DIY Bedside Shelf (Instead of a Table)

on July 19, 2009 at 8:06 AM

Photo From Remodelista.com / Jakob Solgren

In place of the traditional bedside table, I love this elegant wall-mounted shelf I saw on Remodelista. Want to get this look for your bedroom?

Better Homes and Gardens has an easy step-by-step guide to build and install your very own bedside shelf. You will need:

Brackets (with keyhole anchors bored into the back faces)

Board (1-inch-x-12-inch-x-3-foot)

Drill

Level

Tape measure

Screws

Electronic stud finder (optional)

Begin by finding the location of the studs in your walls. Studs are generally placed 16 or 24 inches apart, measuring from center to center. Ideally, you will be fastening at least one bracket to a stud in the wall.
Position first bracket against the shelf bottom at desired location. To attach the shelf top, drill down into the shelf top and into the bracket, recessing the screw about 1/8 inch into the wood. Do this at the front and back. Repeat for remaining bracket.
Attach shelf to studs in wall. Drill brackets to wall studs using screws or wall anchors appropriate to the weight of your board, its contents, and the type of walls (plaster or drywall). Not sure which to use? Ask your hardware store for assistance.
Install second screw. Ensure a straight shelf by using a tape measure and level for accuracy.

Do you have a bedside shelf?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: bedroom, diy

Comments (3)

milmiracle

on Jul 19, 2009 at 11:43 AM

same difference.

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Kodeekins

on Jul 19, 2009 at 9:39 PM

I love this concept. I've seen it a few times, actually. Another great idea? A small bookcase or series of floating shelves to place drinks, books you're reading, your laptop, phone and jewelry or whatever else on at night. ^_^

mmmommy0207

on Jul 21, 2009 at 12:07 PM

I'm planning a similar idea for my daughter's room. There's just not enough space in her bedroom for a bookcase or standard shelves. She has quite a few books and lots of stuff to display. I ends up stacked on top of her dresser and nighttable.