15 Bookcase Bed Ideas to Add Utility to Your Room

Creating extra storage space in your bedroom is a great way to efficiently use every available square foot. Storage solutions can also improve aesthetics and comfort. One of the most popular furniture ideas for this is a bookcase bed. When space is limited, a bookcase bed can be the space-saving solution to the problem of overflowing books and belongings. In this article, we discuss 15 bookcase bed ideas that add utility and beauty to your bedroom.

Bookcase bed ideas to add utility to a bedroom include using the bookcase as a partition, footboard, and headboard with different storage components, using a bed frame with storage space, and installing a bed within a variety of different bookcases. Also, create more utility space by introducing a specialty bed with specific storage options, such as a loft bed, a day bed, or a bunk bed.

What is a Bookcase Bed?

A bookcase bed is a close-sided unit that can be used to store books and to display interesting decor items. It can be a luxurious, chic piece of furniture that makes your bedroom beautiful and modern. Using a bookcase bed you can add a focal point to a bedroom.

A bookcase bed is a bed that includes a fitted bookcase as the headboard. Some bookcase beds can also feature a bookcase as the footboard or as a partition to divide up the space.

What can be more practical for a book lover than being able to grab a book from their bed’s bookcase before sleeping? Read our article on how to style a bookcase bed for ideas on how to make your bookcase stand out.

A bookcase bed headboard like this, creates a handy storage space for your favorite books and accessories.

1. Use a Bookcase Bed Headboard As a Partition

A headboard bookcase is one of the simplest and least intrusive bookcase bed ideas. You can also stack two headboard bookcase beds against each other to divide a room into separate areas. Since the headboard is not a large addition, major reorganization will not be required. You’ll just need to organize the shelves to declutter the space.

You can use the top of the bookcase to place picture frames, a flower vase, or other decorative items. This will make the headboard seem more like a partition than a part of the bed. The headboard bookcase bed does not provide the most storage space out of all the solutions mentioned in this article, but it’s still a great option. This cube bookcase will make an ideal partition because of the different levels.

Divide the space in your kids’ room with this bookcase bed idea. A bookcase bed headboard can create a handy storage space for books and toys.

2. Use a Bookcase Bed Footboard

Like a headboard bookcase, a footboard bookcase takes up little room and doesn’t require much of an overhaul to your existing space. The purpose of a footboard is not only to enhance the style of your bed, and to hold the bedding in place, but also to add decoration. Footboards look elegant but they don’t provide much storage space. Similarly to the headboard option, the footboard bookcase provides an attractive surface for decorating and storing items.

Create a convenient storage space for books and decor items by introducing a bookcase bed footboard.

3. Use a Side Attached Bookcase Bed

You can install a bookcase on the side of your bed. It is a good space-saving trick for small bedrooms and can provide storage options such as drawers or open shelves. Using a side attached bookcase bed is a creative solution for displaying some of your favorite items on open shelves and storing other items inside drawers.

Add a modern touch to your bedroom by investing in a side attached bookcase bed.

4. Use a Bookcase Bed Frame

A clever way to organize your favorite items and store them away is to invest in a storage bed frame that features a bookcase in both the side rails and the footboard. This bed frame style provides a larger storage space than the three previous styles. It looks lavish when it is well organized and is perfect for modern interior décor. Read our article on 10 bookcase bed nook ideas that will make your room cozier.

This visually appealing bookcase bed idea adds utility to your room.

5. Use a Headboard with a Pull-out Bookcase

A headboard with a pull-out storage system and this headboard with a hidden storage component can be used for easy storage access. This style is very practical in terms of usability and a great bookcase bed idea if you prefer keeping the existing setup of the bedroom. It provides similar storage space to the bookcase headboard but the only difference is that it is hidden inside the headboard. Read our article about tips to hide a bookcase bed if you prefer to conceal the bookcase storage.

Using a headboard with a hidden pull-out storage unit is functional and super stylish.

6. Use a Bed Bridge Bookcase

The bridge bookcase is a charming overhead and side storage option. This style of bookcase functions as a headboard with shelves on either side of the bed and an overhead platform. You could hang items up on the inside of the bridge and also place items above it. This design is best suited for a larger bedroom because the bridge and the side shelves take up more space. This video tutorial shows just how easy it is to construct your own bed bridge bookcase.

Store personal effects using a storage bed base with a bookcase bridge over the bed.

7. Use a Bridge Bookcase with a Murphy Bed

Similar to the previous design, this bookcase bed idea includes a bookcase with a Murphy bed and laces your bed within a bookcase, under a bookcase bridge. The difference is that the bed will be retractable and once retracted, can be covered by sliding shelves. This is a great option for a convertible guest bedroom. The bridge bookcase with a built-in fold-down bed provides a lot of storage space, and the Murphy bed hardware is readily available. The only downside is the arduous installation process if you plan to install it yourself. Read our article on 10 Murphy bed accessories that will compliment your Murphy bed. You can find more information about Murphy beds here.

This bookcase bed idea utilizes space optimally in a small bedroom or open plan apartment.

A Murphy bed is also included in our complete guide to air bed alternatives, so make sure to check that out too. While you’re at it, you might find interest in our article exploring the question, air bed vs. sleeping pad– how do I choose the right one for my needs?

8. Use a Bookcase Daybed with a Side Bookcase

A daybed with a side bookcase is a great way to provide a lounging and reading area in your living space. After reading your favorite book, it’s a great place for an afternoon nap. Some designs feature pull-out drawers on one side of the bed. This smaller bed can also be perfect for a child’s bed.

This daybed is a great bookcase bed idea to utilize space optimally.

9. Use a Corner Bed with a Back and Side bookcase

A corner bed with an attached side and back bookcase provides great storage space and will fit nicely in a corner of your room. These beds might not have bed frames or risers and can be lower, making them preferable to those users that prefer sleeping closer to the ground. This can help to achieve the feeling of sleeping on a futon. Read our article that compares Murphy Beds vs. Day Beds and sofa beds, to learn more about the differences and similarities of these types of beds.

Using this stylish corner bed creates more storage space for books and personal effects.

10. Use a Bunk Bed with a Bookcase Staircase

You can find bunk beds with bookcases on Amazon. These are versatile storage beds for small spaces and can include a bookcase underneath the bed, or even be incorporated into the steps, without occupying extra space within the bed. These are convenient options for children, shared rooms, or adults looking to vertically extend storage or sleeping areas.

A unique bookcase bed idea. Use this bunk bed unit with stairs and a bookcase, in a child’s bedroom.

11. Use a Bunk Bed with a Bookcase

Another bunk bed option features a built-in bookcase that is incorporated into the bed frame. You can decorate the bookcase with art pieces or store your books on the shelves. This design is great for adults and children.

Use this bookcase bunk bed to save space in a smaller bedroom.

12. Use a Bed with Head and Footboard Bookcases

This custom design bookcase bed has both a headboard and footboard bookcase. It provides extra space for storing books while leaving the sides of your bed open. Some designs also feature pull-out drawers on either side underneath the bed.

This bed with headboard and footboard shelving is a great bookcase bed idea to add utility to your room.

13. Use a Total Wall Murphy Bed Bookcase

If you have a large book collection and space is limited in your bedroom, a Murphy bed installed into the entire wall bookcase will be the perfect solution. This design is eye-catching and can certainly be a conversation starter. It provides a practical element for storing books and a lavish piece of decor that can add interest to your bedroom.

This Murphy bed installed into a total wall bookshelf is a great bookcase bed idea for a large bedroom.

14. Use a Loft Bed with a Bookcase

Loft beds only have a bed at the top of the structure as opposed to bunk beds which have top and bottom beds. Like bunk beds, loft beds can include a bookcase and drawers to be used for keeping books and adding utility to your bedroom. Read our article on ways to style the space below your loft bed to get the most out of this convenient item of furniture.

Use this loft bed to incorporate a bed, shelving, and desk space in a small room.

15. Use a Loft Bed with a Staircase

A loft bed with a staircase combines the utility of the bunk bed-style staircase shelves, with the height of a single loft bed. Loft beds require stairs for you to reach the bed, so their design can also feature a staircase. They fit perfectly in adults’ bedrooms, and college dorms because they maximize the vertical space in smaller rooms. Read our article on how to make a college bed more comfortable, if you will be using this style of bed in a dorm room.

Using this loft bed utilises space optimally in a small bedroom.

Summary of Popular Bookcase Bed Ideas

Type of Bookcase Bed	Example	Price
Headboard partition bookcase	Coaster Home Furnishings Reversible Bookcase Bookshelf	~$190
Bookcase bed footboard	Hoobro Kids Bookcase Footboard, Storage Cubby, Storage Cabinet	~$90
Side attached bookcase	South Shore Vito Bookcase Headboard	~$100
Bookcase bed frame	South Shore Avilla Queen Storage Bed with Baskets	~$400
Daybed with bookcase	Discovery World Furniture Daybed	~$700
Bunk bed with bookcase	Twin Over Full Bunk Bed with Stairs and Shelves	~$700
Loft bed with bookcase	Max & Lily Solid Wood Twin-Size High Loft Bed with Bookcase	~$720
Loft bed with bookcase stairs	Twin Loft Bed with Staircase, Wooden Bunk Bed Frame with Stairs	~$460

What to do if an air bed has a lump

How to build a DIY Bookcase Bed With A Bookcase Headboard

While bookcase beds are a practical option to use in your home, they can be expensive. Building a bookcase bed yourself would cut costs and you could build the bed to your personal preferences.

To build your own DIY bookcase bed with a headboard, first measure and cut the shelves, sides, top, and back of the bookcase. Then, attach the parts of the bookcase bed together. Finally, sand the entire structure and varnish or paint it.

The steps are straightforward and the total price would be less than purchasing a completed bookcase bed. Check out this article for more details about the process, or you can watch this video tutorial to see how to construct a custom bookcase bed.

Step 1. Cut the Shelves, the Sides, the Top, and the Back

For this step, you need to purchase MDF wood boards. The number of boards will depend on the size of the bookcase you will be building. Measure and cut the wooden boards to the required size to create the shelves, sides, and top of the bookcase, using a jigsaw and jigsaw blades suitable for cutting wood.

Step 2. Attach the Parts Together

Construct the left side of your bookcase, then attach the top to the back. Now, start attaching the shelves. Use screws and wood glue to make sure the shelves are well fixed and ready to carry the weight of your books and other paraphernalia. Add the right side which will complete the “U” shape, and you’re almost done. Amerisleep has sizes for different kinds of headboards. Dorsey designs has the measurements you will need for building a headboard out of wood.

Step 3. Sand Everything Down

This is an important step before painting the headboard. Sand down the bookcase headboard that you have built, to make sure the surface is smooth and free of any sharp edges or bumps that can ruin the finish. An electric sander with various sandpaper grits, will make this step easier and ensure a silky smooth final finish.

Step 4. Paint Your Bookcase Headboard

The last step to building your DIY bookcase headboard is to paint or varnish it to match it to your bed. Using a primer will make it easier to paint the bookcase headboard if you have built it out of MDF or other porous wood. One or two coats of paint should be sufficient, depending on the quality of the wood used and how well you managed to sand everything down before using a primer. If you are planning to Varnish the bookcase it won’t require a primer. Finally, attach the headboard to your bed and style.

Key Takeaways

Bookcase beds are versatile furniture pieces that provide both a sleeping area and storage solutions for books and other items, optimizing space usage in bedrooms.
Various designs include using the bookcase as a headboard, footboard, or side attachment to the bed, each offering unique aesthetic and functional benefits.
For more extensive storage, bookcase bed frames and beds with both headboard and footboard bookcases provide larger storage spaces without requiring additional room area.
Specialty beds like bunk beds, loft beds, and day beds can also integrate bookcase features, providing multifunctional utility, especially in compact spaces.
Murphy beds and bridge bookcases offer innovative ways to combine beds with bookcase structures, providing substantial storage and space-saving benefits.
Investing in a bookcase bed or building a custom one can be a cost-effective solution to enhance bedroom storage and organization while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

15 Bookcase Bed Ideas to Add Utility to Your Bedroom