It’s been a while since I did a top bunk makeover. Like a long time. It wasn’t until I received a super sweet comment on my sister’s top bunk desk project back in 2015 that I got inspired to do this one.
In fact, that comment came at such a perfect time because I was just going on my vacation days for winter break, and my son (who is on the autism spectrum) was just hitting the crucial age of 13, and I felt like a change in our space.
I am still in the process of getting my family a larger place, so until then, I wanted to make the most of the space I have. I had to remember that he doesn’t need Pinterest-perfect rooms. He needs spaces that feel like him in the current age he is.
Top Bunk Bed Area Before
Lately, my son’s top bunk bed? It wasn’t giving “him.”
It was giving… a mattress, a wall, a ladder and a few personal touches that no longer represent him. That’s it.
So one day, I stood there and thought, What if this tiny space could actually become his favourite place in the house? Not just where he sleeps, but where he relaxes, reads (or let’s be honest, where he plays on his phone), imagines, decompresses, and feels safe.
And that’s how this top bunk bed makeover idea really took off.
Today, I’m walking you through exactly how I upgraded his space while infusing his love for basketball and anime—without tearing down walls, spending a fortune, or overwhelming myself in the process.
And if you’re a busy mom who wants to create a wow moment inside small spaces without losing your sanity, this post is for you.
Step 1: Start With What Your Child Already Loves
Before I bought anything, I asked my son one question: What would you like your room theme to be?
The answer? Basketball. Anime.
So instead of designing a room that looked good on Pinterest (although it’s still my fav space to get inspired), I designed a top bunk bed that felt good to him.
This step alone changed everything. Because when kids feel seen in their space, they take more pride in it. They relax more easily. And they connect emotionally to their room rather than treating it as a storage unit with a bed inside.
Step 2: Take Down & Clean Up
Once I established what he wanted, I filled my online cart and ordered everything I needed for this project. Then it was time to start taking things down from the walls. Donating anything he doesn’t want anymore was a must, like the Pokémon poster he got years ago or that triangle shelf I built, but doesn’t fit anything on. I then began moving things around in preparation for when all the items I ordered arrived.
Cleaning the walls with the Pink Stuff Multi Surface Spray was the next necessary step, since it had been a while since I last cleaned them. But cleaning wasn’t only for the walls; it included the mattress, too. I made sure to use my dust vacuum on his mattress before putting on any clean new sheets. It’s especially good to do since my son has asthma.
Step 3: Treat the Top Bunk Bed Like Its Own Room
I stopped treating the top bunk bed like part of the room—and started treating it like its own room. That meant thinking about:
- Walls
- Lighting
- Comfort
- Storage
- Personality
Once I made that mental switch, the ideas flowed fast. Instead of asking, “What should I put on his wall?”
I asked, “What should his bed bunk walls feel like when he climbs up there at night?”
And that’s when I knew this space deserved intention.
Step 4: Infuse Basketball Energy Without Overwhelming the Top Bunk
My son loves basketball. Not casually. Passionately. So instead of cluttering the area with random sports decor, I went strategic. I added:
- Basketball-themed wall art that felt bold but clean (got those from Temu and put them into frames)
- A colour palette that echoed court vibes—think blacks, oranges, and neutrals
- Subtle details instead of loud patterns
- Also, a feature wall that is easy to take down when needed
This way, the top bunk bed reflected his love for the game without overstimulating him visually. And that balance? That’s key—especially for kids who get overwhelmed easily.
Step 5: Add Anime Personality
Now let’s talk about anime. One Piece fans will love these touches. Instead of plastering every surface with posters or characters, I curated. I chose:
- To keep the two or three meaningful prints he loves
- One standout piece that felt like him
- Clean frames to keep the look intentional
- Bed sheets with his favourite One Piece Character (Zoro)
Because personality doesn’t mean clutter. It means purpose. This way, the top bunk bed still felt calm, but it also felt personal—and that’s the sweet spot. Plus, the sheets’ colours match the overall colour theme.
Step 6: Lighting Changed Everything
Lighting is the unsung hero of every small space. I almost did not put any light but the moment I added a soft LED lighting stripe inside the top bunk bed, the entire vibe shifted. Suddenly:
- It feels cozy
- It feels safe
- Not a sleep-only zone.
- A decompress-and-exist zone.
And for a kid who loves winding down in his own bubble? That lighting made the space feel like a retreat.
Step 7: Comfort Was Non-Negotiable
A space can look cute, but if it doesn’t feel good, it won’t get used. So I layered in:
- Soft bedding
- Cozy pillows (one in the shape of a basketball)
- Keep the throw blanket that made climbing up feel like entering a nest
Because the top bunk bed needs to invite him in—not just be functional.
Step 8: Storage Without the Mess
Let’s be honest—kids + small spaces + no storage plan = chaos. So instead of tossing things on the mattress or ladder, I added:
- Bedside shelf
- Hanging basket for railing
- Wall shelves for books
- A bed shelf as a dedicated spot for his favourite items and keepsakes
- And a drop zone basket under his bed to keep things off the floor
This keeps his top bunk bed functional without feeling cluttered. And more importantly? It makes cleanup simple—for both of us.
How You Can Do This in Your Own Home
If your child has a bunk bed—or even just a small sleeping nook—here’s how to start:
- Ask what they love right now
- Choose one theme or interest
- Add lighting
- Layer comfort
- Built-in storage
- Keep it simple
That’s it. No renovation required. No stress required. Just intention. Also, if you’re interested, here is my list of items that I have purchased for this project and items I already had from prior:
- Bunk Bed (TUFFING Loft bed frame from IKEA)
- Book Shelf (from IKEA, using their BEKVÄM Spice rack and spray-painting it white)
- Black Frame Shelf (MOSSLANDA Picture ledge from IKEA’s As Is section)
- upsimples 12×16 Picture Frame Black 3 Pack (no glass) from Amazon
- upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Black 3 Pack (no glass) from Amazon
- Zoro Bedsheet/ Pillowcase from Temu
- Black Fitted Sheet from Amazon
- Basketball Pillow from Temu
- 15.75 x 19.69 inch Basketball Posters from Temu
- LED lighting (196.85inch LED COB Strip Light from Temu)
- Adhesive Wall Feature (Acoustic Panels from Temu – I got 4 packs total for this wall)
- Basketball Basket (I put underneath the bunk bed)
- Command Large Picture Hanging Strips (for the frames on the divider)
Final Thoughts
Here’s the part that surprised me most. When I revealed his upgraded top bunk bed, he didn’t scream, jump, or react wildly. Instead, his mouth dropped, and he pulled out his phone to record this moment. He is a child who has few emotional outbursts, but his thank-you and hug before climbing up the ladder, exploring this new space, and sharing this moment with his friends through video are perfectly fine with me.
That top bunk bed started as a sleeping space. Now? It’s his sanctuary. Watching him climb up every night into a space that reflects who he is—not just where he sleeps—reminds me why I do what I do.
Because at the end of the day, organizing isn’t about bins. It’s about belonging. It’s about helping our kids feel safe, seen, and settled in their own homes.
And this project reminded me that even small upgrades can create a massive emotional impact. Just because your space is small doesn’t mean you can’t give it a fresh, new look. Tell me, what space in your home do you want to upgrade or freshen up?
Related:
- Shared Bedroom Makeover Bunk Bed Reveal
- How to Make a Bunk Bed Desk
- Top Bunk Bed Cozy
- Shared Bedroom Makeover Reveal Pt 2
