Do you have a bed headboard that you want to get rid of? Maybe you’re moving and don’t want to take it with you, or maybe it’s just taking up too much space in your room. Whatever the reason, removing a bed headboard can be a daunting task. If you’re not sure how to do it, don’t worry! We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on removing a bed headboard. Keep reading instructions on safely removing your headboard without damaging your furniture or injuring yourself.
Gather your Tools
Before you get started, make sure you have the following items on hand. You’ll need a screwdriver (preferably a Phillips’s head), a hammer or rubber mallet, an adjustable wrench, pliers, and something to wedge under the headboard (we recommend a piece of wood or a putty knife).
Remove the Bed Frame
If your bed frame is attached to the headboard, you’ll need to remove it before you can remove the headboard itself. Start by removing the screws that attach the bed frame to the headboard. Once all the screws are removed, gently lift the bed frame off the headboard. Be careful not to damage either piece of furniture as you’re doing this.
Remove the Headboard Screws

Now that the bed frame is out of the way, you can remove the screws that attach the headboard to the wall. There are usually two types of screws holding the headboard in place: drywall screws and l-brackets. The drywall screws go into the wall itself, while the l-brackets are attached to the headboard and screwed into the wall. Start by removing all of the drywall screws. Then, remove the l-brackets (if any) by unscrewing them from the wall.
Detach Headboard from Wall
Now that all of the screws have been removed, you should be able to pull the headboard away from the wall gently. You can use a putty knife, a small harmer, or another wedging tool to help pry it loose if it’s stuck.
Take off the Fabric and Padding From the Headboard (Optional)
You can now take off the fabric and padding from the headboard if you want to. This is optional and only necessary if you want to reupholster or repaint the headboard. To remove the fabric, start by removing any buttons or tufts holding it in place.
Then, use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to carefully cut through the staples that attach the fabric to the back of the headboard. Once all the staples have been removed, you should be able to pull the fabric off the headboard relatively quickly. To remove the padding, start by cutting through any stitches holding it in place. Finally, slowly remove it from the headboard.
Store All of the Pieces Somewhere Safe

Reckless storage can cause accidents and serious injuries. So, we recommend putting all the screws and brackets in a small bag or container, so you don’t lose them. You can also put the headboard in a frequently accessed area to prevent damaging it. And finally, if you’ve removed the fabric and padding from the headboard, make sure to store those pieces safely.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Always use caution when working with tools.
- Be careful not to damage the headboard or the bed frame while removing them.
- If you’re having trouble removing the headboard, try using a putty knife or another wedging tool to help pry it loose.
- Once you’ve removed the headboard, store all the pieces safely, so you don’t lose them.
- We hope this guide was helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
FAQs
Can I remove the headboard without removing the bed frame?
Yes, you can remove the headboard without removing the bed frame. However, it’s usually easier to remove the bed frame first.
Do I need to remove the fabric and padding from the headboard?
No, you don’t need to remove the fabric and padding from the headboard. However, if you want to reupholster or repaint the headboard, you’ll need to remove them.
Where should I store all the pieces after removing the headboard?
We recommend storing all the pieces in a small bag or container, so you don’t lose them. You can also put the headboard in a frequently accessed area to prevent damaging it.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A step-by-step guide on how to remove a bed headboard. We hope you found this guide helpful and that you now feel confident in removing your headboard. All you need to do is to follow the steps mentioned above precisely. Of course, since you will be using tools, play safe all along and avoid any accidents. But, it’s a straightforward project, and you can do it.