Display Your Collections Above Your Bed in Style

Do you ever wish you had more ways to showcase your favorite knick-knacks, family photos, travel mementos or book collection in your bedroom? Installing shelving and display units above your bed offers the perfect solution. Not only does it provide plenty of space to exhibit treasured items, but it also creates striking focal points that reflect your tastes and personality.

From choosing the right shelf types and configurations to styling tips that maximize visual impact, we've got all the information you need to start designing your ideal setup. Read on to transform that empty wall area into a functional and stylish collection showcase that makes a statement.

Plan Your Display

Before picking out shelves and decor, take some time to assess your available space. This allows you to select optimal sizes and layouts tailored to your exact bedroom dimensions and viewing angles. Use these planning tips to fully utilize every square inch.

Assess Your Space

Whip out your tape measure and jot down a few key measurements:

• Height from top of mattress to ceiling
• Width of entire wall space above bed
• Distance from bed to wall (if applicable)

Look for any architectural details like sloped ceilings or awkward alcoves that impact available space. Consider sight lines when reclining in bed so items don't end up hidden or too high to enjoy.

Select Shelf Types

Once measurements are noted, explore shelf and display options that work with your room's footprint and style. Choices include:

• Floating shelves: Gain a lightweight, streamlined look with shelves that mount directly to the wall without visible brackets. Great for small collections.
• Headboard shelves: Shelving units incorporated right into the bed's headboard frame save space and keep items within arm's reach.
• Corner shelves: Take advantage of wasted space by installing angular shelves in bedroom corners.
• Alcove shelving: Custom built cabinetry transforms awkward alcoves into display cases for treasured finds.
• Sloped shelves: Unusual slanted ceilings get maximized with shelves cut to match unique angles.

Choose a Layout

Map out an overall shelf configuration that works for your decorative vision. Possibilities include:

• Shelves spanning the entire wall above bed for a bold statement.
• A focused vignette display concentrating items in one area.
• Building out a cozy reading nook with comfy chair and plenty of bookshelves.
• Matching shelves on both sides for symmetry.

Style Your Shelves

When it comes to curating an above-bed showcase, the styling possibilities are endless. Have fun gathering personally meaningful pieces that reflect your tastes and tell a story. Here are some eye-catching ways to deck out your new display.

Collectibles and Knickknacks

Showcase any array of treasured keepsakes by category. Groupings might include:

• Books: Line up favorite reads alongside bookends and potted plants.
• Photos: Display special memories within matching frames.
• Plants: Add natural touches with potted succulents or air plants in hanging planters.
• Sculptures: Draw the eye upward with bold metal or wood art pieces.
• Travel Items: Build a global gallery wall using photos, souvenirs and found objects from past adventures.

Use Lighting

Properly illuminating your shelved collections makes a huge visual impact. Options include:

• Sconces or picture lights for spotlighting specific items.
• Warm string lights lining shelves or picture ledges.
• Accent lighting installed behind transparent shelving for added glow.

Add Pops of Color

Infuse your display with vibrant hues that contrast the wall and bedding using:

• Painted backdrop walls like navy blue or forest green.
• Painted or stained shelves that pop against neutral walls.
• Decorative pillows in coordinating accent colors.

Incorporate Greenery

Bring the outdoors inside by tastefully adding plants. Ideas include:

• Hanging air plants in woven baskets or modern geometric terrariums.
• Potted succulents and cacti lining shelves.
• A vertical garden installed right onto the wall as a living art piece.

Installation and Maintenance

While above-bed shelving offers ample style payoff, proper installation and care ensures your display remains structurally sound over many years of everyday use.

Choose Quality Hardware

Invest in commercial-grade shelving brackets and supports built to handle significant weight without pulling away from walls. For floating shelves, consider strength, durability and weight ratings before purchase. Other tips include:

• Stud mounting for strongest stability.
• Closed side brackets to hide unsightly metalwork.
• Anchored standards allowing flexible shelf repositioning as needed over time.

Change Displays Seasonally

Keep your shelves fresh and engaging by modifying displays a few times per year. This prevents clutter while allowing you to exhibit newfound treasures. Quick update ideas include:

• Rotating out heavier decor items prone to dust buildup.
• Showcasing seasonal mementos like shells from summer beach trips or snow globes in winter months.

Clean and Organize

Prevent chaotic clutter by adhering to regular maintenance like:

• Using microfiber dusters to sweep shelves once per month, removing debris that settles over time.
• Grouping like items to prevent a hodgepodge of random things that compete visually.
• Critically evaluating pieces every few months and donating items you no longer display.

Installing above-bed shelving lets you fully utilize vertical room space while creating jaw-dropping displays. Take time planning layouts and styling that speak to your personality before getting started. Curate meaningful memorabilia accentuated by mood lighting and bold splashes of color. Follow expert installation and maintenance tips to keep shelved vignettes structurally sound and visually striking for years on end.

The empty wall area can be turned into a piece of art with the right vision and know-how. Now you have the knowledge and inspiration to begin designing an envy-inducing shelf display all your own. Happy curating!