How do you store a mattress on the wall?

Storing a mattress on the wall can be a great space-saving solution for small homes or apartments. With some planning and the right materials, you can securely store a mattress vertically against a wall and free up valuable floor space. This article will provide tips and step-by-step instructions for how to store a mattress on the wall.

Table of Contents

Why Store a Mattress on the Wall?

Here are some of the top reasons for storing a mattress vertically against a wall:

Maximize floor space – Storing the mattress upright can open up several feet of floor space in a bedroom or other room.

Allow for room transformations – With the mattress out of the way, a bedroom can easily convert from a sleeping space to an office, yoga room, or other use.
Improve access and airflow – Lifting the mattress off the floor improves access to the space underneath and allows for better airflow around the room.
Create a clean look – A wall-stored mattress can create a tidier, minimalist aesthetic compared to a mattress sitting on the floor.

Protect the mattress – Storing the mattress vertically helps protect it from dirt, dust, and damage from people walking near it or pets on the floor.

Storing a mattress on the wall takes a bit of effort and planning, but it can be an effective way to save space and create a cleaner look in a small home.

Choosing a Mattress for Wall Storage

Not all mattresses are well-suited for wall storage. Here are some things to consider when selecting a mattress to store vertically:

Mattress type – Foam and latex mattresses are typically lightweight enough for wall storage. Traditional innerspring mattresses can be very heavy and may not be ideal.
Mattress size – Twin and full mattresses are best for wall mounting. Larger sizes like queen or king can become too heavy and unwieldy.
Mattress flexibility – Look for mattresses that can flex or bend a bit without being damaged, such as those with softer foams.

Mattress weight – Make sure to choose a mattress you can safely lift up the wall yourself or with assistance. Average foam mattresses weigh 50-90 lbs.

Consult the mattress specifications and get a sense of the flexibility and weight before purchasing. A lighter, more flexible mattress will be much easier to mount and remove from the wall when needed.

Choosing a Wall Location

You’ll need to carefully consider where to place the wall-mounted mattress. Ideal locations include:

Empty corner of a bedroom
Inside a closet
Along a relatively empty wall

Avoid placing the mattress over windows or doors that will need to open. Check that there are no pipes, vents, electrical outlets, or other fixtures where the mattress will be mounted.

The wall itself needs to be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the mattress. Drywall alone may not be sufficient. Brick, concrete, and other solid walls are best. Consider having a contractor inspect the wall if you’re unsure.

Gather the Right Mounting Equipment

Storing a mattress on the wall requires the right hardware and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

1×4 or 2×4 lumber boards – For mounting the ledgers to the wall to hold the mattress.
Galvanized ledger board fasteners – 3-4″ lag screws or bolts to mount the boards to the wall studs.
Mattress fastening straps – Strong nylon straps to secure the mattress to the ledger boards.

Stud finder – To locate wood studs behind the drywall for secure mounting.
Power drill and drill bits
Level – For ensuring the ledger boards are mounted straight.

For a queen or king size mattress, use heavier 2×4″ lumber and more ledger boards and fasteners to distribute the weight. A twin or full may only require a single 1×4 ledger.

Recommended Fastening Locations

The ledger boards should be fastened into the wall at stud locations for maximum strength. Ideal mounting locations are:

Top of the mattress – At least one ledger along the top to hold the weight.

Bottom corners – Ledgers on the lower corners prevent sagging and sliding.
Midpoint – Center ledger helps support queen/king mattresses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting a Mattress on the Wall

Follow these steps to securely mount your mattress:

Mark stud locations – Use a stud finder to locate studs in the mounting area. Mark the center of each for drilling pilot holes.
Cut ledger boards – Measure and cut 1×4 or 2×4 boards to match the width of the mattress. Cut an extra board or two for corner and center support.
Drill pilot holes – Drill 1/8″ pilot holes in the center of each stud mark to ease fastener installation.

Mount top ledger – Hold the top ledger board level and fasten into at least 3 studs using 3-4″ lag screws. Make sure screws bite into the stud centers.
Mount side ledgers – Attach the side ledger boards into the corner studs at the desired mattress height using more lag screws.
Check for level – Verify all ledgers are mounted straight and level.

Lift mattress into place – With assistance, lift up the mattress and place the top edge onto the top ledger board.
Secure straps – Attach at least 2-3 sturdy mattress straps to the bottom corners and midpoint bottom. Pull tightly and knot onto the ledgers.
Check stability – Verify the mattress feels fully secure on the wall and cannot slide from side to side.

With the mattress firmly strapped into place on the ledger boards, it can safely stay mounted on the wall. Make sure children or pets cannot pull on the straps or mattress. Spot check the straps occasionally for any loosening or damage.

Removing a Wall-Mounted Mattress

When ready to use the mattress again for sleeping, follow these tips for safe removal:

Have someone support the weight of the mattress before removing straps.

Detach any straps from the bottom first, then push the mattress lightly at the top to remove from the upper ledge.
Carefully pivot the mattress down and away from the wall.
Watch for clearance issues with the mattress corners as you rotate it down.

Have someone assist to control the weight as you fully remove the mattress.

Go slowly when taking the mattress off the wall mounts. Sudden swings or loss of grip can lead to injury or damage.

Alternative Storage Options

While wall mounting works well for some situations, you may want to consider these other mattress storage options:

Under Bed Storage

Using risers, you can store the mattress on its side underneath another bed frame and utilize the space below. Make sure both bed frames are designed to support the stacked weight.

Murphy Bed

Murphy beds fold vertically into a cabinet or wall unit when not in use. This hides the mattress while freeing up floor space. Installation can be more complex.

Mattress Storage Bag

For temporary storage, place the mattress in a breathable bag to protect from dirt and moisture. Store flat or upright against a wall without mounting.

Key Tips for Wall Mounting a Mattress

Choose a lightweight, flexible mattress preferably under 100 lbs.
Make sure the wall is solidly constructed to hold the weight.
Use multiple ledger boards and spaced fasteners secured into studs.

Have assistance lifting and mounting the mattress.
Use strong mattress straps stretched tightly into corners and center.
Inspect mounts and straps regularly for loosening.

The Pros of Wall-Mounted Mattress Storage

Here are some of the key advantages of storing a mattress on the wall:

Maximizes floor space – Get your floor square footage back to use for other purposes.
Protection from wear – Less risk of daily floor use dirtying or damaging the mattress.

Improved room flexibility – Allows transforming a bedroom into a yoga studio, office, or other use.
Easier cleaning – Vacuum and mop under the bed more easily with the mattress out of the way.
Minimalist aesthetic – A wall-mounted mattress can create a clean, contemporary look.

The Cons of Wall-Mounted Mattress Storage

There are also some potential disadvantages:

Physical effort – Hoisting a heavy mattress up onto wall mounts requires strength and assistance.
Special equipment needed – Purchasing lumber, hardware and straps adds to the project cost.

Obstructs wall space – The mounted mattress may limit furniture placement or wall decor.
Difficult to access – Retrieving bedding and accessing the mattress itself requires temporarily removing from the wall.
Outside noise – With one side exposed, more ambient noise may be audible on the wall side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad for a mattress to be stood up vertically?

No, it typically won’t harm a high quality foam or latex mattress to be stood upright for storage. Avoid folding or sharply bending the mattress, which can damage the inner core.

How much weight can wall mounts hold?

Most standard interior walls can safely hold 100-200 lbs when mounted into multiple studs. Heavier mattresses may require additional cross-braces or support beams.

Will my wall get damaged from the mattress?

With a proper installation using ledger boards and fasteners into studs, the wall itself won’t get damaged. The mounting points will leave small holes that can be patched if removing the mounts.

Can you mount a mattress on drywall only?

Drywall alone is not strong enough to hold a mattress long-term. You need to firmly anchor into the wood or metal studs behind the wallboard for a secure mount.

Is it hard to take a wall mattress down?

Removing a properly mounted mattress can be done safely with two people supporting the weight. Take off bottom straps first, then rotate the top slowly down and away from the wall.

Conclusion

With the right preparations and equipment, mounting a mattress to store it on the wall can be an effective space-saving technique. Carefully consider the mattress size and type, mounting location, required hardware, and installation process before getting started. Use sturdy ledger boards fastened into studs and quality mattress straps to keep the mattress securely in place on the wall. While accessing the mattress may require a bit more effort, the floor space gained can make wall storage worth consideration for many households.