A clever addition turns the KURA into a storage bunk bed

We have had the KURA bunk bed for almost 10 years now. My two boys (9 and 11) share a room, one of them sleeping in the top bunk, the other on a mattress on the floor beneath. We needed more space and it also started looking pretty childish.

I looked up many IKEA hacks for adding storage to the KURA bed before I had a rough plan in mind. We set out to IKEA, looking for either storage containers or a bed to fit underneath. After looking at all the options, I decided that the most cost-effective option would be to buy a MALM twin bed with its two storage containers and slatted base and attach the KURA bed on top of it.

IKEA items used:
KURA bunk bed
MALM twin bed with 2 storage containers and slatted base

Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM

Instructions for a storage bunk bed

Back home, my youngest assembled the MALM bed (I helped with screwing and bolting everything together). We did not attach the headboard.

Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM

Next, we prepped the KURA by tightening all of its hardware that had slowly loosened over the years.

Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM

Then, we lifted the bunk bed on top of the MALM bed. Next, I lined up the heads of the beds and centered the KURA over the rest of the MALM frame. I used the holes and hardware that were meant to attach the MALM headboard to attach the head of the bunk bed to the head of the MALM bed frame. Just had to measure to make sure the holes lined up. I was only able to use one of the wooden pegs, but all three bolts.

Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM

I used some random wooden pieces and poster board pieces to fill the gap between the frames along the side of the beds and then 3 long tan decking screws on each side to screw the frames together. I was worried about this not being solid or safe enough, but it is way more solid than the KURA on its own.

Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM

Added the MALM bed slats and storage boxes, the existing mattress and KURA bed tent and we were all set.

Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM Storage bunk bed using KURA and MALM

We love the extra storage, the boys are proud to have helped with the project, and most of all, their new storage bunk bed is taller and looks a lot more grown up!

~ Uta Moncur