DIY Your Home

Off the Floor, On Point: How to Mount a Floating Nightstan

By The MH Group

If your bedroom feels cramped or cluttered, your nightstands might be part of the problem. Traditional bedside tables take up valuable floor space—and let’s be honest, they usually collect more junk than they should. Enter floating nightstands. These wall-mounted shelves or mini-cabinets give you the surface you need without the bulk you don’t. They're sleek, modern, and surprisingly easy to hang. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Pick the Right Spot

Start by determining where you want your nightstand to be placed. The sweet spot is usually level with the top of your mattress or a couple of inches below. Sit on your bed and reach where you’d normally set your phone or glass of water—this is your target height. Measure and mark the spot on the wall. Pro tip: Leave enough clearance underneath for robot vacuums, laundry baskets, or your dog’s favorite nap corner.

Step 2: Find the Studs

You’ll need your nightstand to stay put, especially if you plan to load it with books, lamps, or anything heavy. Use a stud finder to locate the wooden studs behind your wall. These are the strongest points to anchor your shelf. No studs? No problem. Use heavy-duty wall anchors specifically designed for your wall type (e.g., drywall, plaster). Don’t trust the cheap plastic ones—get the kind that expand or lock in place.

Step 3: Mark and Drill

Once you’ve found your studs or planned for anchors, hold the nightstand up against the wall. Use a level to make sure it’s straight (no leaning towers by your bed). Mark the screw holes with a pencil. Now drill pilot holes where you marked. If you're using anchors, tap them into place after drilling. If you're going straight into studs, you're ready to screw it in.

Step 4: Mount It

Hold your nightstand in place and drive in the screws. It helps to have a second set of hands here, or at least a stack of books to prop the shelf while you work. Make sure it's snug and doesn’t wiggle. Give it a gentle shake. If it feels solid, you're good to go. If it rocks or pulls, double-check your anchors or tighten things up.

Step 5: Style It (But Don’t Overload It)

The beauty of floating nightstands is how clean they look, so don’t ruin that with clutter. Stick to the basics: a lamp, a book, maybe a small plant. Use a drawer-style nightstand if you need hidden storage. Floating nightstands are a small change with a big impact. They open up the floor, make cleaning easier, and give your room a cleaner, more modern feel. Best of all, you don’t need to be a pro to hang them—just a level, a drill, and a little patience. Go ahead, give your bedroom a lift. Literally.
Buying or Selling your home in Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas or the greater Los Angeles area? Contact The Michelle Hirsch Group’s team of top real estate agents for all your Real Estate and Investment Property needs at 818-293-8460 or visit the website at https://MichelleHirsch.com
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