Bunk Beds with Storage Under £700: Great Value Picks

Good value in a storage bunk bed comes from storage that will genuinely be used every day: deep drawers beneath the lower bunk, staircase steps that double as cupboards, and open shelving at the head end. At a mid range budget you can expect well built frames that combine two of these features in solid pine or sturdy engineered wood, which means you can often skip buying a separate chest of drawers altogether. The trick is choosing the type of storage that suits your child’s room and routine rather than simply the frame with the most compartments.

Our selection of modern bunk beds UK includes a range of storage designs, from simple drawer bases to full staircase units. This guide walks through the main types we think represent the strongest value, with practical notes on what each one does well and where it may not suit.

How to Judge Value in a Storage Bunk

Value is not the same as the lowest cost. A storage bunk earns its place when it replaces another piece of furniture, saves floor space and still feels solid years later. When comparing designs, consider:

• Usable volume. Two deep drawers often hold more than four shallow ones.
• Build quality of moving parts. Drawer runners and cupboard hinges take daily wear. Smooth, sturdy fittings matter more than the number of compartments.
• Clear access. Storage that is awkward to reach tends to be ignored.
• Frame materials. Solid timber or thick engineered board resists knocks and holds fixings well.
• Room for change. A frame that can split into two single beds, or one with removable storage, will adapt as children grow.

Thinking about the storage bunk as part of the wider room helps too. Our modern bedroom furniture UK collection makes it easier to coordinate wardrobes and shelving with the bed’s finish.

Pick One: The Drawer Base Bunk

The simplest and often most practical storage bunk has two or three large drawers built into the base beneath the lower bed. The bed sits a little higher than a standard bunk to make room for them.

Works well for: rooms where a chest of drawers would not fit, and families who want clothes or bedding stored close to hand.

Things to check: drawers on castors are easier for small children to pull, while drawers on runners keep their alignment better. Make sure there is enough clear floor in front of the bed for the drawers to open fully.

Because the lower bed is raised, check that the overall frame height still leaves enough headroom above the top mattress.

Pick Two: The Staircase Bunk

Staircase bunks replace the ladder with a set of broad, enclosed steps. Each step usually hides a drawer or cupboard. They are easier and more reassuring to climb than ladders, especially for children who are new to the top bunk.

Works well for: younger climbers, children who get up during the night and rooms with enough length to accommodate the extra footprint.

Things to check: the staircase adds noticeable length to the bed. Measure the full footprint, not just the mattress area. Many staircases can be fitted on either side, which helps with awkward layouts.

Staircase storage tends to be compact, so it suits toys, shoes or small items rather than full wardrobes.

Pick Three: The Trundle and Drawer Combination

Some frames swap one drawer for a pull out trundle, giving a third sleeping space for sleepovers while still offering some storage. This suits families who host guests occasionally but do not need a permanent triple bunk.

Works well for: siblings who regularly have friends to stay, or a shared room that doubles as a guest space for visiting cousins.

Things to check: the trundle mattress is usually shallower than a standard single. Confirm what depth it takes before ordering. You will also need enough clear floor to pull the trundle out.

Pick Four: The Bunk With Integrated Shelving

Frames with open shelving at the head or foot end give each child a place for books, a lamp, a water bottle and a few favourite things. On the top bunk, a built in shelf can replace the need for a bedside table that a child cannot reach anyway.

Works well for: readers, older children and rooms with no space for bedside furniture.

Things to check: shelves on the upper level should sit inside the guard rail area so items cannot fall onto the bunk below. Rounded edges are a sensible detail.

Pick Five: The Mid Height Bunk With Pull Out Desk or Cupboards

Lower profile bunks sit between a cabin bed and a full bunk in height. Some include a cupboard run along the side or a slide out desk. They suit rooms with lower ceilings, including many loft conversions and modern homes, where a full height bunk would feel cramped.

Works well for: rooms with limited ceiling height and younger children.

Things to check: the lower bunk may be quite close to the floor, so check there is enough sitting room between levels. Storage on these frames is often accessed from the side, so leave clearance along the length of the bed.

Matching the Storage Type to Your Child

Children use storage in very different ways, and the most generous bunk will disappoint if its compartments do not suit the person sleeping in it. A young child who likes to tip toys out onto the floor benefits from large, open drawers that are quick to fill at tidy up time. An older child with growing collections of books and models may value shelving more, as it lets favourite things stay on display.

Teenagers often care most about clothes. For them, deep base drawers or a short hanging space are more useful than small cubbies in a staircase. If siblings of different ages share the bunk, consider how storage can be divided fairly: one child might take the drawers while the other has the staircase compartments and a wall shelf.

It also helps to think about height. Storage at floor level is easy for small children to reach, while compartments higher up the staircase suit older children and items that are used less often.

Measuring for a Storage Bunk

Storage frames demand more careful measuring than plain bunks. Note the full footprint including any staircase, the depth drawers project when fully open and the clearance needed to open cupboard doors on the side of a staircase. Check that skirting boards and radiators will not stop the frame sitting flush against the wall. A paper template taped to the floor is a simple way to see how much room the bed and its open drawers will really take.

Materials and Finishes That Hold Up

Solid pine is a popular choice for storage bunks because it is strong, light enough to assemble and easy to repair or refinish. Engineered wood with a quality lacquer or foil finish keeps a smooth, uniform look and resists everyday marks. Look for thicker panels on drawer fronts and steps, as these take the most wear.

White and grey finishes keep a storage bunk from overwhelming a room, which matters because these frames are bulkier than plain bunks. Natural wood tones bring warmth and suit Scandinavian inspired schemes.

Supplementing Built In Storage

Even a well specified storage bunk rarely holds everything. Toys in particular tend to spread. A lidded chest from our children’s toy box UK range can double as a bench beneath the window, while low units from our modern children’s storage furniture UK collection keep everyday items at a height children can reach.

For a broader look at how to plan storage across a whole children’s bedroom, see our guide to children’s bedroom storage furniture for UK family homes.

Organising the Storage You Have

A few simple habits make built in storage work much harder:

• Give each child their own drawer or step so they know where their things belong.
• Keep everyday clothes in the most accessible drawers and seasonal items in harder to reach spots.
• Use small fabric boxes inside deep drawers to stop contents becoming jumbled.
• Store spare bedding in a base drawer so it is ready when sheets need changing.

Safety With Storage Bunks

Storage frames are heavier than plain bunks, which generally adds to their stability. Even so, assemble them carefully and check fixings regularly. Make sure drawers cannot be pulled out fully and dropped on small feet, and teach children not to climb on open drawers or cupboard doors.

As with any bunk, follow the maximum mattress depth for the top level and check the frame meets BS EN 747. Children under six should use the lower bed only.

A storage bunk bed can transform how a shared room works, taking the place of several pieces of furniture in one footprint. Match the type of storage to your child’s habits and the shape of the room, and it will earn its keep for years. When you are ready to explore designs and finishes, take a look around Furniture in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are staircase bunk beds safer than ladder bunk beds?

Staircases are generally easier to climb, with broader treads and something to hold. Both can be safe when built to BS EN 747, but many parents find stairs more reassuring for younger children.

Do storage bunk beds need more space?

Drawer bases add little to the footprint but need clear floor in front. Staircase designs add length to the bed, so measure the total size carefully.

Can a storage bunk bed replace a chest of drawers?

In many small rooms, yes. Deep base drawers can hold a good share of a child’s clothes, especially when combined with a small wardrobe.

What mattress do storage bunk beds take?

Most take standard UK single mattresses. Always check the stated maximum depth for the top bunk.