Adding a headboard to your Sleep Number bed is a great way to elevate your bedroom style while also enhancing comfort. However, ensuring proper installation is key for functionality and safety. In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know for effortless headboard attachment.
Sleep Number Bases Headboards Can Attach To
Before purchasing a headboard, it’s important to understand bed base compatibility. Sleep Number offers three main foundation types that headboards can mount onto:
Smart Beds
Sleep Number’s premium Smart Beds come integrated with an adjustable base encased in a frame. The built-in base lifts and adjusts for customizable comfort. Four steel brackets connect a headboard secured right to the bed frame.
Integrated Bases
Similar to Smart Beds, Integrated Bases have the adjustable base built right into a bordering frame. The attached framework has pre-drilled holes at the head making headboard installation smooth.
Modular Bases
Modular Bases from Sleep Number feature an adjustable foundation as a standalone piece. Since Modular Bases lack frames, fastening headboards takes a different approach involving additional equipment. The base requires mountable bracket legs secured near the head before attaching the headboard to the legs.
Headboard Types Compatible With Sleep Number
Understanding dimensions and weight capacities aids in choosing the best headboard for your needs and Sleep Number model.
Floor-Standing
Freestanding floor headboards offer versatile placement without wall mounting. Ensure ample space exists behind the Sleep Number for moving the headboard into position.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted headboards attach firmly to studs in the wall behind the bed. Consider a design with adjustable height settings to align with the Sleep Number base.
Strutted
Strutted headboards utilize support legs on both sides secured to brackets. This creates a floating appearance while remaining sturdy enough for Sleep Number beds.
Floating
No legs needed! Floating headboards commonly connect right to metal rails or frames within the bed itself, like with Smart Bases. Minimal legs behind the bed base provide unseen support.
Upholstered
Upholstered headboards covered in fabric padding combine style and comfort. Ensure the frame and fabric strength suits the capacity of your Sleep Number model.
Getting Started: Materials & Tools Needed
Installing your headboard takes coordination. Prepare everything needed beforehand to make the process smooth.
Bracket Kit Contents
- Steel headboard brackets (2 to 4 depending on size)
- Long screws for securing into bed base
- Short screws for headboard post cups
- Spacers and washers
Additional Materials
- For Modular Bases, leg brackets allowing headboard attachment
- For heavy headboards, additional reinforcement brackets
- Shims for leveling on uneven floors
Tools for Installation
- Power drill
- Stud finder for wall-mounted headboards
- Hex screw head driver
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Safety glasses and work gloves
Safety First
Use care when moving heavy frames and lifting bed pieces. Frequently tighten screws during positioning to prevent sudden shifting or dropping of parts.
Pre-Installation Prep
Complete these pre-steps before bracketing your headboard for the easiest install.
Check User Manual For Compatibility
Your Sleep Number base’s user guide contains size and weight limits assisting in pairing with the right headboard model. Locate the serial number inside the manual or on the bed base. Call customer service with it for guidance selecting compatible boards.
Locate Serial Number
The unique serial number helps Sleep Number staff recommend suitable headboards for your foundation dimensions and brackets fitting your base properly.
Have Base Assembled & Mattress In Place
Fully construct your Sleep Number base with the air mattress on top before positioning the headboard. This allows accurately gauging the height and width during installation.
Remove Debris From Install Area
Clear furniture and ensure adequate workspace behind the bed base to maneuver tools and lift the headboard during attachment. Remove outlet covers to avoid damage while drilling.
Charge Power Drill & Gather Tools
Having a fully charged drill avoids disruption during the mounting process. Locate all required tools described in the bracket kit and place within reach where you’ll work.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
With pre-work finished, the fun part begins! Follow these steps connecting everything correctly.
Bracket Positioning & Placement
Specific holes exist on Sleep Number Smart and Integrated bases for fastening the included metal right-angle brackets. Use a tape measure to identify and mark the hole locations before drilling. For Modular bases, secure bracket legs designed for headboard attachment near the head of the foundation.
Securing Brackets To Base
Using your electric drill and long screws from the bracket kit, firmly screw diagonal corners of the brackets into the pre-marked holes on the bed base. The flared ends face outwards for the headboard’s horizontal beams to slide and lock onto later.
Leveling & Squaring Brackets
Repeatedly check that attached brackets sit evenly using a level tool. Twisting brackets out of alignment weakens stability and headboard connection. Place included spacers or shims to adjust the height or angle if the base sits unevenly on the floor.
Lifting & Fastening Headboard
Carefully lift your headboard and guide the horizontal support bars on the back to slide down into the wall mount brackets’ flared ends. Align screws holes and use the short screws to securely screw the headboard beams into the bracket cups.
Final Safety Checks
Verify firmly tightened bolts everywhere the brackets connect and inspect for gaps between the headboard and Sleep Number base. Give the headboard a gentle pull checking for looseness before loading pillows or lying down.
Special Considerations
Depending on your Sleep Number bed parts and headboard type, tailor installation accordingly.
Alternative Brackets or Legs for Modular Bases
Since Modular bases lack an integrated frame, use specialty legs that fasten near the head specifically made to then attach a headboard securely.
Reinforcements for Heavy Headboards
Some large or solid wood headboards weigh considerably more than average vinyl and padded fabric versions. In those cases, utilize additional L-shaped reinforcement brackets on the bed base corners before installation.
Troubleshooting Problems
If encountering issues like hearing creaking noises, noticing cracks or damage forming over time, or having trouble aligning screw holes, contact Sleep Number’s customer support online or by phone for troubleshooting advice.
Enjoy Your Stylish, Comfortable Sleep Number Bed
When installed properly, a headboard adds aesthetic appeal to your bedroom while also enhancing leisure. Follow our guidance for safely securing your choice headboard to fully appreciate upgraded coziness.
Tips For Designing Your Bedroom
A mounted headboard serves as a perfect starting point for planning out the rest of your calming retreat. Consider complementary nightstands bracketing the Sleep Number base on both sides to balance the room.
Periodically inspect brackets maintaining tightness in their bolts. Use caution leaning or placing force on wall-mounted headboards checking for loosening over time. When moving your Sleep Number into a new home in the future, take proper techniques disassembling furniture without damage.