However, rather than a wholesale bedroom makeover that can be costly and time-consuming, consider adapting the space so that it evolves gradually with time. Bedroom styling can support a child’s development, encouraging their independence and learning through play. Before you know it, what was once your baby’s nursery will become a teen’s dream den. Read on for children’s bedroom ideas that are contemporary, playful and practical in equal measure.
Vicky Knight, mother of two daughters and the person behind Instagram account @makeahausahome is currently styling her new Redrow home. For her daughter’s bedrooms she has been taking inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram.
Vicky said: “To design a room, I create a mood board on Canva, then order swatches and samples to get a good feel for the individual elements. The mood board allows me to experiment with what could look good together and play around with different designs. This avoids making mistakes later.”
Children’s bedroom storage ideas
Modern children’s bedrooms must provide versatility. Creating an adaptable bedroom design, that can grow with your child, means it shouldn’t feel outdated or need items replacing as your child grows.
“Storage is key to avoid complete chaos,” said Vicky. “I use a lot of baskets that can look pretty but are also practical, as well as underbed storage. Hidden storage is always a big plus. For small items like pens etc I use small organiser boxes. My general rule is that things stay tidy if they have a place where they live.”
Using baskets for storage is a great option for soft toys. Bamboo and sisal are sustainable materials and can add texture and colour if you're looking for playful kids' bedroom ideas. Use coloured boxes, stools and shelves as pops of colour around the room, which can easily be swapped for new tones and patterns as their tastes change.
Vicky added: “I love all the natural elements like rattan and I’m incorporating some of those into my designs. I also love scallops to add a cute touch.”
Think about using storage options that are also multifunctional bedroom furniture. Boxes can be seats, or bookshelves can be painted in chalkboard paint to create a makeshift easel for budding artists. Blanket boxes and ottomans are a great bedroom storage idea for kids and can be used to stow away a variety of items including toys and shoes. Sturdy boxes can also double as a seating area by adding a cushioned top.
Children’s bedroom layout ideas
Having a safe space to play is important in a young child’s bedroom and so is having an adaptable bedroom design. “A good layout for me in a kid’s room is where they have enough floor space to play but also have designated areas in their room where they sleep, have a desk and storage. The desk will be near a window, not in front, so there is sufficient light, and the bed tends to be in a corner for cosiness,” said Vicky.
Space for homework is increasingly important as children progress through their school years. Multifunctional bedroom furniture can be a solution, especially if you’re looking for small kids’ bedroom ideas and limited on floor space. Factors to consider include the choice of desk, chair and lighting. Consider a high sleeper bed with a built-in desk below or a foldaway desk that can be extended as your children get older.
Children’s bedroom paint ideas
When planning kids' room ideas, the colour is usually the first thing you'll decide. Having a colour scheme or theme that can be adapted as your child grows can help save time and money, but of course, it's also important to use a colour they like!
While you may prefer to use calming colours for children's rooms, your kid’s bedroom paint ideas may be slightly bolder, so finding a compromise between parents’ and children’s tastes is important. As children develop their own personality and style, they’ll want to have a greater say in how their bedroom looks. Start small by asking them to help choose accessories and then over time you can give them more choice and freedom to express themselves!
Gender-neutral kids' bedroom ideas can include choosing a neutral colour palette as a base and then building on this to create a stylish kids' room by layering up accessories such as lighting, artwork, and bed linen in bolder prints and tones.
If you are unsure where to start, drawing inspiration from local surroundings and nature is one option. Vicky said: “In [my daughters’ bedrooms] I’m using wallpaper to give them more personality and make them a bit more ‘fun’. It’s the first time I have used wallpaper. I’m sticking to blush colours and flower designs set off with green. The wallpaper for both girls is Swedish as I love the lightness of their designs combined with natural elements such as flowers.
“I’ve completed the first room now and I used panelling at half height to set off the wallpaper and to add more interest. It works well and avoids the room looking overly girly and floral. Both rooms are meant to look ‘girly’ and pretty, but I’m also moving away from a ‘nursery’ theme to a more grown-up look which means the rooms can stay in this design when the girls get older.”
Hobbies and interests can influence the theme of the décor in a child’s bedroom too. During their younger years, a much-loved book or TV show could provide interior inspiration, then later perhaps a favourite musician or hobby such as sport or photography.
“To ensure the room adapts to their age as they grow, I have made sure that the wall colours and wallpaper are timeless. Furniture can be changed more easily, but to decorate a whole room is a lot more work. Accessories such as artwork can be changed too. The key is to look ahead and think ‘what would they like in two years’ time?”, added Vicky.
To get some inspiration for the whole home, read our article on the latest interior design trends.
Children’s bed ideas
Creating the right sleep environment is important when styling your child’s bedroom and that includes the choice of bed.
The cot-to-bed transition is a milestone in your child’s development. Consider a ‘high sleeper’ or ‘midi sleeper’ bed with added furniture, storage or even a desk area or play space beneath. These are great for children’s rooms where space is at a premium, much like bunk beds.
Beds with built-in storage can also help save space. Options include divan beds with under-bed drawers or an ottoman style kids' bed, which uses a sprung opening to lift your base and mattress to reveal a storage cavity beneath.
Bedding and soft furnishings can be used to switch things up as your child grows.
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