Tips for Canopy Loft Beds

Beach Hut

• A loft bed leaves a space underneath. An awning attached to the side of the bed and covered with canvas creates a special beach hut look. Cut a door in the middle and hem the sides, and attach straps to the top. Roll it up to enter. If you want the space open, tie the top open with the straps. Enclose the ends of the bed to make a special play room. Bring in that seaside look by decorating the canvas with colorful beach posters or towels.

Loft and Canopy

• In some designs, the loft bed is the top bunk. Beneath it, the space contains another bed at right angles to the top bed. Oftentimes, a ladder to the loft, chest of drawers, desk or seating takes up the space beside the lower bed.

  Create a canopy for the bottom bed by hanging sheer fabric from the bottom of the loft. Drape the fabric along the bottom of the loft bed and then hang it over the footboard of the bottom bed.

All the World's a Stage

• Create a canopy by hanging curtains inside the bottom rail of the loft bed. Have them meet in the middle of the bed to create a stage for kids to put on theatrical productions. For young children, swag the curtains back on either side and secure them to the loft's bedposts using tiebacks, for a storybook stage curtain effect. Hang swivel lights from the loft bed to spotlight the actors. Leave the enclosed space open so each production will have room for its stage props.

Study Bed

• Create a study or meditation alcove under the loft bed by installing or building surround bookcases. Create a window seat with a deacon's bench or build one between the loft's bedposts. Cover it with seat cushions and pillows. Attach a canopy to the loft bed with sheer muslin that hangs over the seat to create a personal reading area. Hang swivel reading lamps on the posts and supply some soft lap blankets.

Loft Canopy

• Hang a circular frame or hula hoop from the ceiling above the middle of the loft bed to form the basis of a romantic canopy. Filmy material attached all around it will cover the bed and hang over the side, creating a complete canopy when let down. Drape it over the headboard or on the frame when not in use.