You’ve got that gorgeous Montessori house bed, but right now, it’s basically a cute wooden box. The good news? That minimalist frame is a blank canvas for your kid’s wildest cozy cottage meets space station dreams.
Unlike bulky themed beds, a plain house bed is meant to be personalized. Think of it as a DIY adventure where your child gets to be the CEO of Creativity (Montessori-approved, of course!). Paint rainbows on the walls, hang a galaxy of fairy lights, or build a secret fort. Anything goes.
The best part is that decorating together isn’t just fun. Letting kids pick colors, arrange decor, or even braid their own bed rails teaches independence, decision-making, and pride in their space.
Here are 12 easy, oh-my-gosh-why-didn’t-I-think-of-that ideas to turn that “just a bed” into a world they’ll beg to snuggle into (Spoiler: Yes, you CAN add a slide 🛝).
1. Keep It Natural: Wooden Frames & Neutral Vibes 🌾
Start with the basics. A low wooden house bed (think oak, birch, or beech) that’s sturdy, safe, and minimalist. Montessori philosophy loves natural materials that ground the space.
- A chunky knit rug in cream or oatmeal for soft landings.
- Linen bedsheets in earthy tones (sage, terracotta, or dusty pink).
- A wooden name plaque hung above the bed for a personal touch.
Pro Tip: Avoid plastic, opt for untreated wood or organic cotton instead!
2. Braided Bed Rails: Boho Meets Practicality 🎀
Who says safety rails can’t be stylish? Swap basic bars for handmade wool braids or jute rope twists in contrasting colors (think mustard + gray or navy + cream).
- Secure airy linen curtains (easy to tie back during playtime).
- Hang woven baskets for storing books or stuffed animals.
- Add texture to an otherwise simple frame.
👉 Montessori Bonus: Let your kid help choose the colors—autonomy matters!
3. Canopy of Dreams: Starry Nights & Fairy Lights ✨
Drape sheer fabric or fairy lights above the bed for a glowing galaxy and bedtime stargazing!
- Sheer white fabric draped like a tent, pinned with wooden clothespins.
- Fairy lights twisted around the bed’s “roof” for a bedtime galaxy.
- DIY felt stars or paper moons hanging at different heights.
👉 Extra Magic: Use a projector to cast constellations on the ceiling!
4. Attach a Mini Teepee (Yes, Really!) 🏕️
Tie a linen teepee to the bed for storytime hideouts. Fill it with cushions, lanterns, and adventure-ready prints (dinosaurs welcome).
- Secure a linen teepee with braided ropes to the bed’s side.
- Fill it with floor cushions and a LED lantern for storytime.
- Choose fabrics with nature prints (ferns, stars, or animals).
👉 Why Montessori? It encourages independent play and quiet time.
5. Storage That’s Cute and Kid-Friendly 🧺
Hide toys in rolling under-bed bins, cloud-shaped shelves, or hanging nets, label with pics to sneak in learning.
- Under-bed baskets on wheels for toys or blankets.
- Wall shelves shaped like clouds or houses for displaying treasures.
- A hanging net in the corner for stuffed animal “rescues”.
👉 Parent Win: Label bins with photos or words to promote literacy.
6. Interactive Walls: Chalkboard & More 🎨
Paint a chalkboard wall or hang felt boards for rotating art. Let kids curate their own gallery, chaos encouraged!
- Paint one wall with chalkboard paint for doodling.
- Stick up felt boards for storytelling with shapes.
- Hang a mini clothesline with clips for rotating art displays.
👉 Montessori Magic: Let kids curate their space, it builds decision-making skills!
7. Soft & Safe: Rugs, Pillows, and Tents 🧸
Layer faux fur throws, mushroom-shaped cushions, and play mats for cozy chaos. Non-slip rugs = toddler-proof magic.
- Faux fur throws for cold mornings.
- Floor cushions in fun shapes (think mushrooms or clouds).
- A play mat with roads or maps for toy car adventures.
👉 Mom Tip: Use non-slip rug pads to keep everything toddler-proof!
8. “Grow-With-Me” Decor 🌱
Choose neutral bases and adjustable shelves. Swap decals as they grow, today’s teddy bears become tomorrow’s skateboards.
- Adjustable shelves that can hold baby toys now and books later.
- Neutral base colors with pops of personality from removable decals.
- A timeless bed frame that transitions from toddler to teen years.
👉 Montessori Mindset: Foster independence through adaptable spaces.
9. Nature Indoors: Plants & Woodland Themes 🌿
Add plants, branch hooks, or wall decals of forests. Throw in a magnifying glass for tiny explorers, bugs optional.
- Kid-friendly plants like succulents or spider plants.
- Wall decals of trees, butterflies, or mountains.
- Branch hooks for hanging pajamas or hats.
👉 Bonus: Add a magnifying glass or bug jar for mini explorers!
10. Walls Art That Wow 🎨
Who says walls have to be boring? Turn the space around your child’s house bed into an ever-changing storybook!
- Use removable wall decals of jungles, rocket ships, or unicorns, swap ‘em out as their obsessions evolve (dinosaur phase, anyone?).
- Paint watercolor constellations in soft blues and golds for a dreamy ceiling that glows under fairy lights.
- Hang interactive wallpaper with hidden maps, alphabets, or a growth chart disguised as a towering sunflower.
👉 Montessori magic: Pick art that grows with them, botanical prints teach plant names, galaxy murals spark space curiosity, and world maps inspire tiny travelers.
11. A Secret Slide or Climbing Ladder 🛝
Attach a mini slide or climbing holds. Soft mats = mandatory. Morning escapes have never been this fun.
- A mini wooden slide attached to the bed frame (perfect for morning “escapes”).
- Rock-climbing holds on one wall for a bedtime obstacle course.
- A rope ladder leading to a lofted reading nook above the bed.
👉 Safety first: Use soft mats below and secure everything tightly!
12. Let Them Lead: Personalize Together! 🌈
Display their art, treasures, or a LEGO shelf. A room they love = a room they’ll care for. Montessori win!
- Pick artwork they love (dinosaur murals? space rockets?).
- Build a “special stuff” shelf for their favorite rocks, shells, or LEGO.
- Use photo clips to display family pics or their latest masterpiece.
👉 Montessori Win: A room they’ll love and feel proud to care for.
The Takeaway
Keep it simple, natural, and playful. The coolest part? These ideas aren’t just deco, they turn the house bed into a hub for adventure and growth. And isn’t that what Montessori’s all about? And remember, the best spaces are the ones that say, “This is SO me!” (according to your tiny client, of course 😉).