Easy tips to design a functional and aesthetic children’s bedroom

Children’s bedrooms should be inspiring, uplifting places. Far from being just a place to sleep, their bedroom is a place of play and creativity that sees crucial mental and physical development. A child’s bedroom is also a reflection of themselves, so it’s important that it feels personal to them. 

There are so many ways to decorate a kid’s bedroom, and it’s easy to get caught up in the process. Here are a few important tips you can follow to ensure you create a room that is functional and aesthetic, as well as being a fun place to hang out. 

Pick a style 

It can be tempting to head straight to the store and buy whatever jumps out at you, but you should take the time to consider the style of your kid’s room. Make sure you think about furniture and colours so the end result is aesthetically consistent and pleasing. 

This could be anything from choosing a colour scheme (from blues and greens to pinks and yellows) to a theme (animals, princesses, explorers, superheroes – you name it), or even a style like retro or modern. Even if you change your mind, this creates a good starting place and gives you a framework for decision-making when it comes to choosing furniture, bed linen, decals and other decorations.

Don’t forget to get your little one involved and ask for their insight into their new bedroom design!

Divide the room into zones 

A great way to create a functional children’s bedroom is to think of it in terms of zones. While a bedroom is primarily for sleeping, it is also a place of study, play and relaxation. Consider the space you have to work with and try mapping out each area and what it will be used for.

When it comes to a study area, it’s important to make it as inviting as possible. Opt for a comfortable desk and chair with a bright study light, and be sure to keep the space neat and tidy (small drawers are great for organising stationery). You can make the area more exciting by adding in fun, personalised decorations, like a colourful wall calendar or a funky map of the world. When they’re young, your child might only use the desk for arts and crafts, but as they get older this space can transition into a place where they can do their homework. 

It’s also important to have a good play zone, which often involves leaving some open space so kids have room to pull out their toys and play with them. Add fun decorations to this area, like a chalkboard wall or a teepee. 

You might also include a chill-out zone or a reading nook with lots of pillows. Of course, the bed is the sleeping zone and it’s important to make sure this area isn’t too brightly decorated or filled with toys so as not to excite your child when it’s time for sleep. 

Consider furniture that has more than one use

One of the golden rules when it comes to kids’ bedrooms (and bedrooms in general) is maximising storage space. A great way to do this is by opting for furniture that is multifunctional, allowing you to double up on your storage opportunities. Some ideas include a bedframe with drawers, or some kind of seating (like an ottoman) that also serves as a place to store things. 

If you don’t have a large room to work with, a loft bed is a great way to free up some extra space and you can turn the area below into a study or play zone. If your kids are sharing a room, another great way to create space is by opting for a bunk bed. 

Meanwhile, modular shelving allows you to put toys and books on display, whilst also storing things out of reach of your child on the higher shelves. 

Leave room for them to grow 

One of the challenges of decorating a kid’s room is finding a way to create a space that suits them both now and in the future. Of course, change is inevitable, and sometimes kids change at a rate that’s hard to keep up with Ensuring their space is as adaptable as possible will make your job easier in the long run.

Furniture that is neutral in both colour and design is more likely to suit them both when they’re young and as a teenager. Opting for decorations like removable wall decals, which can be easily taken down (unlike painting a wall), is another great way to keep the room adaptable. Remember to keep it simple wherever you can, and resist the urge to fill up their room entirely. By leaving some empty space you will allow room for new things and for your child to grow. 

With these tips in mind, you can create a functional, aesthetic space that can grow and change alongside your child. At the end of the day, most important of all is that your child’s bedroom feels as personal to them as possible. Don’t be afraid to get them involved in the process so they can feel proud of the end result.