Can You Convert a Queen Headboard to a Double?

Reasons

• Moving into a smaller bed may be an effective solution to more than one problem. Double beds use less expensive linens than queen beds. They also leave more space in your room and are easier to move. Replacing the headboard on a queen bed may leave you with an extra headboard that you want to attach to a double bed that currently doesn't have one. Headboards in any size give the bed a finished look and prevent pillows from falling off the mattress.

Adjustable Headboards

• Some headboards are made to accommodate several sizes of beds. The key to whether you can reuse a headboard is the width. A queen bed is 60 inches wide, while a double is only 54 inches. This means that a queen headboard will only extend an additional 3 inches on either side when paired with a double bed. Adjustable headboards include slots or brackets to attach to bed frames of multiple sizes. If you buy a headboard without clear plans for where you'll use it, measure the distance between each set of brackets to see if it will allow you to move it from a queen to a double bed.

Wall-Mounted Headboards

• Some headboards mount to the wall directly behind the bed rather than attaching only to the bed frame. These headboards are instantly convertible for decorative purposes. Removing a queen bed and placing a double bed in the same space will allow the headboard to frame the bed, albeit with additional overhang on each side. If a freestanding headboard won't attach to your new double bed frame, you can drill holes and use metal screws to attach it directly to the wall, allowing it to work with a double bed.

Customizing a Headboard

• Some headboards can be customized to attach to double bed frames even if they were only intended for use with larger queen beds. Bed frames feature metal brackets with holes that must line up with holes in the headboard. Metal bolts with washers and nuts go through each pair of holes, joining the headboard to the bed frame. To customize a queen headboard to accept a double bed, simply line up the frame with the headboard and mark where you need to drill each new hole. This should be approximately three inches closer to the center of the headboard than the outer queen bed frame holes, depending on the style of frame. Carefully drill new holes straight through the headboard and use the same mounting hardware to attach the frame.