Sleigh beds earned their name for their curved, high headboards and lower footboards that mimic the front and back of a sleigh. Sleigh beds are manufactured in plain or ornately carved wood, and even in metal. The solid headboards and footboards of sleigh beds make them very stable, which allows them to offer durability as well as style. Assembling a sleigh bed is a job that is easiest to do with two people. Look below to learn how to put a sleigh bed together.
Assembling a Sleigh Bed:

Install headboard brackets. Install brackets on the headboard and footboard that will hold the side rails. The brackets attach to the bottom inside of the headboard and footboard, and are used to attach the rails that run the length of the bed to connect the headboard and footboard. Choose a height for the brackets based on how high you wish your box spring to sit. Measure that distance from the bottom of each side of the headboard and footboard and draw a line where the bottom of the bracket will rest. Screw brackets into the headboard and footboard with wood screws. The most efficient way to screw the brackets into panels is by using a power drill. If your bed came with the bracket hardware already installed, skip this step.
Place the headboard against the wall. Place the headboard against the wall in the bedroom where it will rest, and have a helper hold the footboard in place. Set the first rail in the bracket on the headboard and footboard and screw the rail in place. Don't completely tighten the screws. The rail should have a lip that runs the entire length. Make sure the lip is inside the bed frame and is at the bottom of the rail. Repeat the process with the second rail. When both rails are in place, tighten the screws completely.
Position the bed frame. Position the bed frame exactly where you want it in the room. Place additional support slats across the frame, resting the slats on the lip of the rails. The slats should be placed closer together at the head and mid-section of the bed because that is the portion of the bed that will regularly support the most weight. The slats can be spaced further apart at the bottom of the bed. Place your box spring and mattress on the bed frame.

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by Kaye Morris