IKEA KURA on MALM: Does the Popular Storage Hack Really Fit?

Posted by

iLoveKURA

October 30, 2026

On October 9, 2026

On Pinterest, many mothers show how they combine the IKEA KURA bed with a MALM bed to create additional storage in the children’s room. At first glance, the idea seems practical: the familiar KURA on top, with room for drawers underneath.

But is KURA on MALM really safe? On beautiful inspiration photos, small details often go unnoticed. With the MALM model considered here, however, the frame is 6 cm wider than the KURA bed. As a result, an edge can protrude – even right at the ladder.

We take a closer look: how do the two bed frames fit together, and what alternative is there for more storage under the IKEA KURA?

KURA on MALM: same mattress size, different frame width

Both the IKEA KURA and the MALM model shown here are designed for 90 × 200 cm mattresses. What matters for the combination, however, are the outer dimensions of the bed frames:

Outer dimensions	IKEA KURA	MALM in the setup shown
Length	209 cm	209 cm
Width	99 cm	105 cm

The MALM frame is 6 cm wider than the KURA bed. If both are stacked centred, this results in a calculated overhang of 3 cm on each side. If one side is aligned flush, the additional 6 cm lie on the opposite side.

In the picture, the white MALM edge is visible in front of the lower KURA frame – also directly under the ladder. That is exactly where your child puts their feet when climbing in and out. A protruding edge can cause bumping or catching.

The right mattress size alone therefore does not tell you whether two bed frames fit together. And even matching outer dimensions would not be proof that the beds can be stacked safely.

The same mattress size does not automatically mean that two bed frames fit together. What matters is the detail – especially where your child climbs in and out.

KURA on MALM – a protruding frame right next to the play area

The space next to the bed is often a play area too. Your child sits on the rug, builds with blocks, leans over for a toy and quickly gets up in between. In the combination shown, the white MALM frame protrudes in front of the wooden frame of the KURA bed – right into this area.

While playing on the rug, your child can lose their balance, tip over sideways or trip and hit their head or face against the protruding hard edge or corner of the MALM frame. So it is not only about catching a foot when climbing down. The additional edge is located directly next to the place where your child plays every day.

Another question concerns the construction of the base. The MALM frame is assembled using cam connectors, among other things. This type of connection alone does not mean that the furniture is unstable. But it does not confirm either that it may be loaded with another bed. A photo of the finished conversion does not show whether the connections and the support are suitable for this use.

For a base under the KURA, both the intended use and the fit therefore matter. NestUp Storage was developed specifically as a platform for the IKEA KURA. This creates room for drawers under the bed, without the protruding edge of the wider MALM frame.

Which NestUp variant suits your family?

Two drawers – NestUp Storage
Two separate drawers on castors offer room for toys, clothes and bedding. This keeps favourite things organised and easy to reach in everyday life.
One large drawer – NestUp Storage XL
Lots of connected storage space for larger toys, blankets and everything that hardly fits into small compartments.
One drawer with sleeping function – NestUp Sleep
A pull-out sleeping place for overnight guests. With slatted base, suitable for a mattress of 90 × 180 cm and a maximum height of 10 cm.

One platform. Three possibilities.

More storage or an additional sleeping place: NestUp was developed specifically as a platform for the IKEA KURA. It raises the bed by 25 cm and uses the space underneath for your family’s needs.

The dimensions tailored to KURA avoid the side overhang of the 105 cm wide MALM frame considered here.

You keep your KURA bed – and gain space for what is needed in the children’s room.