7 Ways to Make a Snug Kids' Hideaway at Home

Creating a quiet place just for your child isn't just about corralling toys and noise. Quiet places that children can call their own are spaces they can control in a world that's run by adults. These sanctuaries, protected from the outside world, provide children the opportunity to reflect and be creative, emotional and, perhaps most important, alone.

The big question is, how much is too much privacy? How do we help our kids establish independence while we still maintain a watchful eye? Here are seven wonderful ways to create a sanctuary for your child that don't require shutting the door.

1. Add a tepee. Much like blanket forts, tepees are a wonderful addition to just about any playspace. Store-bought or homemade versions can fit any environment and won't break the bank. Pull together some twine, closet dowels and a bedsheet to create a homemade sanctuary in just a few minutes.


2. Take a seat. Window benches aren't just for adults. These cozy seats are a wonderful opportunity for a child to grab a little solitude in a bustling home.


3. Set up a large landing. Built-ins are nice but not required here. Take advantage of that space near the stairs with a kid-size play set or seating arrangement. This little space is the perfect spot for a child's quiet conversations, artistic endeavors or even homework time.


4. Go lofty. Space-saving loft beds help a child to get above the fray. They take advantage of top-bunk solitude, and the space below can easily serve as a play, lounge or homework area.


5. Create tiny nooks for play. Make a big statement in a tiny space. Take advantage of an unused closet or a space under the stairs to create an intimate setting for your little one.


6. Create a cozy corner. Whether play is quiet and reflective or spirited and boisterous, child-size cozy corners are spots where the action can happen without getting in the way of main living spaces. Simply angle bookshelves or furniture pieces against a wall and add some floor cushions or beanbags.


7. Cover with a canopy. A canopy over a child's bed can create privacy and an instant sanctuary. You can buy canopies at many stores, but you can also make your own by suspending fabric from curtain rods or pipes above the bed.

Your turn: Please show us your creative kids' getaway space in the Comments!

More: Designer's Touch: 10 Imaginative Kids' Rooms

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