Bunk Bed with Storage Buying Guide | Space-Saving Bunk Beds
A bunk bed with storage is an excellent way to combine sleeping space and practical storage in a children's bedroom. Instead of having two separate beds and additional wardrobes, drawers or shelving taking up valuable floor space, a storage bunk bed can combine several functions within one piece of furniture.
Whether you're furnishing a shared bedroom or simply want to make better use of a smaller room, there are many different bunk bed designs to consider.
From bunk beds with drawers and cupboards to bunk beds with built-in wardrobes and shelving, the right choice will depend on the space available and what your children need to store.
Why Choose a Bunk Bed with Storage?
Traditional bunk beds already make efficient use of bedroom space by placing one bed above another. Adding storage makes the design even more practical.
A bunk bed with storage can provide space for:
- Clothes
- Toys
- Books
- Bedding
- Shoes
- School equipment
- Games and hobbies
It can also reduce the amount of additional furniture required in the bedroom.
For a small room, this can make a significant difference. Instead of having two beds, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers occupying separate areas, a bunk bed with storage can bring several functions together.
Bunk Beds with Drawers
One of the most popular storage options is a bunk bed with drawers.
Drawers underneath or alongside the bed can provide convenient storage for clothes, toys and bedding while keeping everything neatly out of sight.
Drawers are particularly useful when:
- Floor space is limited
- You need easily accessible storage
- Children need somewhere to keep toys
- You don't need a full-size wardrobe
Some designs have large drawers underneath the lower bunk, while others incorporate smaller drawers into the bed frame or surrounding furniture.
Bunk Beds with Wardrobes
If you need more substantial storage, a bunk bed with a built-in wardrobe can be an excellent solution.
Instead of buying a separate wardrobe, the bed incorporates hanging storage into the overall design.
This can provide space for:
- Coats
- Dresses
- School uniforms
- Shirts
- Trousers
- Other hanging clothes
A bunk bed with wardrobe storage can be particularly useful in a shared bedroom because it can help provide more storage without requiring another large piece of furniture.
Explore our Beds with Wardrobes collection for more space-saving children's bed designs.
Bunk Beds with Shelving
Some storage bunk beds also include shelves or open compartments.
Shelving can be useful for keeping everyday items close at hand, including:
- Books
- Alarm clocks
- Toys
- Decorative items
- Games
- Personal belongings
Open shelving also makes it easier for children to see and access their possessions.
For younger children, however, consider what will be stored on higher shelves and make sure heavier or unsuitable items aren't placed where they could fall.
How Much Storage Do You Need?
Before choosing a bunk bed, think about what you actually need to store.
A bed with a couple of drawers might be enough if you already have a wardrobe and other bedroom furniture.
If the bunk bed is going into a small bedroom with limited storage, a larger design incorporating a wardrobe, drawers and shelves could make much better use of the available space.
Consider:
Do you need hanging storage?
Choose a design with a wardrobe.
Do you mainly need toy or clothing storage?
Large drawers may be more useful.
Do your children have lots of books and small belongings?
Shelving could be particularly useful.
Do you need everything in one place?
Look for a bunk bed combining several storage options.
Bunk Beds with Storage for Small Bedrooms
One of the biggest advantages of a storage bunk bed is the ability to maximise floor space.
This is especially important in smaller bedrooms where every square metre matters. Our Best Bed for Small Bedrooms guide has more space-saving comparisons.
By combining two beds with storage, you can potentially eliminate the need for some separate bedroom furniture.
However, don't choose a bunk bed based purely on its footprint.
Remember to measure:
- The overall length of the bed
- The overall width
- The height
- Space needed to access drawers
- Space needed to open wardrobe doors
- Space needed to climb the ladder
- Space around the bed for normal movement
A bed may fit against a wall but still be impractical if drawers or cupboard doors cannot open properly.
Bunk Beds with Storage for Shared Bedrooms
Bunk beds are particularly popular for siblings sharing a bedroom because they provide two sleeping spaces without requiring two separate areas of floor space.
Adding storage can make the arrangement even more efficient.
You could potentially have:
Two beds + wardrobe + drawers + shelving
all incorporated into one bedroom furniture solution.
This can leave more floor space available for playing, studying and moving around.
For more ideas, see our Shared Bedroom Ideas guide.
Should Each Child Have Their Own Storage?
If siblings are sharing a bunk bed, it's worth thinking about how the storage will be divided.
Where possible, giving each child their own drawers, shelves or wardrobe space can make keeping the bedroom organised much easier.
It can also avoid arguments over who owns what!
If the bed has multiple drawers, you could allocate particular drawers to each child.
For wardrobe-style storage, consider whether there is enough hanging and shelf space for both children.
What Age Is Suitable for a Bunk Bed?
The appropriate age depends on the specific bunk bed and its manufacturer's instructions.
Bunk beds are raised beds, so children need to be able to use the bed and ladder safely.
Always check:
- The manufacturer's minimum age
- Safety instructions
- Maximum mattress depth
- Maximum user weight
- Guard rail requirements
Don't assume that every bunk bed is suitable for the same age.
If you're buying for a younger child, pay particular attention to the manufacturer's minimum age recommendation. For more on this, see our Are Bunk Beds Safe? guide.
What Mattress Does a Storage Bunk Bed Need?
Always check the manufacturer's specifications before buying mattresses.
Many UK bunk beds use a standard:
90 × 190cm single mattress
However, some European children's bunk beds use:
90 × 200cm mattresses
The mattress depth is also important.
A mattress that is too thick can affect the amount of safety rail above the mattress, so always use a mattress that meets the manufacturer's specified dimensions and maximum depth. Our Children's Bed Size Guide explains UK and European mattress sizes in more detail.
How to Measure for a Bunk Bed with Storage
Before ordering, measure the room carefully.
1. Measure the available floor space
Measure the area where the bunk bed will be positioned.
2. Check the height
Make sure there is sufficient ceiling height above the top bunk.
3. Check access
Make sure there is enough room to safely use the ladder.
4. Check doors and windows
Consider whether the bed will interfere with doors, wardrobes, windows or radiators.
5. Check storage access
This is particularly important with storage bunk beds.
Make sure drawers can be fully opened and wardrobe doors can swing open without hitting another piece of furniture.
Bunk Bed with Drawers or Wardrobe?
The best option depends on your storage requirements.
If you're short of storage space, a combination design can provide the greatest flexibility.
What Else Should You Consider?
Storage is important, but don't forget that the bed itself is the main purchase.
Consider the quality of construction, the materials used, the design of the ladder, the safety features and whether the bed will continue to suit your children as they grow.
Think about how long you want the bed to last.
A simple, timeless design may continue to look appropriate as your child gets older, while a highly themed bed may appeal to them for a shorter period.
Are Wooden Bunk Beds Better Than Metal?
Both wooden and metal bunk beds can be suitable choices, but they have different characteristics.
Wooden bunk beds are often popular for children's bedrooms because they provide a traditional furniture appearance and can work well with other wooden or wood-effect bedroom furniture.
They can also be available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
Metal bunk beds can have a lighter, more contemporary appearance and are often available in simple designs.
When comparing beds, look beyond the material alone and consider the overall construction, design, stability, safety features and manufacturer's specifications. Our Wooden vs Metal Bunk Beds guide covers this comparison in more detail.
Bunk Bed Storage Ideas
Even the best storage system works better when it is organised properly.
For drawers, consider using separate sections for:
- Pyjamas
- Toys
- Bedding
- Clothes
- School equipment
For wardrobes, you could use shelves or storage boxes for smaller items.
Open shelves work particularly well for books and frequently used belongings.
Try to encourage children to keep their own storage areas organised from the beginning. This makes it much easier to keep the bedroom tidy.
| Storage type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Drawers | Clothes, toys, bedding and everyday items |
| Wardrobe | Hanging clothes and school uniforms |
| Shelves | Books, toys and smaller possessions |
| Combination storage | Bedrooms needing maximum storage |
If you're short of storage space, a combination design can provide the greatest flexibility.
Bunk Bed with Storage Buying Checklist
Before choosing your new bunk bed, consider:
- Does it fit the bedroom comfortably?
- Is there enough ceiling height?
- Can the ladder be used safely?
- Can all drawers open fully?
- Can wardrobe doors open properly?
- Is there enough storage for your needs?
- Does it use the correct mattress size?
- Does the mattress meet the specified maximum depth?
- Is the bed suitable for your child's age?
- Does the design suit your children's needs?
- Will the bed still be suitable as they grow?
- Have you checked the manufacturer's safety and assembly instructions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bunk bed with storage a good idea?
Yes. A bunk bed with storage can combine two sleeping spaces with drawers, a wardrobe or shelving, helping you make better use of the room without needing separate furniture.
What's the best storage option for a bunk bed?
It depends on what you need to store. Drawers suit clothes, toys and bedding, a wardrobe suits hanging clothes and school uniforms, and shelving suits books and smaller belongings. A combination design offers the most flexibility.
Do bunk beds with storage use a standard mattress size?
Not always. Many UK bunk beds use a 90 x 190cm single mattress, but some European designs use 90 x 200cm. Always check the manufacturer's specified size and maximum depth.
Are bunk beds with storage good for shared bedrooms?
Yes. They're particularly popular for siblings sharing a room, as they combine two sleeping spaces with storage, leaving more floor space for playing and studying.
What age is a bunk bed with storage suitable for?
This depends on the individual bed and manufacturer's instructions. Always check the minimum age recommendation, maximum user weight and guard rail requirements before buying.
Final Thoughts
A bunk bed with storage can be one of the most practical solutions for a children's bedroom, particularly when space is limited.
Whether you choose drawers, a wardrobe, shelving or a combination of storage, combining these features with two sleeping spaces can help you make much better use of the room.
The best choice isn't necessarily the bunk bed with the most storage. Instead, think about what your children actually need to store, how much space the bedroom has and how the bed will work as they grow.
Explore our Bunk Beds with Storage collection to see our range of space-saving designs, or browse our Bunk Bed Buying Guide for more advice on choosing the right bunk bed.