13 Bunk Bed Shelf Ideas for Top-Bunk Storage Space

updated Apr 13, 2023
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Bunk beds are a great way to have two people share a bedroom, and they’re a great solution for small bedrooms as well. But as spectacular as bunk beds may be, they leave little room for organization. Unlike a regular bed setup, there are limited storage options for bunk beds, making it difficult to keep things like  books, glasses and water bottles next to the bed. Enter the bunk bed shelf. 

These handy bedside organizers are made specifically to solve the problem of storage for bunk beds, making them one of our favorite small bedroom design ideas. And we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites, along with a few other bunk bed storage and organization ideas. Keep reading if you still need convincing that a bunk bed can totally be a great sleeping solution for two. Once you’ve tackled this issue, it’s time to move on to closet organization for a small bedroom

Credit: @tidy_books

1. An Assortment of Shelves

What’s better than one bunk bed shelf? Several shelves, of course! We love how @tidy_books has created a wall full of shelves for their little one’s belongings. There’s plenty of room not just for books, but for favorite toys and trinkets, as well. 

Credit: @tidy_books

2. Color Coordinated Shelves

Another great one from @tidy_books! Look how this small bookshelf is painted the exact same color as the bunkbeds to tie the room together and create a cohesive look. 

 

3. Head-of-Bed Shelving

This cute bunk bed shown by @kristywharvey features a handy shelf at the head of the bed. It’s perfect for books of course, but these little boys have chosen to highlight their favorite toy on their shelves. 

4. Built-In Storage

Why not use the wall to carve out a place for a bunk bed shelf? That’s what @thepalms_goolwabeach has done. This monstrous built-in four-bunk system may not leave much room for shelving, so they created a built-in bunk bed shelf in the wall behind the beds. It’s a clever way to create extra space for the occupants to store their things. 

Credit: Amazon

5. Attachable Bunk Bed Nightstand

This clever product from Amazon is one of the most spacious bunk bed shelves we’ve seen. It’s got room on the top for a drink and a laptop, but it also features a handy hook for side storage and even a cut-out interior suitable for a few books and other items. 

6. 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.

7. Wall-Mounted Storage

Matching wall-mounted bunk bed 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

8. 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

9. 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, $74.99 $71.99 from Wayfair

Credit: IKEA

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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 $62.09 from Bed Bath & Beyond

13. 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.