Beds are simple structures consisting of five parts – the headboard, the horizontal rails, the footboard, the wooden 
The style of the bed may differ such as panel bed, sleigh bed, a murphy bed, a trundle, etc. The material used to make the bed may be wood, metal or a combination of both. Many different species of woods may be used to make the beds such as mahogany, teak, pine, etc.
Slats may be fitted into the frame using hytrel, rubber, etc. The components such as headboard, footboard and rails are connected to each other using hardware. This hardware comprises of bed rail fasteners, centre bed rail fasteners, box spring fasteners, bunk bed pins, bed rail hooks, etc.
Read our latest guide about the best metal bed frames.
If you have used bed bolts, then there are bed bolt cover and other frame and support components. The frame of the bed is constructed using bed rail brackets, keyhole rail brackets, surface mount bed rail brackets and bed rail connection systems.
There are adaptor conversion plates that help you to accommodate a queen-sized mattress with a full-sized head and footboard. These are fitted using tools such as bed bolt wrench, Allen keys and rachets used to fit this hardware.
Before you build your own bed make a checklist of tools, hardware and materials required. You can draw up this list by planning the construction through its steps and noting what you need.
Read our complete guide about the best leather bed frames.
Construction Techniques
The various styles, materials and frames of beds are put together using various techniques. For maximum strength, 
Then the strongest and easiest method of constructing the beds is using rail or bed frame brackets. Each pair of brackets has 2 interlocking parts. One of these parts is secured to each of the horizontal rails. While the other mating parts are attached to the foot and headboard. After these parts are nailed or screwed into the frame, they are hooked together to make a sturdy and strong joint. These long-lasting joints can be easily undone when required.
Various Types of Bed Frame Brackets
There are many types of brackets to connect the side rails and head and footboards. These brackets are available in varying sizes to accommodate any thickness of the rail and length of the leg. They are made of steel and may or may not be plated with zinc. These are surface mounted brackets that do not require mortise and tenon joints. Simply screw the plates into the rails and head/footboard.
The 90° Bed Corner Brackets connect the corners by a hook plate and a strike plate. These brackets allow you to disassemble and transport the bed with ease.
Keyhole 90° Connection Angle Brackets are fitted using screws into the corner. The bolt engages with the keyholes on the other plate holding it in a secure grip. The bracket is durable as it is made from a single piece of metal. Simply flipping the brackets makes it easy to use on the left and right side. They usually come in sets of 4.
Bed Corner Brackets with Bolts for 90° Connection consists of hook brackets, metal plates and corner bolts. The 
90° Bed Corner Connecting Brackets with Double Hooking System – consists of a pair of curved L-shaped brackets that hook into one another and screwed into place. Due to their compact design, they can be fitted into narrower rails and legs.
Bed-Loc Corner Bed Brackets are solid fixing systems where the bracket is screwed into the corner. A set consists of 4 angles with threaded bushings, Bolts, woodscrews and an Allen Key.
Bed Rail Fasteners help snap the bed together. The two halves of the brackets require mortising the rails, head and footboard. They are made of heavy steel and require chisel, mallet, drill and its bits to mount.
Bed Corner Brackets are triangular trays fitted with screws in the corner of the frame. The tray lends support to the mattress or the box spring while the sides hold the rail and head or footboard together.
Essential Features on Bed Frame Brackets
There is a wide range of bed frame brackets available in the market. You may use them to make your own bespoke bed or fix a broken frame. They are available in a great range for all types of bed styles and frames. You can use them on wooden or upholstered bed frames. They are available in various depths, widths and heights to offer a perfect and tight fit for your bed frame.
The aspects to consider while you make your decision are;
Height of your bed rails or frame – Bed frames are different from bed rails. Bed frames are standalone structures that support the box spring and mattress on its own. You do not need a head and footboard to support the structure to stand by itself. The frame is completely connected and the beam or slats across the frame offer added support to the structure. Whereas, bed rails are parallel rails independent of each other. This bed requires a head and footboard to stand. These parallel rails may be connected by another rail at the centre. This central may or may not have support in the centre depending upon the size of the bed. These joints between the rails, head and footboard depend upon the height of the bed. The standard height ranges from 18 – 36 inches. Most modern beds are 18 inches high while common beds may be 25 inches high and antique or old-fashioned beds may be 36 inches off the floor.
Legs or feet – The thickness of the rails also helps you decide which bed frame brackets to use. If the rails and headboard are large and thick; you will use larger sturdier brackets. If they are slim, then you will pick the ones that 
The dimensions of your bed’s legs – The length, breadth and height of your bed’s legs will decide what dimensions of Bed frame brackets you use. As there should be enough space to fix the bracket in that corner.
Assembly and disassembly – Chose Bed frame brackets that allow you to assemble and disassemble the bed with ease. If you move frequently then this feature of the brackets comes in handy. As they facilitate the use of simple tools to assemble and disassemble the bed. Some Bed frame brackets allow tool-free assembly or disassembly after they have been fitted into the frame such as the hook brackets, 90-degree connection brackets, etc.
Easy of fitting – It should be easy to attach the Bed frame brackets to the bed. They should be compatible with metal and wooden frames.
Top 10 Best Bed Frame Brackets in 2022
| Picture | Name | Feature | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Picture |
Name | Feature | Price |
Rating |
 |
1. Zinus Headboard Brackets |
triangular with altitude of 18 inches | $$ | 4.8 |
 |
2. Ronin Factory Hook-On Bed Frame Brackets |
Hook-on to bolt on conversion | $$ | 4.8 |
 |
3. Bed Claw COMINHKR024982 |
4 Pre-Drilled holes |
$$ | 4.7 |
 |
4. Elegant Upholstery 4335393288 | Length/Height: 3.75″ | $$ | 4.6 |
| 5. Bed Claw 21863 |
made with 13 Gauge steel | $$ | 4.6 | |
|
6. Weltraum #711 |
long lasting 2mm thick Powder Coated Steel | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
7. Kilofly Brackets and Hook Plate Set |
rust and corrosion resistance | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
8. Kings Brand Furniture SYNCHKG111296 | Dimensions: 16″L x 2″W x 4″H | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
9. Zinus OLB-BK-2PK |
Easy assembly | $$ | 4.3 |
 |
10. Richohome Non-Mortise Wood Bed Rail Brackets |
Length Approx. :7.25 inches, Width:0.75 inches | $$ | 4.4 |
1. Zinus Headboard Brackets
Zinus was founded in 1979 as an outdoor furniture company. After making a mark in the outdoor market by selling tents, garden furniture, etc. They 
Design and Build
Zinus Headboard Brackets come in a set of two. These 18-inch premium quality smart base brackets have the basic format of the keyhole bracket. They are made of steel and provide mechanical support to the frame all along its length. There are multiple slots on the bracket that are meant for adjustable sizing. This set has two brackets for the headboard. They can be used for the footboard too. They can be used with legs that are 18 inches high or can themselves function as legs for the base. The tough steel has keyholes cut into them that can be used creatively.
Functionality
Zinus Headboard Brackets are very easy to install. The brackets are to be attached from the outer side of the bed. The type B screws are fitted through the slots in the leg. While the type-C screws are fitted into the frame of the bed. The brackets come with excellent instructions that have you set in 15 minutes. Simply engage the safety hooks on the top of the brackets. Align the holes and fit the screws in place. These brackets fit on all the Zinus bed frames which are made of metal.
Capacity
Zinus Headboard Brackets are triangular with an altitude of 18 inches. The two sides angled at 90 are 5 inches each. The total weight is 4 pounds.
Additional Features
Zinus Headboard Brackets arrive in a box. They have two pieces of brackets, four B-type and C-type screws along with an Allen key. These brackets are supported by a 5-year warranty.
Why Is It the Best of The Lot?
Zinus Headboard Brackets are made of high-quality steel and powder coated in black. These smart-looking brackets in mat-finish are a beauty with brains. Even though these brackets are meant to be used with the Zinus 18-inch premium SmartBase bed frame they can be used with any bed frame. This is because there are multiple slots cut into them that allow you to adjust the height and sizing according to the bed base.
2. Ronin Factory Hook-On Bed Frame Brackets
Ronin Factory design and manufacture firearms and automotive products. They make high-quality products you will not find elsewhere. They bring 
Design and Build
The Ronin Factory Hook-On Bed Frame Brackets with an adaptor is the bolt-on type of hook and claw bracket set. It is made of high-quality steel and coated with zinc. These heavy-duty brackets will carry the weight of your headboard. The packet includes two brackets and bolts to install the hook bracket to the headboard. You will have to buy another set to fix your footboard.
Functionality
Ronin Factory Hook-On Bed Frame Brackets are ideal to attach a new metal frame to your old headboard. The hook and claw arrangement are made of 25% thicker steel now it is 0.10-inch-thick offering more headboard stability. The instructions to assemble the brackets to the frame and headboard accompany the product. You can use these brackets to fit your footboard too. The adaptors are engineered to complement the brackets perfectly. The hardware required to fit them is included. The offset mounting design grants versatility to these brackets. There is a modification plate that will help you get a better fit anywhere. The easiest way to install the bed hook bracket it to put the bracket into the notch in the headboard. Then attach the bed frame and screw the two ends tightly at two points. This way you can turn a bolt-on bracket into a hook-on bracket. The adaptor plate will help you adjust the width of the bed by shifting the bed frame equal to the width of the adaptor plate on both sides.
Capacity
Ronin Factory Hook-On Bed Frame Brackets weighs 15.2 pounds and are 8 inches long, 2.2 inches broad and 1 inch thick.
Additional Features
Ronin Factory 711 is supported by a 90-day warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hook-on to bolt on conversion
- Package includes brackets & adaptor
- Constructed of heavy steel
Cons
- Did not work on a full-sized frame
- Received a torn empty package
3. Bed Claw COMINHKR024982
These headboard and footboard attachment brackets come from Bed Claw. It is the registered trademark owned by Homeplace Group, Inc. All Bed 
Design and Build
Bed Claw COMINHKR024982 is an attachment bracket that can be used on head or footboards. They can be used on metal beds, wood beds and combination beds of all kinds. You can attach bolt-on style head or footboard using the 4 hex head and 4 locking tensi nuts. There are four pre-drilled holes to facilitate assembly. The brackets and the accompanying hardware are made of high-quality steel that will last you a long time.
Functionality
Bed Claw COMINHKR024982 are here to fix or augment your furniture. You can either fix an old piece of furniture or assemble a new piece according to your needs and requirements. These brackets keep you green and help you save hundreds of dollars by the way of repair and restoration. They can be used to support the box spring and parts of antique beds. They will lend them extra strength and prolong their life. The attachment brackets can be fitted on to the headboard or the sideboards. The 90° angle shows slots into which a hook on or bolt – on bracket can be fitted. The dimensions have been shared in inches to ensure you have measured the head and footboard. Also, measure the thickness of the leg to make sure you have bought the right hardware. It is prudent to check the brackets and bolts from time to time to tighten or replace them. This is because the furniture carries your weight and the act of sitting, getting up or shaking and shifting the bed can cause loosening or wear.
Capacity
Bed Claw COMINHKR024982 is 4.6 inches by 3.9 inches by 3.2 inches in dimensions. The brackets weigh a total of 1.15 pounds.
Additional Features
Bed Claw COMINHKR024982 is supported by a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A versatile piece of hardware
- Can be used on various kinds of furniture
Cons
- Did not fit the 18-inch bed
4. Elegant Upholstery 4335393288
Elegance Upholstery is a family business that is three decades old. They have offered great service and excellent craftsmanship to all kinds of 
Design and Build
Elegant Upholstery 4335393288 is a double hook slot bracket is metal bracket painted mustard brown. These brackets come in the set of four. The bracket is 3.75 inches long, its shortleaf is 1 inch and longleaf is 1.25 inch. There are two sets of holes of different diameters. One set is 0.312 inches and the other set is 0.25 inches. You can fit hooks of different sizes in these holes. The bracket is made of a steel sheet that is 1 cm thick.
Functionality
Elegant Upholstery 4335393288 are double hook slot bed frame plates. They can be surface mounted or flush mounted on a bedpost or the headboard. The brackets are made of 12-gauge steel and covered with a brown primer. This primer prevents oxidation and offers a bonding surface for the paint. This means if you decide to paint your bed frame the primer will hold the colour with ease. The flush mount will require a slot to fit and hold the bracket. They can be used on metal and wood rails with double hooks and two spacings. The gauge is the measurement of the thickness of the steel. In the measurement system the higher the gauge number the thinner the steel. Gauge 12 steel is stronger and thicker than gauge 16. As this is a set of four brackets – 2 are for the headboard and 2 for the footboard.
Capacity
Elegant Upholstery 4335393288 is 5 inches by 3 inches by 2 inches in dimensions. It weighs 1.3 pounds.
Additional Features
Elegant Upholstery 4335393288 is supported by a one-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Double hook slots
- Two sizes of holes
- Heavy steel
Cons
- Not enough recess on the bracket
- Damaged & split the rail
5. Bed Claw 21863
Bed Claw is an American brand owned by Homeplace Group, Inc. These Number 10 Hook Plates can help you fix, restore or augment your bed. These 
Design and Build
Bed Claw 21863 will serve as a replacement for hook plates that have been damaged. These hooks can be used to construct a new bed too. These plates are made of 13 Gauge steel and are of standard configuration that will fit most American beds. It would be smart to measure the distance between the two pins in your head and footboard to confirm if they are 2 inches apart. This will ensure you have the right hooks to do the job. The mounting holes are 0.34375 inches in diameter. There are four claws in a set and eight mounting pins. These plates are plated in nickel to make them rust and corrosion resistant.
Functionality
If you are into old furniture Bed Claw 21863 are the hooks to restore it. It goes perfectly with those treasures you may find in the thrift shop. Hook plates are ideal to retrofit wooden rails or install rails on any structure. They work well with the headboards, footboard and rails. Simply measure the distance between the hooks to select the corresponding plate for mounting holes. In today’s time when the earth is threatened by overconsumption of resources, it is prudent to reduce, reuse and recycle all you can. This means every piece of furniture can be fixed or augmented using these claws. Think green and don’t throw away the furniture. Instead of spending thousands restore and reuse the furniture.
Capacity
Bed Claw #10 Hook Plates are 2.4 ounces in weight. The dimensions are 3.4 inches by 2.7 inches by 0.3 inches.
Additional Features
The Bed Claw 21863 or Bed Claw #10 Hook Plates come with a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 13 Gauge steel
- Versatile
- Fits most beds
Cons
- Three out of four plates are bent
6. Weltraum #711
Weltraum is an online seller of bed frame brackets. They are committed to giving the best standards of products and services to their customers. This 
Design and Build
Weltraum 711 is a set of premium quality bed brackets that are powder coated with anti-rust and galvanized zinc. The hook has an innovative design that allows you to convert this hook-on design to a bolt-on design. These brackets can be used on a foot or headboard. This is a complete set with bolts, nuts, screws, washers, the detailed instructions and the two brackets. Weltraum is the only manufacturers who use 2mm thick powder=-coated steel.
Functionality
Weltraum 711 is a perfect choice of a bracket if your headboard has a hook-on frame while the frame is made for bolt-on headboards or vice versa. You can use these brackets and adaptor to convert these them as per your needs. You simply require attaching the hook on with the bolts and adjust the height. The distance between the slot to the hooks is 1.25 inches. These are not universal hooks. Please match the measurements of your bed and the dimensions of the hooks before purchasing them. This set can be used to attach full-sized metal bed frame rails to a queen size foot or headboard. The fit is perfect, and it prevents any rickety shakiness in the furniture.
Capacity
Weltraum 711 is a set of two brackets and adaptor that weigh 1.05 pounds. The dimensions are 8 inches by 4.1 inches by 1.6 inches. The two slots are approximately 3.75 inches long.
Additional Features
Weltraum 711 comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made of high-grade steel
- Powder coated in Black
- Galvanized in zinc
- Rust resistant
- Conversion bracket
- Hook on cum bolt-on modes
Cons
- No lateral adjustment
7. Kilofly Brackets and Hook Plate Set
Kilofly is an online seller of an eclectic mix of homeware. They sell socks, nature explorers kit, aprons, gamer glasses, glazed pots, neckties, etc. They 
Design and Build
Kilofly has four brackets and a number 10 hook plate in this set. This set is of great value as you get 4 sets of premium quality number 10 hooks and 8 pins. These pins are 0.34375 inches in diameter. The set is made of heavy duty 13-gauge steel that fits most beds. The design is so simple and streamline that they fit most beds. The hook plates and pins are corrosion and rust resistant. This is because the set is made of premium grade steel that is zinc coated. The hook plate and pegs are made of excellent quality load-bearing material.
Functionality
Kilofly Brackets and Hook Plate Set is very easy to install. Simply drill holes in the rail to fit two pegs. Now fit the pegs through the two slots. Fit two of the remaining pegs into the side or the recess in the headboard. Now bring the rail with the hook closer to the headboard and fit them over these pegs. Always ensure that pins or pegs are two inches apart for the hook plates to fit. To fit these pegs, you need to make 11/32-inch holes. Now hammer these pegs into these holes using a mallet or hammer. As evident by the mounting procedure these hooks and brackets are ideal for wooden beds but as the design is simple, they can be welded on to a metal bed or used as a bolt-on too. The set is standardized and made of 13 gauge that is ideal for most beds. The design of the plate and pegs makes them versatile and a good replacement for damaged hooks.
Capacity
Kilofly Brackets and Hook Plate Set is 5.5 inches by 3.9 inches by 0.1 inches thick. The plates are 10.6 ounces in weight.
Additional Features
Kilofly Brackets and Hook Plate Set is supported by a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium quality steel
- Versatile hook and peg design
Cons
- The packet was tampered with
8. Kings Brand Furniture SYNCHKG111296
Kings Brand Furniture sells metal and wood furniture and various accessories. These accessories include brackets, adaptors, foot and headboard 
Design and Build
Kings Brand Furniture SYNCHKG111296 is a bed-frame footboard extension brackets set. This set has extension rails that would work with a bolt-on style footboard. These are ideal if you want to add a footboard to a frame without the brackets. But always made sure you have attached these to the footboard before fitting to the frame.
Functionality
Kings Brand Furniture SYNCHKG111296 is a footboard extension that helps you convert your bed into a twin, full, queen- or king-sized bed. These universal extensions attach to beds with headboards only. The footboard can be attached after the extension has been fitted. These extensions are engineered for a secure connection that prevents shifting and squeaking. The package includes the extensions and the required hardware such as bolts, nuts, etc. To assemble a bed with extensions first place the headboard against a wall. Now place the footboard at the opposite end. Attach the extensions to the footboard. Now construct the rails and attach them to the headboard. Fit the extension to the bottom end of the bed frame using a bolt-on mechanism. Check if the bed is stable. The benefits are that these extensions work with any headboard only frame. The extensions are made of steel that lends heavy-duty support. They have been tested to withstand extremely heavy weight.
Capacity
Kings Brand Furniture SYNCHKG111296 is 16 inches long, 2 inches wide and 4 inches thick. They weigh 2.36 pounds.
Additional Features
Kings Brand Furniture SYNCHKG111296 is supported by a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Connects with headboard-only beds
- Fits with bolt-on footboards
- Heavy duty support
- Withstands heavyweight
- Made of heavy gauge steel
- Powder-coated black
Cons
- Incorrect pieces in the set
9. Zinus OLB-BK-2PK
Zinus is a Korean company that is well-known for its bed in a box design concept. They make bed frames that can be assembled using the 
Design and Build
Zinus OLB-BK-2PK is a universal size headboard bracket set. The bracket is constructed of high-grade steel that is heavy duty and can take heavy loads. These 90° brackets come with slots cut into their side panels. These slots allow adjusting the height of the bed. There are two bolt-on brackets in this pack. The design of these brackets is such that it can be used to fit a footboard too. These brackets are compatible with the Zinus 14-inch-high Elite Smart Base but will work with other beds too.
Functionality
Zinus Headboard Brackets not only support the box spring or foundation. They offer excellent support to memory foam mattresses. These brackets hold on the headboard, footboard and rails firmly. This prevents creaking noises and shakiness of the bed. As they are universal these brackets can be used on wooden frames to provide extra strength. The shape and design of these brackets are such that it supports the frame from two sides offering mechanical support. The frame is gripped from three sides – the top hooks and the two side panels. The stress on the bed travels down the panels of the bracket giving better endurance to the bed frame. The grips at the top of these brackets that hold on firmly to the metal frame of the bed. But they can be used on the wooden bed after mortising and bolting. There is a large square shaped slot at 3/4th the height of the bracket. This can be used to fit the headboard or a rail. While the height of the bracket above the square would function as a mattress retainer, preventing it from shifting.
Capacity
Zinus OLB-BK-2PK is 5 inches by 5 inches by 10 inches in dimension. It weighs 2.38 pounds.
Additional Features
Zinus OLB-BK-2PK is supported by a five-year warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality heavy-duty steel
- Powder coated
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Slots with bolt-in design
Cons
- Did not fit the full-sized bed
10. Richohome Non-Mortise Wood Bed Rail Brackets
Richohome is an online seller of bed brackets, hook plates, grill scrapers, candle making wick holders, etc. They also 
Design and Build
Richohome non-mortise bed rail fitting brackets are made of heavy-duty steel and galvanized in zinc. There are four pairs in a set. One side has comprised of two hooks while the other is fitted with the bolts. The hooks engage with these nuts and hold them is a firm and secure grip. There are four pairs – two for the headboard and two for the footboard. The design of these brackets is so versatile it can be used with anything such as bed rails, headboards, footboards and sofa and bed frames. They can be used to repair old furniture and construct or assemble a new one.
Functionality
Richohome Non-Mortise Bed Rail Fittings Wood Bed Rail Brackets do not come with the screws. They require to be bought separately. The benefit of these brackets is that they are non-mortise this means you do not need to knock out niches in the head and footboard to fit these brackets. They can be screwed onto the surface of the wood. The other benefit of these brackets is that the furniture can be assembled with ease. And it can be dissembled quickly for easy shifting. The tough steel brackets are heavy duty and can bear great amounts of load.
Capacity
Richohome Non-Mortise Wood Bed Rail Brackets – set of 4 hook plates and bolt on plates.
The bolts are 3.6 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.9 inches. They weigh 1.05 pounds.
Additional Features
Richohome Non-Mortise Wood Bed Rail Brackets are accompanied by a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 12-gauge steel
- Galvanized to make rust and corrosion resistant
- Non – mortise
Cons
- Brackets did not hold the headboards
- Moved the bed it tilted out of shape
