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Curious how to hang a floating bedside table for maximum style and stability? This guide walks you through tools, wall types, assembly steps, and maintenance advice to ensure your nightstand stays securely in place.
Whether you’re working with drywall or studs, these tips cover everything you need for a clean, professional-looking install.
This modern alternative to traditional nightstands offers a stylish, minimalist look and valuable floor space. But to reap those benefits, it’s crucial to understand how to hang a floating bedside table in a way that stays secure over time.
Floating tables make cleaning easier and rooms feel more open. No legs means fewer obstacles around beds and a sleeker silhouette. Hostels, studios, and apartments favor floating designs for their space-saving aesthetics.
However, installing them correctly requires knowing whether you’re dealing with drywall, stud walls, or masonry and choosing fixing methods accordingly.
This floating bed nightstand is a smart, seamless solution for modern bedrooms. Its real wood finish adds warmth while maximizing floor space.
When children or everyday activities interact with the structure, poor installation can result in wobbles or detachment. That’s why mastering how to hang a floating bedside table properly is key to combining beautiful design with dependable function in any bedroom.
Before you begin, gathering the correct tools is essential for ensuring safety and a professional finish. Here’s what you’ll need to properly install your floating bedside table:
Stud finder, pencil, level, tape measure – for accurate marking and alignment
Power drill with the correct drill bits for wood, drywall, or masonry
Screws, toggle bolts, or expansion anchors – depending on your wall type
Mounting bracket or French cleat – often included, or can be custom-made
Screwdriver or screwdriver bit – for securing hardware
Wall anchors suited to drywall, plaster, or brick
If you're following a DIY guide such as Jen Woodhouse’s floating nightstand tutorial, you’ll find step-by-step examples of tool usage.
Remember: knowing how to hang a floating bedside table starts with preparation, and the right tools make all the difference.
Selecting the right mounting method isn’t just about convenience - it’s about ensuring your table stays safely in place over time. Knowing how to hang a floating bedside table means understanding how wall materials behave under pressure and which fasteners are best for each.
If your bedroom has drywall with wooden studs (which many do), your best option is to mount directly into the stud. Use a stud finder to locate the stud’s center and mark positions with a pencil. Brackets or cleats should align with these marks for optimal support.
Screws 2½ to 3½ inches long are typically suitable. They offer secure, high-load support, ideal for heavier tables, charging stations, or decor. If you’re learning how to hang a floating bedside table for long-term use, always choose studs when available.
Don’t have a stud where you want your table? Then you’ll need strong wall anchors. Toggle bolts are the most reliable option - they expand behind the drywall and distribute weight effectively. For light-to-medium loads, self-drilling anchors are acceptable, but never rely on cheap plastic plugs.
Remember, if you’re wondering how to hang a floating bedside table without studs, selecting the right type of drywall anchor is what keeps your table from sagging or falling over time.
Need inspiration? See this Hygge Spruce tutorial for visuals on anchor choices and installs.
Installing on brick, concrete, or block walls requires masonry screws or expansion anchors. Pre-drill using a masonry bit, insert the anchor flush with the wall, and fasten your bracket tightly using washers.
As always, how to hang a floating bedside table on this type of wall depends on using anchors rated for heavy loads and carefully testing each fix point before finishing the installation.
If you're wondering how to hang a floating bedside table with both style and safety, this detailed guide will walk you through each phase of installation, from preparation to post-install testing.
Start by determining the most ergonomic and visually balanced height. Most floating bedside tables sit between 55 and 60 cm from the floor to the top surface. Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the bracket or cleat’s location. A level is essential to make sure lines are straight and even, particularly if you're installing tables on both sides of the bed.
Once markings are in place, it's time to drill pilot holes. For stud mounting, use a drill bit slightly narrower than your wood screws. For drywall or plaster, match your pilot hole to the anchor type, slightly smaller to ensure tightness.
After drilling, re-check with a level. One of the most critical steps in learning how to hang a floating bedside table is making sure the mounting foundation is straight and centered.
Using your selected anchors (toggle bolts for drywall, wood screws for studs), attach the mounting bracket or French cleat to the wall. If using cleats, be sure the grooves align properly and the cleat sits flat against the wall.
Tighten all screws firmly without overtightening. For added strength, use washers or metal reinforcements at high-stress points. Knowing how to hang a floating bedside table correctly here ensures long-term durability.
Once your hardware is secure, slide the table onto the bracket or cleat. Most designs will “click” or lock into place. Press down gently to confirm fit. Add lightweight décor or books and gently push down and outward on the table’s edge to test load capacity. If it rocks, re-level or reinforce the mount.
Whether you're installing in drywall, on studs, or masonry, mastering how to hang a floating bedside table takes precision, patience, and a focus on balanced load support. Don’t skip these steps - they’re what separate a durable install from a decorative hazard.
Even a stylish design can fail if installed incorrectly. As you learn how to hang a floating bedside table, avoiding these frequent errors will help ensure a safe and lasting result:
Skipping the level check: Misalignment leads to a slanted surface that worsens over time.
Using incorrect anchors: Lightweight plastic plugs won’t hold securely in drywall or brick.
Mounting too low or too high: Too low can strain backs when reaching; too high can be unsafe, especially for kids.
Not testing stability: Failing to apply light pressure after installation might hide a weak anchor until it’s too late.
Take a few extra minutes to plan and verify each step. By steering clear of these common mistakes, your installation becomes both smoother and safer, bringing out the true benefits of knowing how to hang a floating bedside table with confidence.
After mastering how to hang a floating bedside table, the final step is making it feel intentional, not just functional. These design tips help you blend the piece seamlessly into your bedroom aesthetic:
Pair with wall-mounted lighting: Sconces or pendant lights free up table space while creating balanced symmetry.
Match finishes with your decor: Use similar tones or textures, like natural oak, matte black, or painted MDF, for a cohesive look.
Keep the surface lightweight: Place small plants, a clock, or a phone charger—but avoid heavy books or bulky gadgets.
Add floating shelves above: They enhance vertical space without cluttering the floor.
Highlight cleaning convenience: Open space below makes it easy to vacuum or mop.
With thoughtful styling, your floating table becomes more than furniture - it becomes a feature. Just like learning how to hang a floating bedside table, how you finish it matters just as much.
Perfect for small spaces, this sleek nightstand offers just enough room for essentials. A great blend of function and subtle design.
Once you’ve learned how to hang a floating bedside table, keeping it safe and stable over time is just as important. A few easy maintenance habits will help your installation remain secure and functional for years:
Inspect screw tightness every 6 months: vibration, seasonal changes, or wall shifts can loosen hardware over time.
Limit surface weight: avoid heavy stacks of books or large devices; stick to lightweight décor like lamps, plants, or small trays.
Clean with ease: wipe with a damp cloth; the absence of legs makes cleaning beneath the table much more convenient.
Monitor wall integrity: especially in older homes, check for cracks or shifts that might affect mount strength.
These small checks don’t take much time but make a big difference. Knowing how to hang a floating bedside table is just the start - keeping it secure completes the job.
Clean lines and solid craftsmanship make this floating bedside shelf ideal for minimalist rooms. It keeps clutter off the floor and style on point.
Q: Can I hang the bedside table on a brick wall?
A: Yes, use proper masonry anchors and expansion bolts. This is a key part of how to hang a floating bedside table safely, especially for heavy wood builds.
Q: Do I need a center support or cleat?
A: Only for wide or heavier tables. A cleat helps distribute weight evenly and improves long-term stability without relying on visible legs.
A sculptural piece that doubles as storage, this tree branch shelf brings a rustic, artistic touch to any wall. Great for boho or nature-inspired interiors.
Knowing how to hang a floating bedside table correctly ensures both style and safety in your bedroom. From choosing the right anchors to leveling and weight placement, each detail contributes to a seamless finish.
Explore handcrafted floating nightstand designs at Tailor Wood Haven or request a free mounting guide to start your project today.
