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How to Style a Loft Bed

How to Style a Loft Bed

Key Takeaways:

 

  • -Start with a plan based on your child’s daily needs (play, study, storage, or all three).

 

  • -Design an underbed setups that match your child’s age and stage.

 

  • -Ensure the top sleeping surface area is cozy and safe. 

 

  • -Add personality with wall decor, fun loft designs, and smart storage.

 

4 Steps To Style A Loft Bed

Ready to make the space under your kiddo’s loft bed look awesome? With a little creativity (and a few Max & Lily tips), you can turn that open underbed spot into a cozy reading nook, a focused homework headquarters, or the coolest play zone in the house.

 

But with so many possibilities, where do you start? 

 

Styling your loft while ensuring it’s functional may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! At Max & Lily, we’re all about fun, kid-approved spaces. Check out our four easy steps to styling a loft bed that’s just right for your kiddo!

 


1. Start With a Plan

First things first, it’s important to have a plan before we start styling. It’s helpful to think about your kiddo’s biggest “uh-oh” moments.

 

Is their room a mess of toys? Do homework papers always spill onto the kitchen table? Maybe they need a quiet reading spot, or just a place to play.

 

Once you know what’s missing from their routine, you can dream up the perfect setup. At Max & Lily, we’ve got tons of kid-friendly ideas to fit every routine and every room. 

 

So come on, let’s add fun & function to their space!

 

Child climbing ladder to wooden loft bed with built-in desk, blue bedding, storage shelves and study area in modern kids' bedroom


Match the Setup to Your Child’s Age


It’s essential that your loft bed setup fits your kiddo’s age and stage.


As we dive into styling options, consider what will best fit your child’s needs. Little ones tend to be big on play, so they require more open space. For older kids with lots of homework, storage and study space are popular solutions. 


Don’t forget about the climb! Younger kiddos usually feel more confident with steps. Our loft beds with stairs feature wide steps and sturdy guardrails, making getting up to the top safe and easy. For bigger kids, a ladder opens more floor space and feels extra cool. 


For a more in-depth look at finding your family's fit, check out our loft bed guide.

 

White wooden loft bed with storage cubby in bright kids' bedroom, children playing, oversized teddy bear and checkered pillows

2. Decide What The Underbed Space Is For

The best part about loft beds? All that flexible space underneath! 

 

Use it for storage, study, hanging out, or play. With a little creativity, that open spot can become your kiddo’s new favorite place.

 


Storage Setup

 

Need more room for clothes, books, and all your child’s bedroom essentials? Design the space under your children’s loft bed for stashing.

 

Our loft beds with storage have you covered. From roomy 4-drawer dressers to wide bookcases, these smart setups have tons of decluttering power. Keep clothes and bedding tucked away in solid wood dressers, and line up easy-to-grab toys or trophies on the bookcase shelves.

 

Want something extra-special? Mix and match our kid-friendly storage furniture for a setup that fits your space perfectly. Before you buy, be sure to check that your pick fits under your Max & Lily kids' loft bed.

 

Wooden loft bed with blue bedding, string lights, orange throw, teddy bears and shelving with books and toys in a child's bedroom


Study Area

 

Make homework time way more fun with a built-in study spot. Our study loft beds give your child a dedicated place for reading, writing, and creative projects. 

 

Go for a loft bed with a wraparound desk for plenty of workspace, plus quick access to school supplies with the handy low shelves.

 

Or, choose a loft bed with a desk and bookcase for study and display power. When class is over, the desk is perfect for drawing, crafting, and big imagination. 

 

Super-Cool Tip: Some of our lofts even have a pull-out desk! Just slide it out when it’s time to focus, then tuck it back for extra room to play. 

 

White loft bed with built-in desk and ladder, wooden chair at cozy study nook with string lights, potted plants and wicker storage baskets in bright kids' bedroom


Hangout Zone

 

Looking for a cozy chill-out corner? Under your space-saving loft bed is the best seat in the house. 

 

Add kid-friendly seating for hanging out, and a solid wood bookcase to keep favorite items close by. Our Fun n’ Fold lounger makes it easy to get comfortable. Sit up on it for reading, unfold it for movie night, and tuck it away and make space for epic play. Super soft, extra durable, and ready for real-life kids.

 

Two girls crafting and drawing under a white loft bed in a bright modern kids' bedroom with ladder, bookshelf and blue rug


Play Nook

 

For fun-loving families and big imaginations, a play nook under the loft is a dream come true. Keep all their toys tidy and easy to find in our Frankie Bookcase. The perfect in-between size, it packs tons of storage while keeping space open for adventure. 

 

For even more excitement, our play loft beds feature a super neat playspace below. Kids can climb into a world of imagination and play, and parents don’t have to look at the playtime mess. 

 

Or, create their very own imagination station with our loft play curtains. These sleep-and-play setups add a splash of bedroom color and a whole lot of imagination. Little ones love the kid-friendly designs, and parents love the easy clean-up. Simply pull back the curtains to hide away toys in a snap.

 

A white bookshelf filled with colorful books and plush toys, next to a window with pink trim and a cozy bed.

3. Style the Top of Your Loft Bed

Now that the underbed space is looking awesome, let’s make the top sleep space just as fun and comfy. Here are a few simple tips for creating a cozy, functional spot for your kiddo to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.

 

Smiling toddler sitting on a white toddler bed with safety rail in a bright nursery, pale yellow quilt, floral and striped pillows, and organized book and toy storage underneath

 

Keep Bedding Simple

 

When it comes to loft beds, simple bedding is the way to go! Lightweight quilts and easy-change sheets make laundry day a breeze. Bonus tip: loft beds with stairs make swapping bedding out even easier for parents and kids alike.

 

We know childhood accidents happen. Opt for one of our waterproof mattress covers to help protect against spills and slip-ups.

 

Young boy lying on bed with orange quilt using a stylus on a kids tablet for learning and entertainment in a cozy bedroom


Use a Low-Profile Mattress

 

Safety first! The best mattresses for loft beds are low-profile. This ensures guardrails stay tall and strong, keeping your sleeper safe and sound. Max & Lily lofts are designed for 5–8 inch mattresses, so our guardrails can do their job, and you can relax.

 

Worried about comfort? Don’t be! Our low-profile mattresses are packed with memory foam for cozy support that’s great for growing bodies. For hot sleepers, pick a cooling mattress with perforated memory foam to keep things just right.

 

Young girl lying on a white loft bed hugging a stuffed animal in a pastel pink kids bedroom with rainbow wall art and decorative pillows


Add Storage

 

Leave nighttime water runs and lost flashlights behind with our bedside accessories. Smart storage like our bedside tray keeps water bottles, storybooks, and bedtime treasures close by and easy to access. Everything they need for sweet dreams, right within reach. 

 


4. Add Personality Without Clutter

Every kid should have a room as unique as they are! That said, parents don’t want fun decor that ends up cluttering the bedroom. Luckily, you can add big personality and keep things tidy with these clever, kid-friendly tips.

 

Gray wooden loft bed with built-in shelves and ladder, space-themed bedding and planet garland, rocket plush toy and children's books — kids bedroom decor


Wall Decor & Accessories


With wall decor, you can add a pop of personality without losing any floor space. It’s the perfect win-win for playful kids and space-conscious parents.


Hang up colorful posters, easy-peel decals, or framed art to let your child’s interests shine. Pro tip: Clip-on string lights add a cozy glow to the loft bed itself and double as cool decoration.

 


Pick A Stylish Loft


Show off their style, no extra clutter required. Our space-saving loft beds come in tons of fun finishes and designs that kids love. Plus, parents trust our sturdy, solid wood designs to keep kiddos super-safe.


Try a modern farmhouse loft bed for cozy charm that grows with your child, or a mid-century look with a two-tone finish for serious wow-factor. No matter which design you choose, our stylish loft beds help tie the whole room together, making their space shine from day one.

 


Max & Lily Loft Beds, Style For Any Child

Whether you choose to create a study zone, a play space, a cozy hangout, or all of the above, Max & Lily has you covered. With flexible layouts, kid-friendly add-ons, and safe, solid wood designs, you can create a space that solves real-life room challenges and showcases your kiddo’s personality.

 

Ready to style the perfect setup? Explore Max & Lily loft beds today! 

 

Young girl playing under a kids loft bed with a purple playhouse curtain, ladder, dolls and colorful rug in a children's bedroom

FAQ: 


What should I do with the space under my kids' loft bed?

There are tons of loft bed ideas for kids! The space under a loft bed can be used for storage, a desk, a reading nook, or a play area. Think about what your child needs most and design the area to support that daily routine.

 

How to decorate the bottom of a loft bed?

Start by choosing a clear purpose for the space. Add furniture that fits the loft height, use storage to keep clutter contained, and incorporate wall decor for personality without taking up floor space.


What is the best age for a loft bed?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), children under 6 years old should not sleep in a loft bed because of the elevated sleep surface. Always follow safety guidelines and choose features, like stairs or ladders, that match your child’s comfort and independence level.