Above: Create the large allure of a modern, romantic hotel suite, even if your bedroom – and budget – is on the short size.
It's so popular, I'm going to share it again: one of my favourite floor-space-gainers.
This one’s a cheap yet stunning storage solution for a bedroom that fits a queen bed…and that’s about it. In Vancouver, this is a typical bedroom of any new condo development.
Most of us who make do with bedrooms this tiny have a proportionally tiny décor budget, even if we fantasize about bringing some allure to this private place. This is where the Ikea “Lack” entertainment shelf comes in. Long and sleek in brown/black (other colours available), it’s sure to fit the space adjacent or opposite a queen bed, and still allow prancing-around room – or at least two feet between bed and shelf. But the best part is that when mounted on the wall, it clears the floor and its luxuriously expansive surface pumps up visual square footage.
The next step is to mount the unit on the wall at dresser height, feet removed (not yours; the shelf). Centre it between the corners or openings and when it’s level (if you don’t have a level – a worthwhile investment – use a marble) mark the underside of the shelf. A friend in the bedroom could help here, but like in many cases, books may be more reliable. Set the shelf on two stacks.
Attach the unit using at least eight small L brackets, which won’t be seen after the whole thing’s up. Try to position the shelf so that you nail at least one stud (no jokes, please), but if don’t have a stud-finder (no jokes here, either) use metal screw-in anchors, which only requires a screwdriver.
Top it off with a large rectangular mirror centred just above the shelf. I won’t go through the step-by-step process for how to hang a mirror; if you’ve managed mounting the shelf (oh, stop!) you can handle it. How you enjoy your bedroom mirror is your business, but I like it for doubling the shelf surface and the light of an attractive lamp, as well as bouncing light off adjacent windows.
If you’re thinking, “I can do that” right now and are itching to grab the tape measure to see if this idea fits your bedroom, you’re ready to take on this easy project. And at a cheap $164.99, it’s not exactly risky business.
(Reprinted and revised article originally published in 2006)
