Quick view
- What Is a Bedside Shelf?
- Types of Bedside Shelves
- Ashdeco's Bedside Shelves
- Why a Floating Shelf Works Beside the Bed
- How to Choose the Right Size
- Weight and Mounting
- What to Put on a Bedside Shelf
- Styling Your Bedside Shelf
- Common Mistakes
- Ordering and Delivery
- FAQ: Bedside Shelves
- Ready to Add a Bedside Shelf?
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Handcrafted Floating Shelves, made to order in solid wood.
Hand Shaped Post Lattice Wall Shelf with Staggered Plank Shelves
$3,801.0010% off at checkout
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Textured Gill Mushroom Wall Shelf with Rounded Cap and Thick Stem
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Woodland Mushroom Wall Shelf with Long Stem and Flared Rounded Cap
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Wide Cap Mushroom Wall Shelf with Swirling Figured Grain and Bulb Stem
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Quick Answer: A bedside shelf is a wall-mounted shelf that replaces a nightstand and keeps the floor open. Ashdeco sells two shelves listed for bedside use. The Rustic Live Edge Floating Bedside Shelf is $391, and the Floating Driftwood Shelf is $545. Smaller floating shelves start at $140. Mount any of them into wall studs. Ask Ashdeco for the weight rating before you add a lamp.
What Is a Bedside Shelf?
A bedside shelf is a shelf next to or above your bed that does the job of a nightstand. It holds a phone, a glass of water, glasses and a book within reach.
Most bedside shelves share a few traits:
- They have a smaller footprint than a nightstand.
- They mount to the wall or clamp to the bed, so they use no floor space.
- They offer open storage with no drawers.
- You can set the height to suit your bed.
They suit small bedrooms, apartments and guest rooms. They also suit anyone who wants a lighter look beside the bed.
Rustic Live Edge Floating Bedside Shelf - Solid Wood Wall Shelf - $391
Types of Bedside Shelves
Wall-Mounted Floating Shelves
A floating shelf mounts to the wall with hidden brackets. It looks like it hovers beside the bed. This is the type Ashdeco makes, and it is the focus of this guide.
Wall mounting needs a drill and a few minutes of planning. In return you get a sturdier, better-looking shelf than a clip-on. You also choose the exact height and position.
Clamp-On Shelves
Clamp-on shelves attach to a bed frame or headboard. They need no drilling, so they suit dorms and rentals. They usually hold less than a wall-mounted shelf, and they only fit certain frames.
Adhesive Organizers
Adhesive organizers stick to the wall with tape. They are only for very light items such as a phone or glasses. Removing them can mark the paint.
Ashdeco's Bedside Shelves
This is Ashdeco's shelf for a bedroom nightstand alternative. The page calls it "ideal for use as a bedside shelf." It comes in seven widths, from 20" to 48". Every size is 18" deep, and the price is one flat $391.
The 18" depth is generous. Check how far it will stand out from the wall beside your pillow, so you do not bump your head.
This shelf uses real driftwood branches and solid wood. It comes in three sizes, listed in the table below. The price is a flat $545 for all sizes. It is shallower than the Rustic shelf, so it suits a tighter space beside the bed.
The page describes it as a "mini bedside shelf" for wall-mounted use. Its text also mentions nurseries and living rooms, so treat bedside use as one of several uses.
| Shelf | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rustic Live Edge Floating Bedside Shelf | 20", 24", 30", 34", 40", 45", 48" wide, 18" deep | $391 |
| Floating Driftwood Shelf | 20"x10"x12", 30"x12"x12", 40"x12"x16" | $545 |
| Live Edge Corner Floating Shelf | 10", 12", 16", 20", 24" per side | $140 |
| Rustic Mushroom Floating Shelf | 10", 12", 16" wide, 12" deep, 8" high | $184.80 |
Each price is for one shelf, and it does not change with size. All four are made to order in a choice of wood tone and finish.
Compact Options
A corner shelf works if your bed sits in a corner. It starts at $140 and runs from 10" to 24" per side. It uses a hidden mounting system, and the order includes instructions and mounting hardware.
The mushroom shelf is small, at 10", 12" or 16" wide and 8" high. Ashdeco's bedroom collection says mushroom shelves work well as single-item bedside perches. Think of a lamp or an alarm clock, not a stack of books.
Want Drawers Instead?
A shelf has no drawers. If you need closed storage, Ashdeco also makes nightstands. The Handcrafted Solid Wood Nightstand with Open Shelf is $879.
Why a Floating Shelf Works Beside the Bed
It Frees the Floor
A wall shelf has no legs, so you can vacuum under it. The room looks larger, and there is no furniture corner to catch your foot.
You Pick the Height and Position
You decide where the shelf goes. Put one on each side, or only on the side where you read. Test the reach while you lie in bed before you drill.
It Adds Warmth
Ashdeco's shelves are solid wood with live edges or driftwood forms. They add texture to a plain wall. A plastic clip-on rarely does that.
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These pieces qualify for 10% off orders over $2,000. Applied automatically at checkout.
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How to Choose the Right Size
Width
Ashdeco's bedroom collection suggests a 12" to 24" shelf beside the bed. That fits a lamp, a phone, a glass of water and a book. Go wider only if you want room for decor.
Depth
The collection suggests a depth of 5" to 8" so the shelf does not project far into the room. Ashdeco's bedside shelves are deeper than that: 10" to 12" for the Driftwood shelf and 18" for the Rustic shelf. Allow for that when you plan the spot.
Height
The collection suggests mounting a shelf at about mattress height. Sit up and lie down in your usual position to test it. Measure from the top of the mattress, not the bed frame. Count a mattress topper if you use one.
Above the Headboard
For a shelf above the headboard, the collection suggests mounting it 18" to 24" higher. It also advises keeping the items on it light. A shelf above your head should hold only light decor.
Wood Tone and Finish
The Rustic and Driftwood shelves come in Brown, Oak, Black and Walnut. You can choose a smooth gloss finish or a natural rough matte finish. The pages do not name the wood species, so ask Ashdeco if it matters to you.
Weight and Mounting
Ask About Weight First
Neither bedside shelf page gives a weight rating. They tell you only to respect the recommended weight limit. Ashdeco's collection pages quote different ranges. Ask the team for the rating of your size.
This matters most beside a bed. A shelf that falls can hurt someone who is sleeping. Do not put heavy items on it until you have the rating.
Mount Into Wall Studs
Ashdeco advises using wall studs for any shelf that holds a lamp or heavier items. Studs give the strongest hold. The collection notes that drywall anchors suit light items such as photos.
The Rustic and Driftwood pages describe a floating or hidden-hardware design. They do not list the hardware or the wall types it suits. Confirm that with Ashdeco if you have plaster, tile or brick.
What You Need
- A stud finder
- A drill and bits
- A level
- A pencil and measuring tape
- A screwdriver
Basic Steps
- Lie in bed and mark the height you can reach.
- Find the studs and mark them.
- Hold the bracket against the wall and check it with a level.
- Drill pilot holes and fix the bracket into the studs.
- Slide the shelf onto the bracket.
- Press down gently, then add weight a little at a time.
Follow the instructions that come with your shelf. They take priority over this general guide.
What to Put on a Bedside Shelf
Everyday Items
Keep your phone, glasses and a book on the shelf. A small tray stops small items from sliding. A glass of water works well, but place it away from the edge.
Lighting
A small lamp gives reading light. Check that the base fits the shelf depth and that the shelf can carry its weight. A wall sconce above the shelf saves space, but it needs electrical work.
Decor
A small plant, a framed photo or a ceramic dish adds personality. Choose battery candles, not real flames, near bedding. Keep decor light on a shelf above the bed.
Styling Your Bedside Shelf
Keep It Minimal
Use only the essentials: a phone, a book and a glass. Let the wood be the feature. This suits modern rooms and small spaces.
Layer It
Put a tray on the shelf and arrange items on it. Add a small plant behind. Vary the heights to create interest.
Go Natural
Pair a live edge or driftwood shelf with dried flowers or ceramics. Warm wood tones suit rustic, Japandi and Scandinavian rooms.
Common Mistakes
Mounting Too High
If you cannot reach the shelf from bed, you will not use it. Test the reach before you drill.
Skipping the Studs
Drywall alone will not hold a lamp and books. Use the studs, as Ashdeco advises.
Overloading
Spread the weight evenly and keep heavy items close to the wall. Ask Ashdeco for the weight rating of your size.
Forgetting the Depth
An 18" deep shelf stands out far from the wall. Measure the space beside your pillow first.
Loose Cords
Phone chargers can dangle and tangle. Use cord clips and route cables behind the shelf where you can.
Ordering and Delivery
Ashdeco's bedside shelves are made to order. The product pages estimate 12-21 business days in total, including 7-14 business days of crafting. Shipping is free, and duties and taxes are covered.
You approve photos or video before finishing and again before dispatch. The pages list a 1-year warranty. Damaged, defective or incorrect items can be claimed within 30 days. Made-to-order pieces cannot be returned for a change of mind.
FAQ: Bedside Shelves
Can I use a floating shelf as a nightstand?
Yes. Ashdeco lists its Rustic Live Edge Floating Bedside Shelf as a bedroom nightstand alternative. It gives open storage for a phone, book and water while the floor stays clear.
How much does a bedside shelf cost at Ashdeco?
The two bedside shelves cost $391 and $545 for any size. Compact corner and mushroom shelves start at $140 and $184.80.
How much weight can a bedside shelf hold?
The product pages give no number. Ashdeco's collection pages quote different ranges. Ask the team for the rating of your size before you add a lamp.
What size bedside shelf do I need?
Ashdeco's bedroom collection suggests 12" to 24" beside the bed. Check the depth too, since the Rustic bedside shelf is 18" deep.
What height should I mount it?
The collection suggests about mattress height. Lie down and test the reach before you drill.
Is a floating shelf safe above a bed?
It can be if it is mounted into studs and holds only light items. Ashdeco advises mounting at least 18" to 24" above the headboard. Ask the team about the weight rating first.
Can I install it myself?
The pages describe the installation as simple and say hardware comes with the shelf. Use a stud finder, a drill and a level. Hire a handyman for tile, concrete or plaster.
Can I put one on each side of the bed?
Yes. Mount both at the same height and into studs. Check that neither one blocks the headboard or wall art.
Can I use a floating shelf in a dorm room?
Many dorms do not allow drilling. Check your rules first. A clamp-on shelf or an adhesive organizer is the alternative.
Can I choose the wood tone and finish?
Yes. Choose Brown, Oak, Black or Walnut. Choose a gloss or matte finish. The pages do not name the wood species.
How long does delivery take?
The pages estimate 12-21 business days in total for made-to-order pieces. Photo approvals can extend this.
Can I return a shelf if I change my mind?
No. Made-to-order pieces cannot be returned for a change of mind. Damaged, defective or incorrect items are covered for 30 days.
Ready to Add a Bedside Shelf?
A bedside shelf frees floor space and keeps your essentials in reach. Measure the spot, plan the studs, and ask Ashdeco about weight before you order.
Shop now: Browse Ashdeco's floating shelves for the bedroom, or see all floating shelves.
