Can A Full Size Mattress Fit A Queen Headboard?

February 23, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

A full size mattress is a space-saving and comfortable bed size option for couples and individuals looking to maximize floor space in a smaller bedroom. But before you commit to a new full size mattress for your room, you need to make sure it will fit the headboard of your dreams.

Whether you’re already in possession of a great queen sized upholstered headboard or you’ve been eyeing one at a local furniture store for weeks, it’s normal to wonder, is it possible to put a queen headboard on full bed? Or can they only support a queen mattress?

The short answer is yes.

However, you’ll have to tap into your creative side to make up for the slight bed size difference between your full size mattress and your queen headboard. In this short guide, we’ll explain how.

Full Size vs Queen Beds

You probably know that queen sized bed frames are larger than full size—but how much larger?

  • A full sized bed frame is designed to accommodate a 54” by 75” inch mattress size
  • A queen sized bed will accommodate one that measures 60” by 80”

As you can see, a queen headboard will have six extra inches of width beyond the border of your full sized mattress.  If you’re still not sure about it, we’ve got a headboard size chart to help you visualize.

That means you’ll have 3 extra inches of material on each side of your mattress after you mount your headboard.

Here’s the good news: once your bed is outfitted with pillows, blankets, comforters, and a bed skirt, it’s unlikely that anyone will notice the extra material on either side of the mattress. In fact, people will probably mistake it for being a queen bed.

Even if they do, this won’t necessarily look strange. Today’s hotel rooms and trendy editorial spreads often feature beds with oversized statement headboards that extend well beyond the edge of the mattress. These extra-large headboards function at once as both a place to rest your pillows and a unique design element.

So how can you make your queen size headboard fit your full sized mattress? Let’s take a look at some options.

Adjust Your Existing Frame

If you’re in love with your queen size bed frame, you don’t necessarily have to ditch it when switching to a smaller living space and mattress size.

In some cases, a metal bed frame can easily adjust to accommodate a full size mattress. 1 

Take a Look at Your Bed Frame

Are there two mattress support bars or four metal bars creating a rectangle? Are there additional holes on the footboard or headboard to enable easy adjustment of the frame? If your frame is adjustable, bring the support bars in 3” on each side. Likewise, bring the footboard 5” closer to the headboard to accommodate your new, shorter full sized mattress. 

Break Out the Toolbox

If there’s no built-in way to adjust your bed frame, you can get crafty by following these steps:

  1.  Unscrew the current support bars and make a mark three inches in from where they previously attached. 
  1. Purchase new support bars that are 5” shorter in length. 
  1. Then, drill new holes, making sure they’re approximately the same size as the existing ones. 
  1. Attach the new support bars to the headboard and footboard with appropriate hardware.

But don’t worry—if you’re dreading the prospect of drilling, you have other options.

Use Brackets on a New Bed Frame

Adjusting a bed frame can be tricky. After all, your number one priority is getting adequate support from your mattress during your snooze. You might not enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep if you happen to install off-kilter support brackets. 

To ensure ideal support, you could instead opt to buy a full size platform bed frame that doesn’t have its own headboard. Here’s how:

  1. Look for an option that matches your queen sized headboard in material and color. Alternately, plan to cover it up with your bedding!
  1. Secure headboard brackets to your new frame.
  1. Mount your queen headboard to the new brackets, put down your mattress, and start enjoying your new bed!

At Casper, we have a variety of platform bed frames that would pair nicely with just about any style headboard. Whether you’re looking for custom upholstery or something more industrial, we have a platform bed frame that would complete your queen headboard setup.

Mount Your Headboard to the Wall

Don’t feel confident shopping for headboard brackets? Mounting your queen headboard to the wall may be the easiest solution.

We already noted that headboards can serve as intriguing design elements. If you plan to push your bed against the wall anyway, why not mount the headboard directly to it?

Depending on the material of your headboard, there are a variety of solutions.

  • Push a plush pillow headboard between the wall and your mattress, using the weight of the bed to keep it in place.
  • Attach some felt furniture pads to the back of your heavier headboard and push it in place with your bed frame. The felt will leave a little room to keep it from damaging the wall or making noise as you shift in bed.
  • Use wall cleats or brackets for a more secure solution. If you choose this option, be sure you drill into studs rather than drywall.

Casper for a Bedroom That Fits Your Life

One secret about setting up a master’s or guest bedroom? There are no rules.

If you want to attach a queen size headboard to your full size bed frame, you’ll find a way. Even that king sized headboard you’ve been eyeing on Etsy could look amazing in your master’s or guest bedroom once you find the right solution!

Or, you may find that you would prefer to upgrade to a queen, especially if you’re wondering “Is a full bed big enough for two?” 

After all, your bedroom is your sanctuary. It’s up to you how it should look and feel.

Start by finding the perfect Casper mattress for your needs in terms of space and support. Then, start shopping for a bed frame and headboard. With a little creativity and guidance from us, you’ll find the right solution to make it work. 

Still have unanswered questions about full size beds? Check out our blog to discover the difference between a full vs double bed and more related questions!

Sources: 

  1. Hunker. Can I make a queen sized bed frame fit a full sized bed? https://www.hunker.com/12286116/can-i-make-a-queen-size-bed-frame-fit-a-full-sized-bed