Welcome to cozy corner. As I shared in my last post about the playroom makeover, we decided to build a loft reading area. Ellie loves snuggling down in a nest of pillows and blankets. She loves a fort. And she loves to read. The loft ticks all of those boxes.

The loft is 4 feet by 4 feet and 42 inches high. It is tucked into the corner between the window and the toy shelves. I built it by screwing two 2x4s into the wall and putting a plywood shelf on top. Two legs support the outer curve.

Once we had the structure complete, it was time to dress it up. Ellie picked all of the fabrics and I love how they coordinate with each other and the walls.

On top, there is a large cushion with the softest furry pink cover. The cushion is secured to the platform with large velcro patches, so it won’t slide. Then we added the requisite pillows and blankets. Ellie sewed the sparkly ones. The purple furry ones were from her previous play space in the basement.

We tucked a small shelf along one side to hold a book, drink, notepad, pens.

Under the platform, I had planned to have an open play area or fort. From the start, Ellie wanted to have curtains and make it another cozy spot. The curtains are very simple. I gathered two panels and sewed velcro along the top. The hook side of the velcro I stapled to the edge of the plywood. To hang the curtains I simply attached the two sides of velcro.

Inside, there are more cushions and pillows. Ellie decorated the walls and ceiling with glow in the dark stars and butterflies. Another shelf (that my Dad and I built for my childhood room) holds a fun lamp that Matt’s Dad bought for her. It changes colours–perfectly coordinated with the playroom–and is controlled by remote. She loves it.

The final touch is the canopy. I bought sheer ready made curtains at Ikea and hung them from a rod of pex tubing. The pipe is lightweight and flexible, so it’s perfect for making the smooth curve that I wanted. The rod hangs from three hooks screwed into the ceiling.

Ellie spends lot of time in cozy corner. I enjoy climbing up with her too. It’s such a comfortable nook.

Were you a snuggly, cozy kid? Anyone else know kids who love forts? What would your ideal cozy corner include?