Designing a child’s bedroom can be a lot of fun and a project that requires creativity, practicality, and a deep understanding of your child’s preferences and needs. It’s not just about making a space look visually appealing but also ensuring it’s functional and fosters a sense of comfort and security. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping an existing room, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a bedroom that reflects their personality and meets their evolving needs.
1. Collaborate With Your Child
Involve your child in the design process right from the start. If they are old enough sit down together and discuss their preferences, interests, and vision for their bedroom – take cues from their favourite colours, hobbies, and personality. Encouraging their input will make them feel empowered and invested in the design process. Maybe look at Pinterest together or through websites for inspiration. Start collating ideas so you can really refine and come up with a room that will grow as they do.
If they are a bit younger and can’t fully engage in the process make sure you still ask them about their favourite colours, books, tv characters. Are they into sports, animals, space, or fairy tales? You don’t have to go all out Bluey themed room for example but incorporating elements that resonate with your child’s likes and dislikes will make the room truly theirs and spark their imagination. Even younger children have strong ideas of what they like and dislike.
2. Prioritise Functionality
A child’s bedroom serves multiple functions; from sleeping, playing, creating dens, building Lego worlds and if they are older studying, hanging out with friends and pursuing hobbies. Prioritise functionality by incorporating versatile furniture and storage solutions that cater to their diverse needs.
Invest in furniture that can adapt to your child’s changing needs over time. For example, if they are young choose a convertible cot that can later be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. Or if they are older consider a loft bed with a built-in desk underneath for efficient space utilisation, perhaps some modular shelving units for customisable storage, and if there’s space a comfortable seating area for lounging and socialising with their friends. Opt for multi-functional pieces like a storage ottoman that doubles as seating or a trundle bed for sleepovers. Versatile furniture not only saves space but also provides long-term value.
A lot of what you do will obviously depend on the size of the room and the requirements of your child and their age, but thinking ahead when you invest in furniture will save you time and money in the long run. Buy the best quality you can afford, look around for well-built pieces that will stand the test of time and not end up collapsing under the weight of every growing pile of books, toys or clothes. And this brings me on to our next piece of advice.
3. Consider Storage Solutions
Children tend to accumulate a lot of stuff, from toys and books to clothes and art supplies, to gadgets and collections. Effective storage solutions are key to keeping the room organised and clutter-free. Not only will you and they know where everything is but for younger kids it’s a helpful way for them to learn how to tidy up and for older kids there’s no excuse not too!
Incorporate a mix of open shelving, bins, baskets, and wardrobe organisers to maximize storage space while keeping items easily accessible for your child. Think about how to utilise vertical space with wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and hanging organisers to optimise storage without sacrificing floor space. Don’t forget under the bed too if there is space; shallow plastic storage crates with lids provide ideal storage for items you might just want occasionally or they can’t quite bear to be parted with.
Choosing storage that will work for the long term from toddler to teenager may be difficult but not impossible. For example, choose a wardrobe and chest of drawers that can fit larger size clothes, the nursery/toddler ones may look very sweet but will only last you a few years before you find they don’t fit your child’s clothes.
4. Creating Zones
A well-designed child’s bedroom should cater to various activities like sleeping, playing, studying, and relaxation. If you have the space try to create distinct zones within the room to accommodate these activities. A cozy reading corner with a bean bag chair and bookshelf or shelves, a designated play corner with ample storage for toys are essential components to consider. For teenagers a study area with a desk or table is not only important to give them a space to do their work but research shows working on their bed has an adverse effect on their quality of sleep.
Whatever your child’s age think about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, comfortable bedding, and plush rugs or carpeting -just make sure they are hardwearing for the inevitable wear and tear. Incorporate elements of nature with potted plants and natural textures to promote relaxation and tranquillity. This is their space to escape and relax.
5. Encourage Creativity and Personalisation
Real life rooms are not like those you see in glossy magazines and will not stay picture perfect. Try to remember your child’s room is their space and you want to them to feel happy in it. Encourage them to choose paint colours, wallpaper, fabric or accessories like bedding that reflect their style and personality.
Allow your child to express their creativity and personality by incorporating elements that they can personalise. Consider dedicating a wall (or two) for them to showcase their artwork, posters or photos. Frame them, hang a corkboard or paint an area in an accent colour as a background. You could use picture ledge shelves or wall mounted display cabinets if they have collections of beloved items they want to display. You can find all sorts from shoe displays to ball hoop shelves or create a diy version yourself if you think it’s going to be more fleeting. Search online for ideas and money saving hacks.
6. Sharing With Siblings
When it comes to shared bedrooms, opting for neutral colour schemes can help create a cohesive and harmonious environment. Choose calming colours like soft blues, greens, or warm neutrals that appeal to both children. You can then incorporate pops of colour and individuality through bedding, accent pillows, rugs, and wall art that reflect each child’s personality.
When sharing a bedroom, it’s important for each child to have their own personal space within the room. Establish individual zones for sleeping and storing personal belongings. You can achieve this by simply arranging furniture to create separate areas for each child or if they need a bit more privacy use a room divider or think about adding a ceiling mounted curtain that can be drawn back when you want too. This allows them to have their own retreat within the shared space.
Having said that if you are short on space then you could benefit from furniture that serves multiple functions to optimize space and functionality. Consider bunk beds or loft beds to free up floor space for play or study areas. Perhaps designate a central area within the bedroom for shared activities like playtime and studying. Set up a table or desk where both children can work on homework, arts and crafts, or puzzles together.
Conclusion
Designing your child’s bedroom is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects their personality, supports their lifestyle, and promotes independence. By collaborating with your child, prioritising functionality, encouraging self-expression, maximising storage, and creating a relaxing retreat you can create the ultimate kids’ bedroom that they’ll love spending time in and calling their own.