Bunk Beds with Storage: Drawers, Stairs, Trundles & Other Options Explained

Quick Summary

Bunk beds with storage can make better use of bedroom space by incorporating drawers beneath the lower bunk, storage stairs at the end of the bed, or a combination of both. The space beneath the lower bunk can also be used for a trundle when an additional sleeping surface is more important than under-bed storage. Because storage stairs and under-bed options use different areas of the bunk bed, some configurations allow you to combine storage stairs with either drawers or a trundle. The right setup depends on your available room space, storage needs, and sleeping requirements.

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One of the most common questions we hear at Just Bunk Beds is how to get the most storage out of a bedroom that already feels full once a bunk bed is in place. Under-bed drawers and storage stairs allow a bunk bed to provide useful storage without adding another piece of furniture to the room. When additional sleeping space is needed instead, the area beneath the lower bunk can often accommodate a trundle. On some bunk beds, storage stairs can also be combined with under-bed drawers or a trundle, providing even more flexibility.

In this guide, we'll explain the differences between under-bed drawers, storage stairs and trundles, along with how these options can sometimes be combined. We'll also look at how bunk bed size, room dimensions, ladder placement and the need for additional sleeping space can affect which configuration works best.

Under-Bed Drawers and Storage Options

Under-bed drawers make use of the open space beneath the lower bunk without increasing the overall footprint of the bed. They provide convenient storage for clothing, extra bedding, toys and other everyday items while helping reduce the need for additional bedroom furniture.

The type of under-bed storage available depends on the bunk bed size and configuration. On standard-size compatible bunk beds, the storage consists of drawers beneath the lower bunk. On compatible extra-long Dillon bunk beds, the 2-Drawer Storage with Cubbie combines two storage drawers with an open center compartment for books, baskets or other frequently used items.

Because the drawers pull out from beneath the bed, it is important to allow enough clearance beside the lower bunk for them to open fully. Room layout, nearby furniture and the location of doors or closets should all be considered when planning for under-bed storage.

On compatible Dillon bunk beds, under-bed drawers can also be combined with storage stairs because the two systems occupy different areas of the bed. The drawers use the space beneath the lower bunk, while the storage staircase is positioned at the end of the bunk bed. This allows you to add storage in more than one area without sacrificing sleeping space.

When choosing under-bed storage or a trundle, consider the height of the lower bunk as well. A higher lower-bunk position can provide additional space underneath for compatible storage or sleeping options, while a lower position can provide more headroom between the bunks. Our high-clearance bunk bed guide explains this tradeoff in greater detail.

Storage Stairs

Storage stairs provide access to the upper bunk while incorporating useful storage directly into the staircase. Unlike a traditional ladder, the staircase becomes another functional part of the bunk bed rather than serving only as a way to reach the upper bunk.

On Dillon bunk beds equipped with storage stairs, the staircase includes four built-in drawers, providing additional space for clothing, bedding, toys and other bedroom items. The stairs are positioned at the end of the bunk bed and attach to the back post of the bed.

The Dillon storage staircase is approximately 20½ inches wide, so it is important to consider the complete overall dimensions of the bunk bed when planning the room. While storage stairs provide additional storage and a more gradual way to access the upper bunk, they require more overall room length than a traditional ladder.

Because the staircase is positioned at the end of the bunk bed rather than underneath the lower bunk, it can be combined with compatible under-bed storage drawers or a trundle. This makes storage stairs particularly useful when you want to maximize storage while still keeping the space beneath the lower bunk available for another purpose.

See our Dillon Extra Long Twin Bunk Bed with Storage Stairs for an example of how storage stairs can be incorporated into a heavy-duty bunk bed design.

Trundle vs. Storage Drawers: What Is the Real Trade-Off

A trundle and under-bed storage drawers generally use the same space beneath the lower bunk, so the choice usually comes down to how you want that area to function. A trundle provides an additional sleeping surface, while under-bed drawers turn the same space into convenient storage.

If overnight guests or an additional sleeping space are a priority, a trundle may be the better fit. If the room needs more space for clothing, bedding, toys or other belongings, under-bed drawers may be more useful for everyday storage.

Storage stairs are different because they are positioned at the end of the bunk bed rather than beneath the lower bunk. On compatible bunk beds, this means storage stairs can be combined with either under-bed drawers or a trundle, allowing you to retain the storage built into the staircase while choosing how to use the space beneath the lower bunk.

When choosing a trundle, also consider the bunk bed's ladder configuration. An angled ladder that extends toward the floor can interfere with the space needed to pull the trundle out. On compatible models, a vertical or shorter ladder configuration can keep the area in front of the trundle more accessible.

When Under-Bed Storage Makes Sense

Under-bed storage makes sense when additional storage is more important than adding another sleeping surface. It uses the space beneath the lower bunk for clothing, bedding, toys and other belongings that might otherwise require a separate dresser or storage cabinet.

It can be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms where floor space is limited. Because the storage fits beneath the bed, it does not increase the overall length or width of the bunk bed. However, you still need enough open space beside the bed for the drawers to pull out fully.

Before choosing under-bed drawers, consider how the room will be arranged. Nightstands, desks, walls, closet doors and other furniture can interfere with drawer access even when the bunk bed itself fits comfortably in the room.

Caring for Storage Drawers and Stairs

Like the bunk bed itself, storage drawers and stairs benefit from occasional inspection and basic maintenance. Check drawer hardware, handles and fasteners periodically and tighten any hardware that has loosened through normal use.

Keep drawer tracks and the area beneath the bed free of dust and debris so the drawers continue to open and close smoothly. Avoid overloading drawers or forcing them closed if something is preventing them from moving freely.

For storage stairs, periodically check the hardware connecting the staircase to the bunk bed and make sure all fasteners remain secure. If the bed is moved or disassembled, inspect the staircase and its attachment points again during reassembly.

Regular inspection of the entire bunk bed is also important. Our Bunk Bed Maintenance Guide explains what to check periodically, including hardware, bed rails, ladders and other structural components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can storage stairs be combined with under-bed drawers?

Yes, on compatible bunk beds. Storage stairs are positioned at the end of the bunk bed, while the drawers use the space beneath the lower bunk. Because they occupy different areas, some bunk bed configurations can accommodate both storage stairs and under-bed drawers.

Can storage stairs be combined with a trundle?

Yes, on compatible models. The storage staircase is located at the end of the bunk bed, leaving the area beneath the lower bunk available for a trundle. Always check the specific bunk bed configuration to confirm compatibility.

Can I use a trundle and under-bed drawers at the same time?

Generally, no. A trundle and under-bed drawers typically occupy the same space beneath the lower bunk, so you normally choose one or the other.

Does ladder style matter when using a trundle?

Yes. An angled ladder that extends toward the floor can interfere with the space needed to pull a trundle out from beneath the lower bunk. A vertical or shorter ladder configuration may provide better trundle access on compatible bunk beds.

Do all bunk bed storage drawers have a cubbie?

No. Storage configurations vary by bunk bed size and model. Standard-size bunk beds may use traditional under-bed drawers, while compatible extra-long Dillon bunk beds can be equipped with a 2-Drawer Storage with Cubbie.

Do storage stairs increase the overall size of a bunk bed?

Yes. Because storage stairs attach at the end of the bunk bed, they increase its overall length compared with many traditional ladder configurations. Always check the complete dimensions of the bunk bed before ordering.