Unstable headboards can be a safety hazard.
A bed is a haven for rest--but not if there is an unstable headboard that just might crash down your head, or at least one that feels like it will soon. Most unstable headboards--and foot boards--are due to uneven flooring, loose or lost screws. In the case of bookcase headboards, they might need to have the shelves reinforced. All these problems require only quick fixes that can be done in one afternoon or less, even by someone who is not into do-it-yourself projects. If all else fails, attach the headboard to the wall.
Instructions
Reinforcing Wobbly Legs
1. Floors warp and create uneven flooring.
Check for uneven floors, as the headboard might be unstable because of an uneven surface, not because anything is wrong with it. Move the headboard an inch or two in one direction at a time and check for stability, then align the bed with it. If this fails, go to the next step.
2. Old newspapers can be a handy tool.
Place a folded wad of newspaper under any unstable headboard and bed legs. Try different thicknesses to get the right stability. You can stop here, particularly if the newspaper wad is out of sight.
3. Remove the newspaper wad and use this as a basis to find wood blocks with the same thickness.
4. Wood blocks help stabilize headboards on an uneven floor.
Glue on the wood blocks to all unstable legs. Spray paint/varnish to match the headboard. Alternatively, camouflage these extensions with bedside tables.
Reinforcing a Headboard Mounted to a Bed Frame
5. Oil all screws and nails, then tighten and hammer as needed. Jiggle the headboard to test for squeaks.
6. Loose nuts, bolts, and screws can cause unstable headboards.
Replace all missing bolts, screws and nails. Unscrew one bolt/screw, take it to the hardware store as a sample or guide and get replacements, including new washers to go with the bolts/screws. Buy an appropriate screwdriver, wrench and drill, if needed.
7. Replace all missing screws. Drill additional holes and put in more bolts/screws, if the headboard is still unstable.
8. Spray paint is the quick, affordable way to finish the project.
Spray paint/varnish the headboard to hide the bolts and screws.
Reinforcing a Bookcase Headboard
9. Bookcase headboards are practical but need to be sturdy and safe.
Check for uneven floors. Correct the problem as in Section 1.
10. Check and tighten all screws and nails.
11. Partitions on bookcases stabilize and strengthen bookcase headboards.
Use L-brackets on shelves at all back corners to make them sturdier for heavy objects. Long and wide shelves might need one or two additional L-brackets in the midsection, as well as at the front corners. Alternatively, nail equally spaced shelf dividers or vertical support boards on the sides, back and midsections of all shelves; adding L-brackets to these support boards makes the whole bookcase even stronger.
12. Spray paint/varnish L-brackets to match the bookcase headboard.
Tips Warnings
Place old newspapers on all surrounding surfaces before spray painting.
Use work gloves and goggles when spray painting.
Spray paint in a well-ventilated area.
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