it can push the mattress back and smack the headboard. Make sure you leave a gap.
The gap thing is real. My pillow got Wedged once. Not fun at 3am.
I’ve seen people build a simple wooden spacer frame that attaches to the base and holds the headboard a few inches back. Cheap and reversible. If you’re handy at all, that’s probably the least destructive route for a rental.
That spacer frame idea sounds promising. I’ll look into a bracket kit first and see if it gives enough clearance. Thanks for the warning about the gap—I hadn’t thought of that.