DIY Guide: How to Install a Floating Bedside Shelf

A bedside shelf that floats is a great addition to any bedroom. With its simple design, it frees up important floor space while keeping your necessities close at hand. A floating bedside shelf might be the ideal answer if you're searching for an elegant and useful approach to clearing out your space. You can install one yourself with the help of this tutorial, which will lead you through the processes to make sure it's solid and useful.

Why choose a floating bedside shelf?

Let's examine the benefits of a floating bedside shelf before moving on to the installation procedure. Conventional bedside tables can be large, unwieldy, and out of style at times. Contrarily, a floating shelf gives off a clean, contemporary appearance while still making room for necessities like phones, lights, and books.

Also, by removing debris from the floor, floating shelves provide an air of openness and cleanliness in your space. This is particularly helpful in smaller bedrooms with constrained floor areas. You may maintain accessibility and order in the space surrounding your bed without compromising design by selecting a floating bedside shelf.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Make sure you have the following supplies and tools available before you begin:

1. Bedside shelf kit (you may make your own out of wood or purchase pre-made kits)
2. If drilling into a brick or concrete wall, use bits designed for drilling wood and masonry.
3. Wall anchors (fitting for the type of wall you have, such as brick, plaster, or plasterboard)
4. Screws—most kits come with them—
5. Level (to guarantee an absolutely straight shelf)
6. A measuring tape
7. Pencil (for placing marks on the wall)
8. Stud finder: useful if putting into plasterboard but not necessary otherwise.
9. screwdriver

Step-by-step Guide to Installing a Floating Bedside Shelf

Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Choose a location for your floating bedside shelf before you install it. It should ideally be reachable from your bed at a convenient height. In addition to taking into account the desired amount of space between the top of the shelf and the objects you intend to place on it, measure the height of your mattress. Depending on the height of your bed, a floating bedside shelf is normally put 24 to 28 inches from the floor.

Ensure that the area you select is clear of plumbing or electrical wiring behind the wall. If there are any studs or other obstacles in the way, you can use a stud finder to locate them.

Step 2: Mark the Position

It's time to designate the location of the shelf after you've selected it. To guarantee that the shelf is put on evenly, use your measuring tape and level. Mark the screw locations with a pencil while holding the shelf bracket or the shelf up against the wall. You may use this as a guide to drill the holes.

Step 3: Drill the Holes

Make tiny pilot holes in the wall where you designated the screw locations with your drill. Wall anchors can be necessary if the shelf is being installed on plasterboard in order to guarantee its stability. Should your screws happen to strike a stud, the shelf will be more stable, and anchors might not be necessary.

To make the holes in walls composed of plaster, concrete, or brick, use a masonry drill bit. Make sure the hole you drill is deep enough to accommodate the wall anchors snugly.

Step 4: Insert Wall Anchors

Drill holes and install wall anchors if you're not drilling straight into studs. Wall anchors are necessary to sustain the floating bedside shelf's weight, particularly if you intend to stack heavy objects on it. When the anchors are flush with the wall, give them a little tap with a hammer.

Step 5: Attach the brackets or mounting hardware.

It's time to install the brackets or mounting hardware that will support the shelf now that your wall anchors are in position. If you bought a floating bedside shelf kit, mount the brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, you'll use screws to fasten the brackets to the wall anchors or straight into the studs.

Before proceeding to the following stage, make sure the brackets are level and sturdy. The same general guidelines apply whether you're installing a custom-made shelf: Use wall anchors and screws to fasten the brackets or support beams to the wall.

Step 6: Mount the floating bedside shelf.

Now that the wall brackets are firmly attached, you can install the floating bedside shelf. The majority of floating shelves slip onto the brackets thanks to pre-drilled holes or slots. Just make sure the shelf is level and slip it into position. If necessary, gradually reposition until it is secure and straight.

After the shelf is positioned, lightly press it to ensure stability. If it seems unsteady, reposition the wall anchors or tighten the screws.

Step 7: Add finishing touches

It's time to add any final details when your floating bedside shelf is firmly in place. Consider painting or staining the shelf to blend it with the design of your bedroom. Before applying paint or varnish, sand down any wooden shelves you constructed yourself to ensure a smooth finish.

You may begin adorning your new floating bedside shelf with lamps, books, plants, or anything else you choose to keep handy to your bed when the paint or stain has cured.

Tips for Success

• Weight Distribution: Before building or buying a floating bedside shelf, always make sure it can support the weight limit. The majority of shelves have a weight capacity, and going above this limit might result in the shelf collapsing. Lighter goods should be placed towards the outside edge and heavy items closer to the wall.
• Anchors vs. Studs: If you can locate a stud while mounting your shelf on plasterboard, do so! Mounting onto a stud guarantees that your shelf can hold a greater weight and adds additional stability. In the absence of studs, utilise strong wall anchors.
• Clean Design: If you want the screws or brackets to seem cleaner, you can hide them. Certain designs for floating bedside shelves include concealed brackets to provide a smooth, floating effect.

Final Thoughts

A floating bedside shelf is an easy yet stylish solution to improve the look and feel of your bedroom. A floating shelf adds flair and functionality, whether you use it to display decor or keep your bedtime needs. You can quickly install a floating bedside shelf in your home and reap the benefits of having a clean, contemporary environment by following this do-it-yourself tutorial.

You can quickly assemble and utilise your new shelf with just a few simple tools and knowledge. Take pleasure in the modern, room-saving design and maintain a chic and orderly bedroom.