How to Set Up a Kids' Reading Nook with Peg Bar and Loft
By Guidecraft | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Create a cozy, organized reading nook for your child using a Martha Stewart Kids' Reading Nook, a Peg Bar for supplies, and a toddler loft for vertical play.
Quick Answer
To set up a kids' reading nook, start with a comfortable seating area, add the Martha Stewart Kids' Reading Nook for storage and display, use the Peg Bar to keep aprons and smocks handy, and incorporate a toddler loft like the EdQ Up, Down and All Around Loft to create a multi-level reading adventure.
Why Combine a Reading Nook, Peg Bar, and Loft?
A reading nook isn't just about books—it's about creating a space that invites your child to sit, explore, and stay organized. The Martha Stewart Kids' Reading Nook provides open storage and comfortable seating, while the Peg Bar offers a dedicated spot for aprons, smocks, or even a favorite book bag. Adding a toddler loft like the EdQ Up, Down and All Around Loft turns the nook into a vertical playspace, giving your child a cozy upper reading perch and a lower hideaway.
This combination works especially well in small rooms or shared play areas because it uses vertical space without taking up extra floor area. The loft's carpeted surfaces and see-through panel add sensory interest, while the reading nook and peg bar keep essentials within reach.
Choosing the Right Spot
Pick a corner with good natural light but away from direct sun to prevent book fading. If you have a toddler loft, ensure there's enough ceiling height (at least 5 feet) and a soft rug underneath for safety. The reading nook should be placed against a wall to anchor the space, and the peg bar can mount nearby at child height for easy access.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Choose the Location: Select a quiet corner with good lighting and enough space for the reading nook and loft. Measure the area to ensure the loft fits with clearance for the slide and upper platform. Check ceiling height and floor space before assembling the loft.
- Assemble the Reading Nook: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the Martha Stewart Kids' Reading Nook. Place it against a wall and arrange books with covers facing out on the open shelves to spark interest. Rotate books seasonally to keep the display fresh.
- Mount the Peg Bar: Install the Kids' Peg Bar at child height (about 36 inches from the floor) near the reading nook. Use it to hang aprons, smocks, or a small book bag, ensuring hooks are secure. Use wall anchors if mounting on drywall to prevent pull-out.
- Set Up the Loft: Assemble the EdQ Up, Down and All Around Loft according to instructions, placing it adjacent to the reading nook. Add a soft rug or mat under the slide and lower area for safety. Test the stability of the loft before letting your child climb.
- Add Comfort and Lighting: Place a few floor pillows or a small beanbag in the nook, and add a clip-on reading light or a soft floor lamp. Keep the peg bar stocked with a cozy blanket or favorite stuffed animal. Ensure all lighting is out of reach and uses cool-to-the-touch bulbs.
- Organize and Display Books: Sort books by theme or size on the reading nook shelves. Use the top shelf for special or rotating picks, and keep a small basket for library books that need to be returned. Involve your child in organizing to build ownership.
- Establish a Reading Routine: Encourage daily use by setting a regular reading time. Use the loft's upper platform as a cozy reading perch, and let your child choose which spot to use each day. Rotate toys or books to maintain novelty.
Products That Help
- Martha Stewart Kids' Reading Nook: The Martha Stewart Living and Learning Kids’ Collection by Guidecraft creates a bridge between living and learning spaces, with flexible, organized, and open storage that inspires children to create, collect, and curate. This reading nook provides open shelving and a comfortable seat, making it easy for kids to see and choose books while keeping the area tidy.
Martha Stewart Kids' Reading Nook - Martha Stewart Kids' Peg Bar: The Kids' Peg Bar provides a place for aprons and smocks to hang, part of the Martha Stewart Crafting Kids' Collection that supports artistic expression. Mount the peg bar near the reading nook to store art smocks, a book bag, or a cozy blanket, so everything your child needs is within arm's reach.
Martha Stewart Kids' Peg Bar - EdQ Toddler Up, Down and All Around Loft: The EdQ Up, Down and All Around Loft offers a multi-level play experience with carpeted surfaces, a slide, a see-through panel, and a smaller footprint than traditional classroom lofts. This loft adds a vertical reading perch and a slide, giving toddlers a fun way to move between reading and active play without taking up too much floor space.
