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8 Bunk Bed Shelf Options That Won’t Clutter Up Your Bedroom

published Jul 24, 2021
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As spectacular as bunk beds may be, they leave little room for organization. Unlike a regular bed setup, it’s tough to pull a nightstand up to a top bunk, which leads to books, pillows, and maybe even alarm clocks strewn about your sheets or lying out on the floor. This shouldn’t put a damper on your (or your kids) dreams of building this kind of space-saving structure though. 

Luckily, there are quite a few ways you can keep a bedroom tidy even with a double-decker bed. Whether it’s with a floating shelf or a sleek, simple bedside organizer, there are plenty of creative options that make life with bunk beds that much easier. Below, find both inspiration and products for staying organized. My hope is that they’ll double as a convincing argument for why this sleeping situation is the absolute best for young siblings and small spaces.

1. Foot-of-bed shelving

Built into the foot of the bed, these custom shelving solutions in a shared kids room is ideal for keeping things tidy. Plus, it even leaves space for the occupants to decorate their walls with artwork and memorabilia.

2. Wall-mounted storage

Matching wall-mounted shelves optimize space and provide plenty of room for prized possessions. The size of shelves in this adorable shared boys room are even large enough to accommodate a task lamp, if needed, which means no one has to get up to turn out the light at bedtime.

Credit: 1st Dibs

3. Scandinavian-inspired ledge

Fans of minimalism will love being able to continue the theme, even down to their bunk bed storage solution with this natural wood shelf. They’re compact and small space-friendly, and you can stack several together or side by side for extra surface area.

Buy: Scandinavian Contemporary Natural Ash Klot30, $143 from 1stdibs

Credit: Wayfair

4. Floating shelves

A floating shelf specially designed for bunk beds can help ensure books won’t end up tangled in covers or stacked under pillows if sleep strikes while reading. This two-tiered model provides ample space for all the essentials.

Buy: Genesee Bunk Bed Floating Shelves, $86.99 from Wayfair

Credit: IKEA

5. Over-the-bed pocket

For a wallet-friendly storage solution, try a simple bed pocket. Rather than messing with a bulky shelf or getting frustrated trying to install something, this flat flap with compartments fits over most bed frames and will provide just enough storage for your littles’ essentials.

Buy: STICKAT Bed Pocket, $5.99 from IKEA

6. Thrice as nice

While you can’t see each inlet shelf in this travel-inspired bunk room from the picture, there are three that outline the bed. Perfect for storing books, lamps, and other knick-knacks, when you can add more than one shelf, you’ll never regret doing so.

7. Metal catch-all

Keep books and even an alarm clock by your “bedside” with this sturdy shelf. Far from flimsy, this movable shelf hooks on to the side of the bed and allows you to store a few important items in tits metal grate basket.

Buy: Forest Gate Universal Metal Bunk Bed Shelf, $68.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond

8. A matching trunk

Wall mounted and railing storage aren’t the only methods of bunk bed storage. Incorporating some kind of trunk, like the one in this whimsical shared bedroom, is a perfect fix for tucking away toys, books, and extra bedding.

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: 8 Bunk Bed Shelf Options That Won’t Clutter Up Your Bedroom