When it came time that our three-year-old daughter was outgrowing her toddler bed, my creative wheels started turning. We had initally planned on her utilizing her 3-in-1 crib that would turn into a twin bed. However, due to the design of the bed and the nature of her room, this was going to take up a lot of valuable floor space. I wanted to give her something fun and a little more “big kid” while also allowing for ample play space in her bedroom. After exploring various options, we settled on the versatile IKEA KURA reversible bed, which perfectly met our criteria.

Choosing the IKEA KURA Bed

The IKEA KURA bed stood out for its adaptability and durability. There are quite a few loft beds on the market, but a lot of them seemed unstable and flimsy. The IKEA KURA bed can be used as a low bed initially and flipped into a loft bed as the child grows, offering additional space underneath for play or storage . This flexibility made it an ideal choice for our daughter’s evolving needs.

Customizing with a DIY Canopy Frame

To add a whimsical touch, we decided to create a canopy frame. With assistance from my brother, we constructed an A-frame roof using wood from Home Depot, cut to size. We used these measurements when requesting the cedar 2x2s to be cut:

• Qty 1 – 75 1/8″ L x 1.5″W
• Qty 2 – 29 3/16″ L x 1.5″W (one end cut at 45degree angle)
• Qty 2 – 27 11/16″ L x 1.5″W (one end cut at 45degree angle)

This structure would allow us to create a sort of tented roof by draping fabric over the top. I started to get some more ideas about how to style this bed as it all came together.

It should be noted that IKEA does have a bed tent for the KURA bed so you wouldn’t need to create the wooden A frame roof. However, I was thinking about going in a different direction with this canopy style than what IKEA offered.

Adding Twinkling Star Lights

To complete the transformation, I wrapped twinkling star lights around the roof frame that dim and twinkle, operable via remote control. These lights not only would serve as a nightlight but also enhance the enchanting atmosphere of the canopy bed.

Selecting the Perfect Canopy

I found a beautiful custom-sized canopy on Etsy, adorned with pom-poms, stars, and butterflies, adding a magical ambiance to the bed. I was able to provide the measurements of the bed and select the perfect color to complement by daughter’s aesthetic. The canopy arrived and fit perfectly, providing a sense of enclosure and comfort, fit for a Princess.

This project not only provided a functional sleeping arrangement for our daughter but also created a personalized space that she adores. I even found adhesive decal panels that can be purchased on Etsy to further customize the bed. I’m deciding to wait until she’s older and it’s flipped to a loft bed to determine the style of decals she wants.

The combination of the IKEA KURA bed’s versatility and our custom additions resulted in a unique and enchanting bedroom centerpiece. Of course she’s already asking when we can flip it over to sleep on the top loft, but we’ll wait until the recommended age of 6 for safety purposes. Needless to say, she is counting down the days.