Say goodbye to the bedside table with IKEA’s latest ingeniously simple alternative that is transforming bedroom spaces across the UK and beyond.
For just £6, this smart solution frees up precious floor space without sacrificing the convenience of having essentials close at hand.
Whether living in cramped city apartments, minimalist homes, or simply looking to declutter, this affordable and practical invention is reshaping how people organise their bedrooms.
This article explores IKEA’s bedside table alternative in detail, including what it is, how it works, why it’s revolutionising bedroom design, tips to incorporate it seamlessly, and why it’s quickly becoming a must-have solution for space-conscious homeowners.
The Problem with Traditional Bedside Tables
Traditional bedside tables, while useful for holding lamps, phones, books, and clocks, can often be bulky and occupy valuable floor space in modern bedrooms—especially in smaller rooms where every square metre counts.
Their physical footprint can create clutter and hinder mobility around the bed, limiting options for room arrangement.
Moreover, many bedside tables offer limited surface area and storage, frequently leading to overcrowded tops and chaotic drawers. Pursuing a minimalist aesthetic or simply more open space demands creative alternatives that balance functionality and design.
IKEA’s Clever £6 Solution: The Picture Ledge
The innovative solution IKEA offers at just £6 is the MOSSlanda picture ledge, a pared-back, wall-mounted shelf originally designed for displaying artwork. IKEA has cleverly repurposed this item as a bedside alternative by mounting it just above the bed or beside it on the wall.
Why the Picture Ledge Works So Well as a Bedside Alternative:
- Minimal Footprint: Being wall-mounted, it completely eliminates floor space taken by traditional tables.
- Multi-Purpose Surface: Ideal for holding essentials like smartphones, alarm clocks, books, reading glasses, and small lamps.
- Stylish & Adjustable: Available in neutral colours like white or black, it complements all bedroom aesthetics. Multiple ledges or layered arrangements can be custom installed.
- Affordable: At only £6 per ledge, it makes upgrading your bedside space easy and budget-friendly.
- Easy Installation: Simple to mount with included fixtures, no bulky assembly required.
How to Use IKEA Picture Ledges as Bedside Alternatives
Placement Ideas:
- Mount one ledge individually at a comfortable arm’s reach from your sleeping position.
- Use two ledges vertically spaced if you want layered storage for more items.
- Position ledges above the headboard to achieve a floating effect.
- Combine with LED strip lighting underneath the ledge for subtle nighttime illumination and ambiance.
Functional Benefits:
- Clears the floor for easier cleaning and wheelchair or walker access.
- Prevents bedtime clutter and helps keep essentials visible and organised.
- Provides a sleek modern touch, transforming traditional bedside setups into minimalist, open spaces.
Additional IKEA Space-Saving Bedroom Ideas
IKEA’s space optimisation goes beyond bedside ledges with a variety of smart solutions ideal for small bedrooms.
| Solution | Description | Approximate Price |
| PLATSA Modular Wardrobe | Customisable wall-to-ceiling wardrobes to maximise vertical space | From £150 |
| TRONES Shoe Storage | Slim stackable units that can double as bedside storage | £7 – £30 per unit |
| KALLAX Shelving Units | Versatile storage cubes that fit under beds or desks | £50 – £120 |
| MALM Bed with Storage | Bed frame with built-in drawers for decluttering clothes | £300 – £450 |
These options complement the picture ledge solution to create a streamlined, clutter-free bedroom environment.
Advantages Compared to Conventional Bedside Tables
| Feature | Picture Ledge Alternative | Traditional Bedside Table |
| Floor Space Utilisation | None (wall-mounted) | Requires floor area |
| Cost | Approximately £6 per ledge | Varies, typically £40 – £200+ |
| Installation | Simple wall mount | Requires assembly and placement |
| Customisation | Modular, stackable, adjustable | Limited unless bespoke |
| Aesthetic | Minimalist and modern | Often heavier and bulkier |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, less clutter-prone | Can accumulate dust and items |
User Experiences and Feedback
Consumers report that the picture ledge bedside alternative is a game-changer for small bedrooms and those seeking minimalist décor. Reviews highlight how it offers:
- Greater freedom of movement around the bed
- A clean, polished look that enhances room ambiance
- The flexibility to personalise storage setups
- Quick and hassle-free installation
Many users combine it with smart lighting and charging stations for phones, creating ergonomic and stylish sleeping zones.
Conclusion
Say goodbye to the bedside table with IKEA’s clever, wall-mounted picture ledge alternative that costs only £6 and frees up space without sacrificing convenience.
Ideal for small rooms, minimalists, or anyone wanting to upgrade their bedroom organisation, this inventive solution is practical, affordable, and stylish.
Alongside IKEA’s wider range of space-saving bedroom furniture, it offers an integrated approach to decluttering, enhancing mobility, and giving bedrooms a modern, airy feel.
This simple change can transform nightly routines, improve room functionality, and inspire fresh new bedroom designs with minimal effort and cost.
FAQs
1. How is the IKEA picture ledge mounted by the bedside?
It’s fixed to the wall using included brackets and screws, usually positioned within arm’s reach from the bed.
2. What items can I realistically keep on the picture ledge bedside alternative?
Small essentials like phones, books, alarm clocks, glasses, small lamps, and decorative items.
3. Does the picture ledge hold as much as a traditional bedside table?
It offers less storage than bulky tables but provides enough space for essential items while saving floor space.
4. Can I install multiple ledges for more storage?
Yes, multiple picture ledges can be stacked or arranged horizontally to increase storage capacity.
5. Is the price really just £6 for the ledge?
Yes, the basic IKEA MOSSlanda picture ledge retails around £6, making it extremely affordable compared to traditional tables.
