9 Tips for Installing Hanging Cabinets in Bedrooms

When your room is on the smaller side, every inch of space matters. The great news is that you don’t have to choose between function and style. Hanging cabinets let you lift storage off the floor, keep things organized, and add a sleek, modern touch to your bedroom.

Whether you live in a cozy studio, a chic condo, or a traditional home, hanging cabinet designs for small bedrooms are a smart way to make your space feel cleaner, brighter, and more stylish. Ready to transform your room? Here are nine essential tips to help you get started with your hanging cabinet project!

Tips for Setting Up Your Hanging Cabinet

When you’re choosing a hanging cabinet design for your bedroom, keep these golden rules in mind:

Successful cabinet installation starts with meticulous planning. 

1. Prepare Your Tools

Below is a list of must-have tools to help you plan, measure, cut, fasten, and finish your cabinet installation:

• Measuring Tools
  • Tape Measure: For measuring cabinet spacing and wall dimensions
  • 4’ Level: Ensures cabinets are perfectly level and plumb
  • Stud Finder: Locates studs for secure mounting
  • Marker & Chalk Line: For marking reference lines on walls

• Fastening Tools
  • Cordless Drill or Driver: For driving screws and drilling holes
  • Drill Bits (for Pre-Drilling): Prevents splitting when fastening into wood
  • 2-3/8” Wood Screws: For attaching cabinet face frames together
  • 3” Heavy-Duty Install Screws: For securing cabinets to studs
  • Hammer: For adjustments and light nailing

• Cutting and Shaping
  • For cutting moldings and trim
  • Table Saw: For cutting plywood or wood panels
  • Jig Saw or Scroll Saw: For cutting openings (around pipes or outlets)
  • Utility Knife: For scoring or trimming materials
  • Block Plane: For fine-tuning cabinet edges or filler pieces
  • Sandpaper: For smoothing cuts and adjustments

• Assembly

• Wood Carpenter Shims: To level and plumb cabinets.
• Padded Woodworking Clamps: Hold cabinets together when fastening.
• Step Ladder: Safe access for wall cabinet installation.
• Scrap Wood or Plywood: Temporary support rails or spacers while hanging cabinets.

• Finishing

• Wood Filler: To hide screw and nail holes.
• Sandpaper: Final surface prep before touch-up or finish.
• Preferred Paint: Having the correct paint ensures your cabinets maintain a flawless, uniform look after installation.

2. Plan Your Layout Carefully

In a bedroom, cabinet placement matters just as much as storage space. Decide what you’ll store (clothes, books, decor) and plan the cabinet size and height around it. For example, cabinets above the bed can serve as sleek storage for extra bedding, while wall-mounted units above a desk can keep your books and supplies neatly tucked away. A well-planned layout keeps your bedroom functional and clutter-free.

3. Check Your Measurements And Anchor Points

Start by marking a level reference line on the wall where your cabinets will hang. Use a stud finder to locate studs and mark them clearly. Studs are the internal structures your cabinet must anchor into for secure installation. Next, measure and mark the width of each cabinet section, labeling them so you know exactly where they go. 

Once your plan is set, focus on design elements that make your hanging cabinet design elevate your space.

4. Stick to Light Colors

Light colors like white, beige, or soft pastels reflect natural light and make bedrooms feel more open and airy. They’re ideal in small rooms where darker cabinets might feel overwhelming. If you want warmth without losing brightness, consider off-whites or soft wood tones.

5. Try Glass or Open Shelving

Adding glass-front cabinets or open shelves can break up solid cabinet doors. They’re also great for displaying books, photos, or decor while keeping other items neatly hidden. For a glass cabinet door without exposing clutter, opt for frosted or textured glass.

6. Maximize Vertical Space

Bedrooms often lack storage, so don’t leave valuable wall space unused. Extending hanging cabinets all the way up to the ceiling gives you extra storage for seasonal items like blankets or clothing. This technique makes your room feel taller and keeps clutter out of sight.

7. Add Lighting

Soft, built-in lighting under your cabinets can double as ambient bedroom lighting. It not only makes the space cozy at night but also makes it seem high-end. On the other hand, LED strip lights are affordable, easy to install, and energy efficient.

8. Mix and Match Textures

Pairing different textures such as matte painted cabinets with wood accents adds depth to your bedroom. This contrast helps cabinets blend into the overall decor. Even subtle details, like pairing white cabinets with light narra or mahogany trim, can make your space look more cohesive.

9. Don’t Forget Function

As mentioned earlier, hanging cabinets should not be just about aesthetics—they need to be functional too! Smart additions like pull-out shelves, integrated laundry hampers, or built-in drawer organizers can help stay organized!  By customizing your storage to fit your routines, you make the space work for you, not the other way around. Well-designed cabinets are great, but beautiful cabinets that make life easier are even better!

Don’t Leave Your Cabinet Project “Hanging”

So why wait? It’s time to transform your bedroom into the cozy, clutter-free sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of! Of course, to get a durable hanging cabinet, you need more than just good design. You need the right materials too.

With Island Premium Paints, you get professional-grade paints and finishes made to perform. Their products offer excellent coverage, a smooth finish, and long-term durability, making them the perfect choice for cabinet projects. Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a contractor, Island Premium Paints helps ensure results that look beautiful and stand the test of time.

Visit Island Premium Paint’s website now.

References:

https://www.cabinetjoint.com/installation-tips/

https://www.cliqstudios.com/cabinet-components/

https://www.omegacabinetry.com/style-design/learn-about-cabinetry/cabinet-101

https://hhcabinets.com.au/bedroom-cabinets/bedroom-cabinet-designs-for-small-spaces/

https://lakesidecabinets.com/our-products/cabinet-parts-and-profiles/

https://www.cabinetjoint.com/video-library/kitchen-layout-step-2-marking-studs-cabinet-lines/

https://woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Attaching_Cabinets_to_Steel_Studs.html