20 Ways to Use Shelving Over Your Bed
For storage, decor & more.
Optimize the wall space above your headboard by adding shelving to the mix! Whether you're short on storage space or just want more room to display your decor, here are 20 ideas for how to use shelving over a bed to increase style and functionality in your bedroom.
1. Start With Streamlined Floating Shelves
Incorporate simple shelving over your bed to amp up display space without taking away from fun wallpaper and room decor. Floating shelves are perfect for creating a "barely-there" wall shelf above your headboard because they have a simple, thin design.
Tip!
Make sure you install floating shelves above your bed with safety in mind! Check out How to Install Floating Shelves: A Must-Read for a helpful walkthrough.
2. Add Decorative Flair
Use an above-bed shelf to show off your style without cluttering up your nightstand. Display decorative sculptures, artwork, or floral arrangements and save your nightstand tabletop for bedside essentials.
Use a deep floating shelf above your bed for plenty of room to store boxes, extra shoes, clothes, and other storage needs. For reference, a shelf is considered "deep" if it has a depth of more than 12", whereas standard shelves have a depth of 5" to 12".
Hang picture ledge shelves above your bed to display your favorite art prints or personal photography. The best part is that picture ledges don't jut out as far as standard shelves, so you can still have an open and airy feel above your headboard.
If you have a spacious headboard, you can use it as a makeshift picture ledge! Be sure to anchor artwork to the wall to keep them in place.
Frame above bed shelving with wall sconces for a symmetrical look and functional lighting for late-night reading. Displaying wall art on a picture ledge? Consider installing a picture light overhead to spotlight your artwork.
If you have built-in shelves above your bed, emphasize this feature! Display decor and decorative art prints to highlight the unique architectural feature. Or create the appearance of built-in shelves by matching the shelf color to the wall color.
Who said mantel shelves were only for placing above the fireplace? Add nearby storage and a decorative flair by lining the side of your daybed with a carved mantel shelf.
Running out of space to store your houseplants? Consider plant wall shelf ideas for a bedroom to really show off your real (or faux) greenery. Hang plant shelves over your bed so you're always surrounded by lush foliage and rich greenery.
This floating shelf bedroom idea helps you expand your bedside storage when your nightstand is full. Install a floating shelf above or on the wall beside your bed to act as a phone charging station or alarm clock holder so you can keep your nightstand clutter-free.
Short on storage? If you want to put shelving over your bed but currently live in a rental or don't want to deal with wall installation, you can always opt for a Murphy bed – the perfect small-space solution. Choose a design with built-in shelving for maximum storage capacity.
We're all about working smarter not harder when it comes to adding shelving over a bed. Choose a bookcase-style headboard to instantly add above-bed storage to your room. Use the bookshelves for your alarm clock, chargers, or go-to reads, and use the shelf on top to display decor.
Have fun with bedroom shelf ideas like this one. Add personality to the wall above your bed with cool geometric wall shelf designs. With shelves like these, you won't even need wall art!
Get creative with wall-mounted book shelves above your bed! This way, you always have books close by when you want to read in bed.
When brainstorming shelf ideas for a bedroom, consider matching wood tones! Look at the wood tones of your headboard, nightstands, and other bedroom furnishings to choose wood shelving with the same finish. This creates a cohesive and harmonious look throughout the room.
Use floating shelves above a bed or thin picture ledges to store and display tiny decor or collectibles. You can display figurines, postcards, or small decorative items you picked up on your travels.
Tip!
Ready to start decorating the shelf above your bed? Read Fun Shelf Decor Ideas to Help Style Your Space for inspiration.
17. Add Cubby-Style Shelving
Create order with cubby-style bedroom shelving ideas. Install cubby shelving above your bed to spotlight individual decor pieces or to separate different book genres.
Complement contemporary-patterned bedding and modern bedroom furniture with an equally modern over-bed shelf. Display abstract art prints on a two-toned wood accent shelf with a sleek, contemporary design.
Create a dreamy escape with whimsical French country shelving above or beside your bed. Consider woven wicker designs or white-washed wood shelves to display floral arrangements or your favorite romance novels.
Install shelving above your kids' beds to store extra toys that won't fit on their beds or to display bedtime story options! Be sure to choose shelving that's large enough to house books or toys without worrying about them falling off of the shelves.
Tip!
Get more inspiration for the rest of your home with these Must-See Wall Shelf Ideas to Transform Your Space.
