Perfectly Utilize the Space Above Your Bed with Stylish Shelves

Adding shelves above your bed can transform an often overlooked area into a functional and stylish design feature. Installing shelving over your bed provides extra storage solutions and allows you to creatively utilize the vertical space in your bedroom. From display shelves for photos and art to storage units for books and linens, shelves mounted above your bed create visual interest while maximizing every square inch. However, proper planning and installation is crucial to ensure durability, safety and aesthetic appeal.

We'll also provide tips to style your new shelves attractively. Follow these tips and you'll be able to perfectly utilize the space above your bed with shelves that are both practical and beautiful.

Assessing Your Needs

Before selecting and installing shelves, it's important to determine your needs and goals. This will guide your choices so your new shelving accomplishes your vision.

Determine Your Goals

First, decide if the shelves will be mostly for storage, display or a combination. Closed storage like cabinets allow you to hide items. Open shelves are ideal for displaying decorative objects. A mix of both can allow you to store necessities while highlighting your style.

Also consider whether you want open shelves, ones with bins or baskets, or a blend. Matching storage bins create uniformity. A variety of open and closed storage provides versatility.

Measure Carefully

Precise measurements ensure your shelves fit perfectly above your bed. Allow extra height so the shelves clear any pillows or bedding. Leave several inches between the shelves and ceiling for a finished look.

Also account for variations in your mattress height if you alter your bedding. Take measurements standing directly on your mattress to maximize accuracy.

Safety First

Safety is paramount when installing shelves overhead. Be sure to securely fasten shelves into wall studs. Avoid placing heavy or fragile objects directly above your bed in case they get knocked off.

Leave a few inches between items to prevent a cluttered look that seems precarious. A bit of breathing room makes the shelves feel intentionally styled.

Selecting the Right Shelves

Once you've assessed your space and needs, it's time to choose the perfect shelves. The options can be overwhelming, so keep your goals and room aesthetics in mind.

Mounted vs. Floating Shelves

Mounted shelves fasten securely to studs in your wall, allowing them to hold more weight. Floating shelves attach to drywall alone, giving a modern, minimalist look with lighter weight capacity.

If you'll use shelves largely for display, floating shelves may suffice. For storage, mounted shelves are the smarter choice.

Materials

Shelves come in a variety of materials like wood, metal, glass and more. Choose a material that fits within your existing room decor and color palette. Wood shelves provide a natural touch. Glass or metal shelves feel more sleek and contemporary.

Size and Shape

Consider the size and proportions of your shelves. Rectangular shelves are versatile and span the width of your bed. L-shaped shelves can provide additional storage. Size shelves appropriately for your bed's dimensions.

Also account for ceiling height. While you want shelves high enough to clear bedding, avoid units that make your room feel cramped.

Achieving Your Design Vision

Installing shelves expands your usable space, but their appearance matters too. Follow these tips to create an eye-catching display.

Minimalism is Key

Edit rigorously when styling overhead shelves. A cluttered look will feel oppressive rather than uplifting. Store linens or clothing in bins and boxes to contain mess.

Spotlight decorative objects like plants, photographs or art. negative space allows their visual impact to come through.

Styling Tips and Tricks

Tie your shelves into your room's overall aesthetic. Add warm ambient lighting for coziness. Incorporate your color scheme through decorative objects, bins and baskets.

Alternate height with taller and shorter items. Repetition creates cohesion - display books with matching dust jackets, or repeat your favorite accent color.

Safety Considerations

While overhead shelves allow you to maximize space, use common sense when selecting what to place on them. Avoid heavy objects or fragile items prone to breaking. Secure unstable decor like vases or sculptures with museum gel.

Leave a few inches between everything on your shelves to prevent crowding. Edge restraints can also prevent items from sliding off.

Proper Installation

To ensure your shelves function properly and safely, they must be installed correctly. Follow these steps whether using mounted or floating shelves.

Find Studs

Locate the wall studs above your bed using a stud finder. Mark their locations with painter's tape. Studs provide the strong anchoring points for mounted shelves.

Attach Securely

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to affix shelf brackets or floating shelves to your wall. For mounted shelves, use the appropriate anchors for your wall type and quality screws.

Don't cut corners here! Improper installation poses a safety risk and wastes your investment.

Double Check

Confirm shelves are level using a bubble level. Test weight capacity by loading the shelves gradually. Start with lighter items until you're confident the shelves can handle more.

Inspect regularly for signs of loosening, sagging or damage which require immediate attention to prevent shelf collapse.

Installing shelves over your bed allows you to maximize your available space for storage and display. But measure carefully, choose durable shelves and take time installing properly. Style minimally and leave breathing room between items.

Follow these tips and you can perfectly utilize the vertical real estate above your bed with functional, eye-catching shelves tailored exactly to your needs and preferences.