How can I turn a headboard into a freestanding headboard?

Debbie: maybe this will help

http://community.homedepot.com/howto/DiscussionDetail/How-can-I-make-a-headboard-free-standing-I-dont-want-to-attach-9065000000007b2

If you do not attach it to another frame or attach it to the wall it will be very wobbly. Even if you make a frame like is shown in Nan's reply it won't be very stationary.

I think the only way you can do this (respecting your parameters) is to cut the footboard down as low as possible, then us a longer bedspread/quilt etc. to cover the presence of the footboard.

If you put your headboard against the wall and push your bed against it, it should not wobble. We have our like that.

Does your bed have a frame at all, to support the box spring, a metal one? If so you can just bolt it to that. If not, perhaps you can add some wide feet to the bottom on the headboard legs to make it stand on its own.

Hi Debbie, you can add 2x4 wood legs to it at the appropriate height and give the legs some feet to be able to stand on its own. Hope this helps you out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V77JAwUcEWY

Many people attach their headboard to the bed frame. Sounds like that would solve the problem for you.