How to Decorate Loft Beds

Loft beds are the perfect way to use the space in your apartment, dorm or bedroom more efficiently. Options for how to decorate loft beds are endless, since they run the gamut from ultra-modern to rustic to kitschy fun for kids. Read on and get some great ideas for how you can make the most of your loft bed.

Instructions

1. Consider who, what and where. If the loft bed is for a college student's dorm, dress the bed in comfortable, easy-to-launder fabrics. Kids require stain-resistant and fire-retardant bedding. A modern apartment setting calls for natural fibers in cool colors.

2. Keep the bedding simple. Since loft beds are thinner, smaller and closer to the ceiling than other types of beds, excess pillows and dust ruffles not only look fussy, they can get in the way of a good night's sleep.

3. Make the most of the space beneath the loft bed. This is a great area for a desk, mini-fridge, play area or clothes storage. To hide whatever's underneath your loft bed, simply buy or make a simple curtain that you can attach to the bottom of the loft bed's frame with hook-and-loop tape or metal clips.

4. Use light, breathable fabrics to decorate your loft bed. Since you sleep closer to the ceiling, you stay warmer than you would in a traditional bed. Forgo goose-down, wool and other heavy covers in favor of cotton and hemp, which are cooler.

5. Have fun with your loft bed. Decorate the ceiling area above the mattress with a funky mobile or glow-in-the-dark decals. Attach a reading light near the headboard for comfortable reading in bed. Hang shelves in the space beneath the bed for extra storage and decorating potential.