The flush mounts are one of the more important tools needed for hanging the headboard. Each mount consists of two different pieces. One piece attaches to the back of the headboard, while the other piece attaches to the wall. When you hang the headboard, you simply slide the pieces on the headboard into the pieces on the wall, which creates a lock that keeps the headboard attached. The flush mounts also keep the headboard from moving or wiggling when you or the bed bumps against it.
Before installing the headboard, pick the wall of the room where you want it attached. Go over the wall with a stud finder, locating the placement of the studs in the wall. Mark the area with a pencil. Measure the length of the headboard with a measuring tape. Find two studs in the wall with a distance approximately the same length as the headboard. You must hang the headboard from two studs for maximum strength.
Using an electric drill, attach the mounts to the wall. Place the mounts on the spots you marked earlier. Measure the distance between the two mounts with a measuring tape and write the measurements down. Attach the other side of one mount to the back of the headboard. Measure out from that mount and attach the other half of the second mount according to the measurement you wrote down. Slide the headboard onto the wall, and if you measured correctly, the mounts should slide into place.
If you cannot find two studs the same distance apart as your headboard, then pick two with a distance as close as possible. For example, if your headboard measures 48 inches wide, then find two studs approximately 40 inches apart or close to that. You may find that adding a third mount to the wall and headboard is helpful, especially if the headboard feels loose or wobbly. For headboards that have substantial weight, the extra mount adds more protection and keeps the headboard from moving or sliding off the wall.