Handy Shelves to Place Over the Changing Table

When preparing a nursery for a newborn baby, finding ways to stay organized amidst the bottles, diapers, wipes, blankets, and endless other essentials can be a real challenge. Installing shelves above the changing table is one clever solution that provides handy storage right where you need it most.

Mounting shelves over the changing station allows you to keep all of the necessary items within arm's reach. This prevents you from having to bend down repeatedly to access wipes and creams stored out of sight. It also helps corral the clutter, so you don't end up with diapering supplies spread haphazardly around the room.

Ideal Placement for Shelves Above Changing Table

When installing shelves above the changing table, careful placement is key. You'll want to mount them at a height that is comfortable to reach when standing over the changing pad. The ideal location is typically centered directly over the table or changing dresser below.

Be sure to leave enough space to fully open any drawers or cabinet doors without obstruction. It's also important to position the shelves high enough that you can lift a changing pad into its upright position without bumping into the bottom of the shelves.

Take into account any windows, artwork, or lighting fixtures nearby to avoid blocking access or light. Allow sufficient room between the wall shelves and these other elements for easiest use of the changing area.

Mount at Comfortable Height

Consider your height and arm span when determining the optimal shelf location over the changing table. You want to be able to easily access the contents without excessive reaching or bending.

Leave Room for Lifted Changing Pad

Make sure to factor in the changing pad when it's propped upright for access to the drawers or shelves below. Position shelves above to avoid collisions.

Don't Block Lighting or Artwork

Be conscious of windows or lighting that you don't want to obstruct. Also consider the visual impact shelves may have on any wall art.

Design and Style Considerations

Shelves above the changing table present an excellent opportunity to accent your nursery's decor. When selecting and positioning shelves, keep the overall design of the room in mind.

Matching the style and material of the shelves to other furniture and finishes pulls the look together cohesively. For example, wire shelves would pair nicely with an industrial metal changing table, while solid wood shelves complement classic Shaker-style furniture.

Consider whether you want open, closed, or a combination of storage. Enclosed cabinets allow for hiding messy necessities away while open shelves provide easy visibility and access.

Complement Changing Table Style

Opt for shelves that coordinate nicely with the changing table below. Consistent finishes and materials create a unified look.

Open vs. Closed Storage

Open shelves make supplies readily visible and accessible, while closed storage hides clutter discreetly.

Optional Add-Ons

Extras like rails, hooks, and bins add functionality. Just be sure not to overload the shelves.

Choosing Functional Shelves

When selecting shelves, look for sizes and features that suit your needs. Consider the dimensions, weight capacity, and options like doors, drawers, or adjustable racks.

Measure the width of your changing table and wall to ensure you choose shelves wide enough to span the space appropriately. Standard widths range from about 25 inches for compact shelves to 50 inches and larger for wide span options.

Also check the maximum weight the shelves can structurally support. Wall shelves meant for nurseries should safely hold 20-30 pounds of items to account for things like books, baskets, and bins.

Sized to Fit

Take measurements to find shelves sized correctly for your space. They should adequately span the width of your changing area.

Weight Bearing Capacity

Shelves need to be sturdy enough to handle the load of supplies you'll place on them. Look for a capacity of at least 20-30 pounds.

Storage Options

Consider if you want open shelves, closed cabinets, drawers, or a combination. This depends on your organizational and style needs.

Types of Changing Table Shelves

There are several stylish and functional types of shelves to consider installing above your changing station:

• Wall mounted floating shelves
• Hanging wire shelves
• Mounted cubbies, canvas bins
• Wall mounted racks with hooks
• Floating wall cabinets with doors
• Enclosed cabinet with shelves inside

Wall mounted shelves come in varied materials like wood, metal, or plastic. They offer open storage and are relatively easy for DIY installation using provided hardware. Floating cabinets present a more built-in look and provide the option to conceal contents.

Hanging shelves attach right to the wall without shelf brackets. They have a lighter, more airy aesthetic perfect for nurseries. Cubbies and wall racks similarly allow you to subdivide and organize supplies neatly.

Wall Mounted

Conventional mounted shelves add open storage and visual interest to the wall. Materials like wood, metal, or plastic determine the look.

Hanging

Hanging wire shelves have an open airy feel. They attach right to the wall for a floating effect.

Cubbies

Cubbies, canvas bins, and racks help divide and organize changing essentials.

Cabinets

Closed cabinets allow for hiding items out of sight while maintaining a clean look.

Organizing Your Changing Table Shelves

To make the most of shelves above the changing table, it's key to organize them effectively. Use baskets, dividers, and bins to cordon off categories of items.

Keep the most frequently used diapering supplies like wipes, creams, and extra changing pad liners within easy reach. Stow away extra changes of clothes, burp rags, blankets, and other textiles in neatly folded or rolled stacks.

Reserve a spot for books, small toys, or pacifiers to entertain baby during diaper changes. You can also use shelves over the changing table to store cleaning and sanitizing supplies for quick access after diaper disposal.

If your shelves include drawers, utilize them for containing rolled socks, hats, washcloths, and other tiny items that tend to wander and get lost in the chaos of diapering. Clearly labeling bins and baskets helps keep everything organized.

Diapering Supplies Up Top

Keep wipes, creams, extra changing pad liners, and diaper disposal bags handy right on the shelves above.

Entertainment Essentials

Have a spot ready for books, toys, or pacifiers to distract and entertain baby during changes.

Drawers for Small Items

Use any shelf drawers to corral all the tiny necessities like socks, hats, and washcloths.

Installation Tips for Shelves Above Changing Table

When installing shelves over the changing table, carefully following the manufacturer's recommended mounting instructions is crucial. Here are some general guidelines to ensure proper installation:

• Use wall anchors and screws designed for your wall type
• Measure twice and level for centered, accurate placement
• Allow shelves to rest on brackets or cleats for full support
• Securely tighten all hardware
• Test stability by gently loading shelves with weight

Always use the right hardware for your wall material - drywall, stud, concrete, etc. Heavy duty anchors can reinforce weight bearing. Take precise measurements from two points toEnsure shelves mount evenly centered where intended.