Bedroom Wall Shelf Inspiration

Decorating a bedroom often starts with the big furniture pieces - bed, dresser, nightstands. But utilizing the walls for storage and display can add functionality and visual interest to any bedroom design. Installing shelves above the bed is one way to maximize vertical real estate while complementing your decor. Read on for inspiration and ideas to make the most of the awkward wall space over your bedframe.

Benefits of Installing Shelves Over Your Bed

At first glance, the wall over your bed may not seem like ideal real estate for storage and decor. But shelves in this spot offer unique advantages:

Saves Floor and Wall Space

Shelves over the bed utilize vertical wall space that may otherwise go unused. This frees up floor space for walking around or furniture positioning. And unlike wider shelving units that take up wall space, floating shelves only take up the area they physically occupy.

Easy Access to Items

The space right over your bed allows for convenient access while lounging or sleeping. Shelves here are perfect for books, snacks, remotes, charging cables or anything else you may want within arm's reach.

Decor and Storage Combination

Wall shelves allow you to store items attractively instead of stuffing them in drawers or closets. You can display meaningful keepsakes or decorative objects. Just be sure not to overload shelves above the bed with heavy items that could fall.

Factors to Consider Before Installation

While shelves over the bed offer ample advantages, some planning helps ensure your finished project is safe and visually appealing. Consider these factors before installing:

Bedroom Size and Layout

Take measurements of your bedroom and bed to find the ideal shelf size and placement. Scale shelves proportionately to fit the wall space without overwhelming. Also check that shelves won't obstruct lighting fixtures or doorways.

Mounting Location and Height

Determine an exact mounting location in relation to your bed, accounting for mattress height and sitting position. Mount shelves high enough to allow sufficient head clearance. But not so high that items are difficult to reach.

Weight Bearing and Durability

When mounting heavy items like books, the shelves must securely attach to studs or use reinforced drywall anchors. Floating shelves should have hidden brackets to bear invisible weight. Prioritize safety and stability with quality shelf materials.

Most Popular Shelf Types and Styles

From minimal metal rails to wooden box shelves, various styles suit different bedroom aesthetics. Consider these leading options:

Floating Wall Shelves

These lightweight shelves appear to float against the wall without visible brackets. Made of wood, glass or metal, their airy, unobtrusive design highlights display objects. Easily configured to any space, floating shelves work especially well over beds.

Wall-Mounted Ledge Shelves

Offering flexible storage for bedrooms, wall-mounted ledges act as narrow linear shelves. Available in varied lengths to mount over beds, ledges provide a space for lighting, books, plants and display pieces. Their trim silhouette maintains openness.

Corner Shelving Units

Take advantage of angled ceiling space over the bed by installing corner shelves. Compact shelves tucked into corners utilize awkward small spaces. Use them to stash books and bedside items within reach.

Creative Ways to Use Your New Bed Shelving

Once installed, it helps to have a plan for how to employ your over-bed shelves. Beyond generic storage, consider these creative uses:

Books and Reading Nook

Create a cozy reading spot by mounting shelves for stacking favorite books and e-readers. Add a slim shelf lamp or string lights to illuminate without glare. Top with a soft blanket and pillows for late night reading comfort.

Display Your Collections

Show off cherished trinkets or curated objects like plants, vases, framed photos, small sculptures, delicate boxes, candles, and miniatures without dominating dresser and tabletops.

Plants and Greenery

Bring living elements to shelves through potted botanicals, trailing vines, or a vertical garden frame. Vary heights and clusters for natural beauty. Consider easy-care succulents or snake plants for low maintenance.

Ambient Bedside Lighting

Instead of harsh overheads, install discreet lighting for a calming glow. Opt for adjustable swing-arm sconces, dangling pendant lights, slim LED strips, or shelving with built-in illumination. Use smart technology or dimmers to control brightness and ambience.

Design and Decor Considerations

Beyond function, shelves over the bed impact room aesthetics.Blend your storage solution seamlessly with thoughtful finishing touches:

Color Schemes

Paint shelves the same hue as walls for subtlety, or make them pop with contrasting hues. For cohesion, pick a color from bedding or upholstery. Neutral shades give flexibility for seasonal accessorizing.

Lighting Features

Consider including task lighting like directional bulbs or reading lamps. Or go ambient with artful marquee lights that provide character without glare. Shelves with built-in LEDs save space with streamlined style.

Stylish Brackets and Supports

Visible metal supports like scrolled ironwork infuse Victorian flair. Geometric metal rods lend modern edge. Or choose floating shelves anchored by subtle hidden brackets. Match finishes to other bedroom metals like lamps for harmony.

DIY Installation Tips and Tricks

To hang shelves perfectly straight and securely, let these expert pointers guide your DIY wall-mounted shelving project:

Tools You'll Need

Gather essentials like a stud finder, level, power drill, tape measure, pencil, and standard hardware before starting. Safety glasses and a ladder help for high mounting.

Measuring and Marking

Locate studs using a finder before carefully plotting shelf placement. Account for sight lines from your bed. Use a level and measure twice to mark drill holes accurately.

Securing Your Shelf

Follow included hardware instructions for mounting. Typically pre-drilling shelf bracket holes helps prevent cracking or splitting. Tighten screws into studs or drywall anchors to secure shelves safely.

Expert Bedroom Shelf Ideas

Need more inspiration? Browse these expertly designed shelf solutions to elevate your over-bed storage with style:

Gallery Wall Shelving

Build a focal feature by covering the bed wall in eclectic shelves and framed artwork salon-style. Floating shelves and ledges mounted at various heights allow displaying abundant items in organized chaos.

Display Case Shelves

Show off curated objects within glass-front cabinets instead of cluttered open shelves. Tuck fine collectibles and jewelry safely behind locked doors when not on view. Uplighting adds drama.

Above Bed Storage Shelves

Maximize every inch by installing storage cubbies that push flush to the ceiling. Neatly stash extra bedding, clothes and travel bags overhead without wasting any space. Add baskets for concealed clutter containment.

When designed with care, shelves over the bed transform wasted space into a lovely focal feature. Review designer bedroom images to spark shelf layout ideas tailored to your needs and style. Soon you'll be lounging beneath artfully arranged floating shelves that make your room as functional as it is beautiful.