For both kids and adults, few things are more magical than transforming an ordinary bed into an imaginative tent or fort. Bed tents create a cozy hideaway and immersive atmosphere right in your own home. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about bed tent decoration and design.
What is a Bed Tent?
A bed tent refers to draping fabric over or around a bed to create an enclosed, secret space. Key features include:
- Lightweight fabrics like cotton, polyester, nylon or linen
- Easily attached to bed frame, wall, ceiling, or furniture
- Accessible openings to crawl in and out
- Fun decorations like lights, signs, pennants
- Range from simple canopies to elaborate multi-room forts
- Customizable to suit any style and room
Bed tents stimulate creativity and roleplay. They transform an ordinary sleeping space into a child’s palace, pirate ship, rocket ship, or whatever their imagination desires! Adults enjoy the cozy separation from the outside world as well.
Benefits of Bed Tents
Some of the top benefits of installing a bed tent include:
- Provides privacy and personal space
- Encourages creativity, imagination, and storytelling -Allows customization and ownership over your environment
- A cozy ambience helps relaxation and sleep
- Perfect for reading, drawing, playing, or alone time
- Endless decorating possibilities for DIY fun
- Adaptable for kids, teens, and adults alike
- Inexpensive and reversible way to transform a room
Bed tents are also easy to assemble and take down. They can be tailored to perfectly suit each individual’s interests.
Bed Tent Styles
There are a few common styles and setups when it comes to bed tent designs:
Canopy Style
- Fabric draped above the bed
- Creates overhead ceiling effect
- Open on sides for access
- Minimal effort
Cocoon/Wrap Style
- Fabrics fully enclose the bed on all sides
- Access through openings on one or both ends
- Cozier and more immersed feeling
Frame Tents
- Free-standing tent installed over bed
- Provides full enclosure
- Heaviest and most complex option
Multi-Section Forts
- Use furniture to divide the space
- Create multiple “rooms” with passageways
- Hang fabrics as dividers and doors
Almost any configuration is possible. Combine styles for a custom creation that suits the space. Fabrics can be attached by tucking, tying, draping, clipping, or suspending from frames as desired.
Bed Tent Fabric and Material Ideas
Choosing the right tent fabrics is key to achieving your ideal look and function:
- Sheets – Lightweight and easy to wrap bed with. Choose fun prints!
- Blankets – Provides warmth and texture. Wool, cotton, faux fur.
- Quilts – Cozy Americana vibe. Patchwork patterns.
- Tapestry – Vivid colors and globally inspired patterns.
- Canopy Curtains – Airy elegance with romantic draping.
- Flags/Pennants – Festive decorative touch. Felt, bunting fabric.
- Scarves/Sarongs – Bright, flowing fabrics. Silky textures.
- Tablecloths – Plastic for wipeable surface. Vinyl cloth for whimsy.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different materials for an eclectic style. Combine sheers and solids for a layered effect.
Hanging and Attachment Methods
There are endless ways to creatively hang your bed tent fabrics:
- Tuck Under Mattress – Quick and easy. Secures fabric firmly.
- Binder Clips – Affix fabric panels onto the headboard, frame, and furniture.
- Command Hooks – Adhere hooks to walls/ceiling to hang fabric sheets. Leave no marks.
- Curtain Rods – Install free-standing rods above or around the bed. Drape fabric over.
- Ceiling Hooks/Holdbacks – Affix brass hooks into the ceiling and hang fabric from the ring or holdback.
- Adhesive Hooks – Stick removable adhesive hooks onto walls, beds, etc. to hang fabric.
- Shepherd Hooks – Position tall shepherd hooks around the bed. Drape fabric and lights over hooks.
- Suspend from Furniture – Tie lightweight fabric to nearby shelves, chairs, and dressers to create a ceiling.
Use your creativity and available attachment points in the space! Combine several methods for added structure and draping.
Bed Tent Lighting Ideas
Proper lighting takes your bed tent to the next level. Try these ideas:
- String Lights – Drape strands of fairy lights overhead and along the walls. LED for low heat.
- Paper Lanterns – Suspend colorful lanterns from the ceiling for a cozy glow.
- Table Lamps – Position small lamps inside the tent space for reading nooks.
- Flashlights – Let kids use flashlights for underground forts or secret agent vibes!
- Battery-Powered Strands – Affix battery-operated LED strands anywhere with mini command clips.
- Glow-in-the-Dark – Use glow-in-the-dark stickers on walls or dangling elements.
- Outdoor String Lights – Weatherproof outdoor lights work well in covered patios/decks.
- Tap Lights – Stick LED tap lights on walls for touch-activated ambiance.
Keep lights low wattage and properly ventilated to prevent overheating. Use smart features like timers and dimmers for convenience and safety.
Bed Tent Interior Decor Ideas
Personalize the inside of your bed tent with fun-themed decorations:
- Stuffed animals, pillows, and cushions
- Posters, photos, and wall collages
- Signs and flags with the “tent” name
- Battery-operated string lights
- Wreaths, garlands, pom poms, and tassels
- Trunks, crates, or storage benches
- Table for activities, snacks, or workspace
- Portable art easel and art supplies
- Bookcase or small shelf for books, toys, treasures
- Lanterns, flashlights, glow lights
- Rugs, blankets, hammocks, and hang-out zones
- Inflatable furniture for tweaked spaces
Add toys, puzzles, art supplies, books, or electronics for endless entertainment. Use decorative boxes and baskets for organized storage.
Ideal Bed Types and Required Clearance
Beds of all shapes and frames can be transformed into tents. Ideal options include:
- Twin/Full Beds – Most maneuverable sizes for tent creation.
- Beds with High Footboards – Excellent anchor point for draping.
- Bunk Beds – Double the fun! Decorate the top and bottom bunks.
- Bed Under Window – Hang fabric from the window ceiling down to the bed.
- Bed Against Wall – Use the wall as a backdrop to hang the fabric canopy.
- Poster Beds – Four corner posts perfect for draping.
- Daybeds/Benches – Fun fabric additions to these multifunctional pieces.
- Platform Beds – Minimalist modern frames highlight colorful fabrics.
- Canopy Beds – Build a tent right on the existing frame.
- Hammocks – Hang fabrics above for a swinging tent effect.
For ceiling tents, ensure you have at least 3 feet of clearance above the bed. Measure first and use lightweight, breathable material.
Questions About Bed Tent Decoration
1. How do you make a bed tent stay up?
Use binder clips, command hooks, ceiling hooks, curtain rods, and other attachment methods to securely fasten the tent fabric. Tuck under the mattress as needed to keep anchored firmly.
2. What fabric is best for a bed tent?
Light cotton, linens, or polyesters work well to drape gracefully overhead. Or choose cozy, drapable blankets and quilts for a snug cocoon effect all around.
3. How do you decorate a bed tent?
String lights, wall collages, signs, and pennants create a festive ambiance. pillows, rugs, poufs, and inflatable furniture make for great interiors. Themed toys, books, and art supplies also help customize.
4. Are bed tents safe?
As long as you leave openings for ventilation, use fire-resistant fabrics secured properly, and avoid overly elaborate multi-level structures, bed tents are perfectly safe.
5. Can you make a bed tent with sheets?
Yes, bedsheets make a simple, lightweight material to drape over a basic canopy frame or tuck under the mattress. Choose fun printed sheets to use creatively.
6. How tall should a bed tent be?
Make sure you have at least 3 feet of clearance between the top of the mattress and ceiling to comfortably sit up and move around inside the tent.
7. What age do kids stop using bed tents?
It depends on the child! Most kids enjoy bed tents up until age 10-12, although some continue even longer. Let their evolving interests guide them when it’s time to take tents down.
8. Do bed tents keep bugs away?
Not necessarily. Lightweight drapes won’t keep out mosquitos or insects. Use tightly woven fabrics like cotton sheets, or install separate canopy netting for bug protection.
Transforming Your Bed into a Creative Oasis
Beds provide the perfect blank canvas to build elaborate forts, whimsical cocoons, majestic castles, and everything in between with just a little creativity. Drape, wrap, and suspend lightweight fabrics using clips, hooks, rods, or by simply tucking them under the mattress. Then decorate the interior with personalized themes, lighting, and accessories.
Bed tents encourage imagination and roleplaying. They also create a peaceful retreat right at home. With endless possibilities, let your inner child run wild and make your bed the destination of your dreams. Sweet dreams!
