10 ideas to transform the Ikea KURA bunk bed
If you're looking for ways to optimize a small child's bedroom, the Ikea KURA bed is probably already on your radar. And you're right: the Ikea KURA bed is one of the smartest beds for creating a cozy sleeping area, a play space, and even a real wooden bunk bed without breaking the bank.
What's so magical about the Ikea KURA bed is that it's reversible, modular, and perfect for customizing as your child grows. With a few clever ideas, your Ikea KURA bed can become a cabin bed, a double bed for two children, or even a super cozy loft bed.
And above all, the Ikea KURA bed fits perfectly into a pretty nursery decor with wood, soft bedding, and whimsical accessories like a wooden music box . In this article, I'll share 10 practical, real-life tested ideas to transform your KURA into a dream bed… without any hassle.
Ikea KURA bed: why it's the ideal base for a modular bunk bed
I'll be honest: the first time I saw the KURA bed assembled "as is," I thought it was a bit sad. Simple structure, white panels, nothing particularly amazing. And then I started looking at hack ideas, before/after photos, and that's when I understood: the Ikea KURA bed is a neutral base just waiting for your imagination.
In its low position, it reassures toddlers; in its high position, it transforms into a modular bunk bed , a playhouse, or a mini mezzanine. You can dress it up with wood, fabrics, soft colors, and adapt it over the years like a true KURA convertible bed .
The other big advantage is its price. While a custom-made wooden bunk bed can be very expensive, the KURA leaves you with budget for accessories that really make a difference: a pretty wooden shelf to display a birth keepsake , fairy lights, a wooden music box . And if you'd like to delve deeper into the overall room design, you can read more about decorating a little boy's room in the April Eleven blog.
10 ideas to transform the Ikea KURA bunk bed
Let's get down to business: here are 10 ideas to hack your Ikea KURA bed and make it evolve from baby to older child, while keeping a beautiful, practical and reassuring room.
1. Ikea KURA toddler bed, cozy cabin style
If your child has just transitioned from a crib, start by using the IKEA KURA bed in its lowest position. The idea is to create a reassuring cocoon rather than a large, imposing bed. You can add a canopy or attach a curtain rod to hang cotton gauze curtains. In just a few simple steps, your bed transforms into a cozy hideaway where your child feels safe and secure.
To enhance this cozy atmosphere, add a small nightlight and a handmade music box that plays soft baby music each night. Avoid cluttering the room with too many cushions and stuffed animals: comfort and security are key, not turning it into a toy store. Always ask yourself: "Does this help them fall asleep?" If the answer is no, keep the item for the play area.
2. Wooden bunk bed in the style of a holiday cabin
When you turn the Ikea KURA bed upside down, you can recreate a holiday cabin atmosphere. Paint the frame in your warm wood tone (or keep the light wood if you prefer), and add plywood panels or decorative slats to give it the look of a real wooden bunk bed .
On the floor, you can place a mattress to create a spare double bed , or a reading nook with a thick rug and cushions. The inspiration you've probably seen often features linen curtains, bunting, and rattan baskets: these are always a safe bet. Just be sure to check the stability, secure the bed to the wall if necessary, and follow Ikea's guidelines for mattress height.
3. KURA convertible bed with play area underneath
The biggest advantage of the KURA convertible bed is the space it creates underneath when you raise it. You can turn it into a play area, a secret hideaway, or a little lounge for your child. A comfortable rug, two large cushions, a few books, and your child has their own special haven.
This setup is ideal if the room is small: the top floor serves as a bed, the bottom as an "extra room." However, remember to set clear rules: under the bed, playtime is during the day, but in the evening, the curtains are closed and everyone rests. A little ritual with soft baby music or a whispered story greatly helps with the transition between play and sleep.
4. Ikea KURA bed and soft baby room decor
If your child is still young, you can easily incorporate the Ikea KURA bed into a very soft nursery decor . Choose a limited color palette: beige, sand, dusty rose, terracotta, or sky blue, for example, as seen in the most beautiful inspirations.
Painting the entire bed the same color makes it appear lighter in the room. It's the centerpiece of your little one's bedroom. A play area below and a lower level that's not too high for their safety and sleep.
5. Discreet double bed for a shared room
Do you have two children in the same room? The Ikea KURA bed can easily become a very clever double bed . In the high version, you keep the main bed on top, and you add a mattress on the floor below, sometimes slightly offset to leave a passageway.
Each child can personalize their space with their own colors, cushions, and nightlight. You can even put up a shelf for each child, with their books and a little keepsake from their birth . The trick is to maintain a consistent theme in the decor (for example, the same materials or colors) so that the room remains harmonious, even if the children's tastes differ slightly.
6. Modular bunk bed with secret reading nook
If you have three children, they can all sleep together thanks to the Kura bunk bed. Here are some ideas showing you how to slide a double bed into the lower bunk.
7. Ikea KURA bed with colored or upholstered panels
One of the simplest hacks to perform is customizing the panels of the Ikea KURA bed . You can repaint them in a soft color, glue on wallpaper or rattan.
8. KURA convertible bed to grow with your child through adolescence
The KURA is often thought of as a child's bed, but with its clever design, your KURA convertible bed can grow with your child. As they get older, you can transform the lower section into a desk: a tabletop, a comfortable chair, a few shelves, and your bed becomes a very clever sleeping and workspace combination. The upper section can maintain a more understated style, with plain bedding and a few graphic cushions.
It is also an opportunity to evolve the memories present in the room: the handcrafted music box becomes a decorative object, the wooden birth gift goes on a shelf, but they remain there as little nods to childhood.
9. Wooden bunk bed cabin
If you like a warm style, don't hesitate to enhance the effect of a wooden bunk bed by adding more wood accents. By attaching painted panels in colors that match the room's decor to the bed, you can create any bed your children can imagine.
10. KURA bed like a fabric cabin
The latest hack isn't just visual; it's a game-changer: use your IKEA KURA bed as a playhouse for your children. This bed is perfect for this kind of creative project. Imagine your child's face when they discover their bed transformed into a miniature shop! Once your child is older, you can further develop this bunk bed to create a completely different world for them.
You can buy the fabric playhouse for the Kura bed available here.
FAQ – 10 ideas to transform the Ikea KURA bunk bed
What is a hack?
An Ikea hack is simply the act of repurposing or customizing a piece of furniture to adapt it to your needs and style.
What weight can the Ikea KURA bed support?
The weight supported by the Ikea KURA bed depends on how it is used and assembled, but Ikea designs its beds to withstand the weight of a child plus a good margin.
From what age can the Ikea KURA raised bed be used?
According to Ikea, the KURA Ikea raised bed is recommended for children aged 6 and up. It features a stable guardrail to prevent falls, and most importantly, it's lower than most other bunk beds, making it safer for children.
Is the Ikea KURA bed suitable for a small child's bedroom?
Yes, that's actually one of its biggest strengths. In a small bedroom, the Ikea KURA bed saves floor space by creating a two-level space: sleeping on top, play or storage on the bottom.
In modular bunk bed mode, you can have a double bed or a sleeping area + desk in just a few square meters.
