Choosing a playroom colour scheme that will engage your little one just the right amount can be a tricky task – so why not take notes from a colour expert like Lick’s Tash Bradley who has both professional and personal experience with this very task? If you ask me, that’s the perfect source of inspiration for an engaging playroom colour scheme.

When thinking about who to ask for any colour-related playroom ideas, Tash Bradley was my first port of call. As a trained colour psychologist and the director of interior design at paint brand Lick, Tash is no stranger to designing homes and creating the perfect colour palettes for all kinds of rooms as she has done during more than 5000 colour consultations with her clients.

Last year, one of her clients was a little closer to home than most as she designed and created a beautiful playroom for her two-year-old son Zac, complete with great colour and paint ideas. ‘Designing Zac's playroom was one of my favourite rooms to work on. Whenever I'm designing a room, I always start with the feeling I want to create. I think about the memories I want us to make in that space and, in this case, what Zac naturally gravitates towards,’ Tash says.

The playroom colour scheme

Even with playrooms, it’s important to work with the room itself and its particular dimensions, quirks and lighting. ‘It was north-facing, so naturally it didn't get a huge amount of light, especially during the winter months. Rather than fighting that, I wanted to create a space that felt bright, warm and uplifting,’ Tash says.

On the walls, she started with a neutral base of Lick White 05, available at B&Q, which allows the colourful toys to pop against it. It also has warm yellow undertones that balance out the lack of light in the room. ‘The walls, cupboards and woodwork are all painted in White 05, which is one of my favourite warm whites. It has those lovely yellow undertones that bounce light around the room and stop it ever feeling cold,’ Tash explains.

But from there, things got more colourful – although the colour choices strike the perfect balance between calm and playful. ‘I chose Blue 15 for the ceiling because it's a soft, warm blue that instantly creates the feeling of looking up at the sky. Blue has a shorter wavelength of light, so it naturally helps a ceiling feel higher and the room feel more open.’

‘Because I wanted to bring in that playful energy, I painted the windowsill in Red 03. It's a small detail, but it creates a lovely focal point and nods back to those playful primary colours without overwhelming the space,’ Tash says.

Get the look

On top of creating this beautiful space only last year, Tash is currently in the process of designing a second playroom for her son as the family is moving into a new house later this year, leaving London for the Somerset countryside. This is what Tash has got in store for this next project.

The next playroom

‘For the new house, I'm definitely keeping that same philosophy of creating a room that feels joyful and sparks creativity, but I think this time I'll be a little braver. I love the idea of introducing more colour through painted furniture, playful joinery or even colour-blocking, rather than relying solely on the walls,’ Tash says.

Furniture and stylish toy storage make for the perfect opportunity to incorporate some fun colours into the play space aside from the walls.

Just like with children’s bedrooms, introducing a theme to your little one’s playroom is also a great way to make it all the more magical. And that’s exactly what Tash is planning.

‘One of his favourite books at the moment is Mouse on the River, and every time we read it, I'm drawn to this beautiful palette of soft blues and greens that runs throughout the illustrations. It feels so calm, nostalgic and connected to nature. As the house is in the countryside, and his playroom overlooks the garden and all the trees, it just feels like the perfect starting point,’ Tash explains.

To bring this reference to life, Tash is looking to the colour wheel and a bit of colour theory which she’s, of course, very familiar with. ‘I'll almost certainly keep a painted ceiling because I love the personality it brings, and I'll continue to layer those playful primary colours throughout the room. I'm leaning towards a really soft analogous colour palette, using shades like Blue 18, Blue 03 and a beautiful soft rich olive green. Those colours all sit next to each other on the colour wheel, so they create this wonderfully harmonious, calming backdrop that's still full of personality.’

‘Then, because every room needs a little surprise, I want to bring in an unexpected accent of a rich burnt orange through furniture or accessories. It'll add warmth, energy and that playful touch that every playroom deserves.’

Get the look

Tash concludes with how every playroom should feel, ‘The aim isn't to create a space that feels loud or overstimulating, but one that feels imaginative, energetic and full of happiness. Ultimately, a great playroom should inspire creativity while still feeling calm enough that both children and adults genuinely enjoy spending time there.’

Traditionally, children’s playrooms have been contained in dedicated rooms in the majority of family homes. But things are changing and modern families embrace alternative approaches – so should you have a playroom? Or is it no longer a necessity or even the go-to approach?

I asked three interior designers to see what their top recommendations when it comes to separate playroom ideas would be – and what most parents choose to go for these days. It turns out that separate playrooms are becoming increasingly rare as families choose to create play corners and areas within shared spaces like a family living room.

Like most things, even dedicated playrooms have their pros and cons – and the interior experts shed a light on both to help you decide whether a playroom is the right choice for you and your family. Or should you adopt an alternative approach?

Pros of a dedicated playroom

Children have a lot of toys and they can get pretty messy, especially without the right toy storage ideas. Having a separate playroom can contain all of their toys and mess within that one room without spilling into the other areas of your home.

‘A dedicated space for clutter and toys where the children can feel comfortable to relax and play without potentially damaging any other areas in the house is a huge plus,’ says Francesca Leat, owner, director and head designer at Francesca Leat Interiors.

Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs, agrees, ‘The joy of having a playroom is that it gives children a safe, stimulating environment to explore and play independently and it helps contain toys, arts and crafts from the rest of your home.’

Cons of a dedicated playroom

On the flip side, the downsides of a playroom are that they can accumulate unnecessary mess and clutter and they can make it more difficult for parents to keep an eye on younger children.

In fact, many children prefer to play in closer proximity to their parents and other adults that are around so that alone can make the idea of a dedicated playroom somewhat redundant.

‘A separate room can be underused if the kids like to stay close to their parents. And as children grow, the room often needs repurposing. It can also encourage an accumulation of toys that often aren't cleared out, making organisation more of a challenge,’ Emma at Kelling Designs explains.

Francesca Leat adds, ‘One of the cons would be that it may result in seeing less of your children from time to time or if you have younger children it can be challenging to keep an eye on them. Playrooms as standalone spaces perhaps work better for older or teenage children as somewhere to watch TV or focus on arts and crafts.’

What’s the best alternative to a playroom?

Of course, not every home has a spare room that can be dedicated to a playroom. But Jo Lane, founder of online interior design service See Your Place, finds that this isn’t necessarily the number one reason why most parents these days choose to forgo a traditional playroom in favour of a play area in a shared room like an open-plan living room or even the kitchen.

‘Most families tend to opt for a play area within a living room space rather than a separate playroom. This isn’t always driven by space limitations – often people do have two or three separate reception rooms, but make a conscious choice to incorporate play within their most used lounge room.'

'This is because children naturally tend to want to spend time with their adult carers in whichever space the adults are in and play alongside them. And more people seem to favour creating two separate spaces for the whole family to relax in together at different times of the day,’ she explains.

Emma at Kelling Designs also recommends incorporating a play area into shared space of the home, ‘There can be pressure to create a whole dedicated room, but I advise creating a play space instead if space allows.'

'Creating a play area in a family space or even using flexible furniture that can transition between play and everyday life can work really well. This is what we're seeing more often in modern family homes, especially as homes become more compact.'

'It's also a great way to keep children in sight while maintaining a balanced home that works for the entire family.’

But in order to pull this off, you’ll need to incorporate great storage, especially hidden toy storage ideas, and multifunctional pieces of furniture that also look good in a shared family space, much like these.

My top picks for a play area

Are you team dedicated playrooms? Or are you also leaning towards creating a play area within a shared living space?

Given that children spend a lot of time playing on the floor, a playroom rug is simply a must-have. But not all children’s rugs are created equal – that’s why I’ve rounded up 12 playroom rugs that come highly recommended by parents, including the Ideal Home editors who have kids of their own.

Playroom rugs offer the perfect cushioning for any ground-based play. So when shopping for the perfect rug for your little one’s playroom, it’s important to factor that in and choose a design that’s soft enough for your kids to comfortably sit and lie on for an extended period of time.

Stains and spillages are very common with children so a rug design that’s easy to clean is going to make your life a lot easier. But while the practicalities are of the highest importance, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style and whimsy as there are many chic and adorable children’s rugs out there.

But if you’re not sure where to buy the best rug for your little one’s playroom, I’ve done the research so that you don’t have to and found 12 of the best rated rugs available, including the one that our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny McFarlane couldn’t recommend enough – the Totter and Tumble Morris & Co. The Strawberry Thief Playmat which many other parents swear by. ‘I wouldn't consider any other playmat. It lives in the playroom and we love it, we’ve had it for years,’ Jenny says.

Easy-to-clean playroom rugs

Best budget playroom rugs

The softest playroom rugs

Even though a playroom is your child's territory, you can certainly lend a helping hand when it comes to decorating the space – whether it's choosing the best rug or stylish playroom storage furniture to organise their toys.

I don’t know about you but I often come across furniture or decor designed for children’s rooms but it’s so pretty and stylish that I’d happily use it myself. When it comes to playroom storage, it’s not exactly known for being the most aesthetically pleasing – and yet, it can be. I tracked down 12 of the most stylish pieces of toy storage furniture that both you and your little ones will love.

Most of the common toy storage ideas favour brightly coloured plastic bins and cube storage units like the IKEA KALLAX. But there’s so much more than that available on the market – and it doesn’t have to be super expensive either. Google Trends reports a more than 5000% increase in searches for 'playroom storage' so I'm here to deliver.

Whether it’s swapping out a plastic toy storage crate for a natural rattan toy box like this one from H&M Home or opting for the chic La Redoute Ptilu bookcase with rattan inserts rather than the usual IKEA playroom ideas, there are plenty of creative, stylish yet whimsical playroom ideas on this list. And if you’re looking for a little easy DIY project, I recommend snapping up this pine Habitat Rico storage unit and giving it an artistic makeover with some paint.

Whether it’s hidden storage ideas that you’re after or something more on display like that beautiful cloud-shaped shelf from The White Company, there’s something for everyone here.

If you’re looking for a playroom sofa for your little ones, I think I may have just found the one. The Tutti Bambini Playrama kids play modular sofa, available at Amazon, is loved by children and parents alike – and it’s easy to see why.

Google Trends reports that searches for ‘kids sofa’ increased by 20% in the last month which shows that there’s a clear demand for a playroom sofa like this one. Suitable for children from 12 months and up, this is a modular sofa specially designed for kids’ play which is why it makes for such an excellent playroom idea. The individual pieces can be endlessly rearranged to form anything from a car to a house-like structure and anything else that your child can come up with.

One parent and existing customer wrote, ‘Cannot recommend this enough! We were a little sceptical that our children might be too old for this (age 7 and 9), but it has been one of our best ever purchases. This is used daily as a sofa in various configurations, but it has also been crash mats, a balloon keepy uppy net, a tank, horse stables, a rocket, a house, a car and many more that I can't remember.’

The imaginative, playful design of the sofa is based on the Montessori teaching and learning method which emphasises creativity, adaptability and confidence, even when it comes to play. As the product description states, ‘the sofa encourages imaginative play and hands-on exploration, supporting cognitive and motor skill growth as children design and build their own setups.’

When I showed the playroom sofa to my sister Laura Vlkova, a teacher at a Montessori preschool and a mother of two, she was thoroughly impressed and said that if you have enough space for it, she’d highly recommend a sofa like this for a kids’ room or a playroom for seating, building play and general jumping around.

On top of all of that, the sofa is equipped with removable covers with a jumbo corduroy finish, available in three different colours to choose from depending on your child’s room colour scheme, and they’re machine washable which makes cleaning up so much easier. That’s another feature that persuaded my sister to give this sofa design a thumbs up.

Another reviewer at Argos wrote, ‘I’m really happy with the sofa I bought for my daughter's bedroom, it’s a beautiful colour, the fabric is good quality and we love how modular it is.’

The only downside that customers have noted is that after delivery, it takes about a week for the foam modules to fully puff up - since they arrive flattened - rather than the 48 hours that the brand estimates.

A previous customer writes, ‘It took a little longer than 48 hours to fully unsquish, but 9 months on of constant use, I don't even remember that! It was maybe a week to fully puff up??’

Are you considering getting a playroom sofa like this one for your little one?

Aside from budget-friendly flatpack furniture, IKEA is also becoming well-known for its clever problem-solving designs. The just-dropped IKEA GREJSIMOJS playmat is the latest addition to the lineup as the foldable mat turns into a toy storage box or even a ball pit within seconds – and what parent can resist a genius product like that?!

The £29 mat is part of IKEA’s wider children’s GREJSIMOJS collection released earlier this year and filled with playful designs like a giraffe-shaped floor lamp or a clothes stand taking on the look of a potted cactus. But while the previous GREJSIMOJS drop was more fun and playful, this genius toy storage idea is a more functional addition.

The three-in-one design makes toy clean-up super quick and easy. After your little one is done playing on the mat, you can simply fold it up - still with the toys on top of it - using the eyelet fastenings the design comes equipped with and turn it either into a cube-shaped storage box or a wider, lower shape which can fit under a sofa or a bed as a hidden toy storage idea. The latter configuration can also be used for play, turning it into a small ball pit.

Existing customers are already loving it. One reviewer wrote, ‘I love such well thought-out products – that's why I had to grab it immediately when I discovered it under new products at IKEA. Great workmanship, absolutely practical, does exactly what it should! Fits under our IKEA sofa when low.’

The only downside that customers are disappointed with is that when folded into a storage box, the GREJSIMOJS doesn’t fit into a KALLAX unit. ‘I got so excited about this for our Lego collection. Then I saw the dimensions didn't fit in the kallax unit and now I'm trying to work out where we can store it,’ a reviewer wrote.

Similar alternatives

On top of all of that, given the GREJSIMOJS mat’s multifunctional design, it’s also a great buy for any compact spaces, whether it’s a small playroom idea you’re after or if you want to squeeze a play area into a small living room.

This IKEA mat is set to become every parent’s favourite toy storage solution and a secret weapon for quick toy tidy up.

Gingham is having a moment. This interior trend started in the fashion world, but in the past few years, the playful checked fabric has become big news for bedrooms, too.

Gingham bedding is now all over the high street, and it's a bedding trend that shows no signs of waning anytime soon.

In fact, this is a bedroom trend that's rapidly growing, with interior stylists and decor experts saying that gingham is fast becoming one of this year's most popular children's bedroom ideas.

Yep, gingham is no longer just for the bed. In playrooms and bedrooms alike, the checks are now taking to the walls, and I personally think it's a great look if you're considering decorating or redecorating your kids' bedroom.

Whether you're pondering girls' bedroom ideas, boys' bedroom ideas, or looking to create a gender neutral nursery, as Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing recently demonstrated in an Instagram post that shared their newly decorated nursery, gingham – and, in particular, gingham wallpaper – is a look that just *works*.

The gingham kids' bedroom trend is also a look that can work for all ages, and, as our style experts are about to explain, this anti-trend style has timeless longevity.

Is gingham one of this year's fastest growing kids' bedroom trends?

'As seen in Sophie Habboo’s baby nursery, gingham wallpaper is becoming an increasingly popular nursery choice,' says Mike Allison, nursery furniture expert at Silver Cross.

'This year, we've seen a significant rise in the popularity of gingham wallpaper alongside a growing demand for gingham textiles and soft furnishings,' agrees Lauren Kavanagh, art director at wallpaper brand Hovia

'We’re definitely seeing gingham used more and more in nurseries and children’s rooms,' confirms Jessica Hanley, founder and CEO of bedding and interiors brand Piglet in Bed.

'It feels like part of a wider shift away from overly themed, childlike spaces, towards rooms that are calmer and more versatile in the long run,' says Jessica. 'Spaces that grown-ups love just as much as kids do.'

Why is gingham such a good look for a kid's bedroom?

Clearly, newlyweds Sophie and Jamie are sold on the playful checks, but why is it that gingham works *so* well in kids' bedrooms?

'Gingham strikes a balance between playful and timeless,' explains Jessica. 'It feels familiar, nostalgic and comforting, yet structured and grown-up enough to work well beyond the early years.'

'It's a timeless pattern that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a versatile choice for modern nurseries and children's bedrooms,' agrees Laura.

'This style is simple, calming and incredibly nostalgic, often evoking memories of the past,' agrees Mike. 'Plus, it's particularly suited to nature-inspired or gender-neutral nursery themes.'

'There’s something inherently joyful and slightly whimsical about gingham,' adds Jessica, 'it's a pattern that’s been loved for generations. It also brings colour and character to a room without ever feeling over the top.'

How to style the look

And, of course, that leads us on to how to style the look. This is a trend that you can make as bold or muted as you like by playing with colour, scale, and the pieces you pair with your gingham walls.

If you're looking to create a more muted look, then 'Sophie’s nursery is a great success,' say interior stylists Laurie Davidson and Aurélien Farjon of the @stylemakerspresent. 'She has definitely achieved the serene and timeless feel she was after through a lovely Scandi scheme with muted tones, light wood furniture accents.'

'I particularly like the playful mix of patterns Sophie has used,' says Laurie, 'from the gingham on the wallpaper, chequerboard on the rug, zigzag on the curtains, and stripes on the rocking horse.'

'Muted shades, such as sage green or pale blue, paired with bold patterns, checkered rugs and striped storage units, create a cosy, nostalgic feel without disrupting the calming ambience of the room,' agrees Mike.

'Soft, muted colours such as beige, sage green, dusty blue and blush pink create a calming scheme that can grow with your child,' agrees Laura, but if you're happy to go bolder, 'butter yellow offers a cheerful, on-trend alternative.'

'I used our Piglet in Bed Dusty Blue Gingham wallpaper in my little boy’s bedroom,' says Jessica, 'paired with our playful illustrated Mushrooms wallpaper. It’s transformed the room into a beautiful space we both love spending time in.'

And don't forget that the scale of check you opt for can also affect the room's mood.

'There are lots of options around with different scales of pattern,' says Aurélien, 'you could go for a very small scale like Sophie, giving a subtle and discreet pattern, or you could opt for the larger scale option for a bolder and more impactful look.'

If you're using a brighter colour, then Laura says that 'a medium-scale gingham check is often the easiest to work with, as smaller checks can feel busy on large wall surfaces. For a more contemporary feel, opt for a larger-scale pattern.'

Then, 'pair gingham wallpaper with complementary blocks of colour through bedding and soft furnishings,' says Laura. 'Stripes and delicate floral prints also work beautifully alongside gingham, helping to create a layered, cottage-inspired look.'

'For bedding, either echo the wallpaper colour for a soft, tonal look, or contrast with complementary shades,' advises Jessica, 'for example, soft green with blush pink, or dusty blue with buttery yellow. Keep everything else quite simple and natural: linen, rattan, light or dark wood, and subtle detailing in the furniture keep the space feeling balanced.'

Or, 'to complete the scheme, consider incorporating vintage or vintage-inspired furniture,' suggests Laura. 'Pieces such as wardrobes and chests of drawers add character, especially when updated with soft paint colours or new hardware for a fresh, modern finish.'

However you style it, I think gingham is *the* choice for a stylish kids' bedroom in 2026. Are you tempted to give checks a try?

When it comes to decorating your little one's bedroom, there are plenty of great children's bedroom ideas out there. However, in my opinion, there's one kids' bedroom trend that never seems to date, and that's the Scandinavian look.

Think warm wood, muted colours, clean lines, and simple yet well-considered design details.

Because of its simplicity, this design style is also perfect for a room where we want to encourage calm and rest and reduce overstimulation.

And luckily, right now the high street is full of some great Scandi-cool kids' bedroom furniture and decor. I've rounded up some of my top picks below.

To my mind, Scandinavian style is also a kids' decor scheme that will grow with your child. Whilst investing in a dinosaur or princess-themed bedroom is great fun whilst they're little, a few years down the line, you're likely to be redecorating. And that isn't cheap.

Instead, the Scandi look can be tweaked and restyled to suit your child's growing needs and maturing tastes as they get older. That means this kid's bedroom decor idea has longevity.

Not only is this look contemporary and fun, but it also has timeless appeal. And I think that's exactly what you want for a children's bedroom.

I’m not lying when I say, I wish IKEA’s latest kids collection had been designed for adults. The IKEA GREJSIMOJS collection is packed full of quirky shapes, bold colours and unusual textures, resulting in homeware oozing with personality - that little ones (and big ones) will love.

As much as I strive to follow the latest home decor trends (it is my job, after all), I’m always drawn to maximalist styles that allow personality to shine through - even better when it can be done on a budget. This is why I’m such a big fan of IKEA’s latest kids collection.

While the brand is known for its Scandi-style, it never shies from colour when it comes to its children's collections. These are my top picks to add to your kids' bedroom or playroom ideas (or, in my case, the items I want to add to my own home decor).

First things first, I want to say that it is a crying shame that the GREJSIMOJS Pink Fluffy Chair Cover (£15) is only designed for a child-sized seat. While bold and fun, it is very fluffy, and I’m not entirely sure it would survive sticky fingers and felt tips (although IKEA assures the cover is easy to remove and clean). Perhaps I’m just feeling a little bitter.

What this chair cover is great for is making the everyday feel a little more exciting. Designed for IKEA’s MAMMUT chair, it will fit seamlessly onto your existing IKEA furniture. What I like about this cover is that it can make ‘boring’ activities, like homework, a little more fun. Similar to the IKEA SKOGSDUVA collection, this range is all about injecting joy and imagination into everyday items.

These are my top picks.

IKEA GREJSIMOJS collection

IKEA is not the only retailer serving up playful children’s homeware right now. Here are a few more brands I rate for their colourful and fun designs.

Alternatives

Kids' homeware should look fun and expressive. IKEA is offering bright, imaginative designs at affordable prices - it’s a win-win.

If you're pondering where to buy a kid's bed, then let me tell you, you're in for a treat.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years visiting bedroom furniture showrooms across the country, and by far the most fun I've had is in the kids' bedroom furniture sections.

From bunkbeds with built-in slides to single beds shaped like dinosaurs and teddy bears, these days children's bedroom furniture is full of playful ideas and practical solutions.

Whether you're looking for a children's cabin bed, a mid-sleeper bed with hidden storage underneath, or a high-sleeper kids bed that you can fit a desk under, the options are endless; if you know where to look, that is.

This is my shortlist of where to buy a children's bed, along with a round-up of some of the most stylish, practical, and budget-friendly options on the high street.

Where to buy a kid's bed

• Argos: budget-friendly kids' beds
• Bed Kingdom: wide range of styles
• Bensons for Beds: all kinds of options
• Dreams: wide range of styles
• Dunelm: affordable wood and upholstered options
• Furniture Village: bunk beds and much more
• Great Little Trading Company: stylish kids' beds
• Habitat: stylish designs at affordable prices
• Happy Beds: wide selection of kids' beds
• IKEA: toddler, children, and extendable beds
• John Lewis: single, mid-sleeper, and high-sleeper
• La Redoute: single, cabin, and bunk beds
• Next: super cute themed kids' beds
• Nöa & Nani: wooden single, cabin, and bunk beds
• Roomix: wooden toddler and kids beds

1. Argos

If you're shopping for a kids bed on a budget, then Argos is one of my top recommendations. The brand offer a great mix of affordable children's beds, with a range of single bed frames, mid-sleepers, high-sleepers, and great value bunk beds that come with or without mattresses included.

2. Bed Kingdom

Alternatively, Bed Kingdom can help you turn your little one's dream bedroom into reality. There are cute car-shaped beds, wow-factor house-shaped cabin beds, as well as plenty of practical storage beds that score high in the style stakes. These are definitely beds that will make them the envy of their friends.

3. Habitat

Habitat's kids beds are another great choice if you're looking to combine style, practicality and value for money. There are plenty of budget-friendly children's single beds, good value mid-sleepers, and affordable bunk beds on offer. Plus, the brand offers regular sales, so you'll often find discounts of up to 20% off selected lines.

4. La Redoute

French retailer La Redoute delivers to the UK, and the brand's children's bed selection offers plenty of whimsical and playful ideas that your kid will love. After all, what kid doesn't want to camp out in a tipi or slide out of bed in style in the morning?! Now if only they did adult versions...

5. Next

In my opinion, Next is the champion of the children's 'novelty' bed. Think upholstered kids' beds with dinosaur spikes, teddy bear headboards, or giant bunny rabbit ears. However, the brand has also thought of practicality and longevity. Most of those 'fun' elements can be detached as your child grows and wants a more grown-up look in their bedroom.

How to choose a kid's bed

Hopefully, that's plenty of inspiration for kitting out your kid's bedroom in style. But what about the practical matters?

I asked Alex Tolofson, co-founder of kids' bedroom furniture brand Nöa & Nani, for some expert advice on choosing a bed frame suitable for a little one.

'A good first bed for children transitioning from a cot or a toddler bed should prioritise safety, comfort, and design', says Alex. 'Ideally, you want a bed with a low profile. Opting for a bed that's close to the ground minimises the risk of falls, and the lower height makes it easier for kids to climb in and out of bed by themselves, fostering independence and confidence.'

'Selecting a design that appeals to kids can help make the transition more exciting for them,' adds Alex.

That's where themed cabin beds or animal, car-shaped or princess-style kids headboards come into their own. Choose a bed that reflects your child's interests or favourite colours to help them feel more eager about climbing into a big bed.

If your child is older and can safely navigate climbing a little higher into bed, then you might want to consider a mid-sleeper bed that offers storage space underneath for books and toys, or a high-sleeper that offers space for a desk below the sleeping area. You could also opt for a trundle bed that hides a second mattress that can be pulled out for sleepovers.

And if you need to factor shared bedroom ideas into your furniture choices, then bunk beds are your friend. Just make sure you choose an option suitable for your child's developmental stage.

'Low midsleeper bunk beds combine the fun and space-saving benefits of traditional bunk beds with enhanced safety,' suggests Alex. 'Being closer to the ground reduces the risk of injury from falls, making them a safer option for younger children.'

And don't forget that not all children's bed frames come with the mattress included. Whether you opt for the best mattress money can buy, or the best budget mattress to suit their growing body, just remember that kids' mattresses and adult mattresses can differ in a few important ways, especially if you have a toddler or younger child.

Kids often need a slightly firmer mattress and better breathability in their sleep surface than adults do. You may also find that kids' beds – especially bunk beds – have limits on the mattress weight and depth they can hold.

However, do a little research before you buy, and a kids' bed can be the star of the show in your child's dream bedroom design.

Tidying up a kid's bedroom can sometimes feel like a battleground – especially once they get old enough to take responsibility for their own space.

The solution to a messy children's bedroom might seem to be adding more toy storage ideas or other storage solutions, but this can only add to the problem, cluttering the space further.

Instead, try to get to the root of the problem. Look at your space and see if you can spot any of these kids' bedroom design mistakes that can make tidying impossible. Making a few design adjustments can help you achieve that elusive tidy children's room.

1. Having a standard bed

Children's rooms can be quite small, meaning that every inch needs to count. The bed – even a small single – will occupy a significant amount of the floor space, with wasted space both above and below. Optimising these spaces enables you to maximise storage without filling the room with endless amounts of children's bedroom furniture.

Lift-up ottoman beds can pose a safety risk for primary-school-aged children, as the beds are heavy and require catches to be used to keep them safe. Designs such as this Margot bed from Dreams feature a large end drawer, offering a tidier alternative to beds with open sides.

A more efficient, though pricier option, is a bespoke built-in bed. ‘We often design built-in beds in children’s rooms as the additional storage helps to leave as much floor space free for play as possible. Built-in beds create cosy nooks which children love and we usually manage to sneak in a pull-out trundle beneath, perfect for sleepovers,’ says Bunny Turner, co-founder of Turner Pocock.

In this design, the space beneath the steps creates an accessible book storage idea, while the recess above the bed is useful for items you don’t want little ones to get their hands on. One deep drawer provides storage for toys or clothes, while the other reveals a pull-out trundle bed, perfect for sleepovers.

2. Not opting for child friendly storage

Approach your organisation's strategy from the perspective of your child.

First, think about accessibility. If they can't get an item out, they can't put it away. It might seem like a simple idea, but making the organisation child-friendly can prove transformative. Everything that you want them to put away should be within reach and not too heavy. This includes coat hooks, toy storage and drawers.

Second, think about likelihood. The secret to a tidy children's room – or indeed a tidy house – is to make tidying super easy. Minimising the steps needed to put an item away will mean items are less likely to be left out.

For example, it is highly unlikely that your child will hang up their dressing-up clothes in a bedroom wardrobe after an impromptu fashion show – even if it would look better – but gathering the various garments, putting them back in a toy box and closing the lid is much more feasible.

The same applies to anything that requires sorting by colour or type. A box filled with a mix of crayons, felt-tips, pencils and pens will be more efficient than having separate labelled boxes or pen pots for each. This approach can also be applied to playroom ideas.

After all, if it looks tidy, drawers can open and close freely, and you can open the wardrobe or a cupboard without being caught in an avalanche of stuff, then the room is tidy, even if it is not Pinterest levels of professional organisation.

3. Squeezing too much furniture into the room

If the room is small, then capitalising on the amount of uninterrupted floor space should guide your layout. Not only does optimising the amount of floor space provide plenty of space for your child to play, but it also helps to create the illusion of a larger space.

Hidden toy storage is essential. Super slim shelves for the wall, like these ones from Amazon, provide the ideal way to house books or select toys – removing the need for freestanding bookshelves that command precious floor space. However, because the shelves are slim, they can't become repositories for too much clutter.

Furthermore, multifunctional furniture – like this 3-in-1 Convertible Kids Bench from Amazon – reduces the number of pieces of furniture cluttering the room without compromising functionality or storage. Movable pieces of furniture are also valuable – such as this Storage Cart from Amazon – which provides greater flexibility, enabling items to be moved out of the way.

When you reach a point where you think you might need more storage, then it's time to declutter your children's room. Buying more storage is rarely the solution – if you buy another cupboard, you will inevitably fill it, only leading to the purchase of more storage further down the line.

4. Opting for open shelving

While open shelving might seem like a brilliant way to make decor from your child's adorable wooden toys and favourite books, the reality is far from the truth. In the most part, children don't understand curated displays, and quickly, the open shelf will become cluttered with half-built Lego structures and random plastic toys. This means that the room will always look messy, even when everything is technically tidied.

‘To make a bedroom look less cluttered, use closed storage like cabinets and toy boxes to hide toys and maintain a tidy appearance,’ says Alex Tolofson from Nöa & Nani. ‘Limit the number of visible toys by displaying only a few favourites and storing the rest out of sight.’

If you do want to use floating shelves for decor, these should be positioned out of the reach of children (both now and in the future). Use the shelves to display toys that are not meant for play (such as pieces that hold sentimental value) or beloved books that you want to keep in good condition.

5. Choosing bins and cubbies over drawers

Bins and cube cubbies – like the classic Ikea Kallax unit – initially seem like the perfect solution to a messy children's bedroom. Everything can easily be thrown into the right boxes when it's bedtime. However, with this method, the opposite is also true. Everything can be easily thrown out.

Can't find that specific toy? Cue the row of six cubbies being dumped out on the floor into a large, messy pile, which then has to be sorted and put away. Something that your child is not going to do before they go and play with the toy they were looking for in the first place.

Instead, opt for large drawers, ottoman benches, or heavy underbed boxes that provide plenty of storage without the risk of the contents being tipped out onto the floor. These larger boxes also provide plenty of room for rummaging to find that precious item without the mess.

Have you found any of these design mistakes have made it harder to keep your kids room tidy?

I can still vividly remember sharing a room with my younger sister and the bunk beds we had - pinewood that was soft enough to push a thumbnail into, or, as I got older, scratch a boy's name into with a biro. As the eldest, I got the coveted top bunk, while my sister seemed happy enough with the bottom (or maybe she just accepted it wasn't worth the fight!)

But it's only now as a Mum of two little ones myself, that I find I'm asking the question, are bunk beds a good idea for a kids' room? Sure, I had fun sharing with my sibling for a good few years before my parents changed the configuration into twin beds, but will my children share the same sentiment? Will they actually get to sleep? Will they be safe?

These are just some of the questions I set out to get answered by the experts, as my initial thoughts were that bunk beds could be the perfect children's bedroom furniture idea and space-saving solution our busy family home needs. Plus, I knew my two would adore the idea of sharing a room.

But while bunk beds might be a smart shared kids' bedroom idea, they do also come with their downsides.

The benefits of bunk beds

Let's start with what's great about bunk beds. The most obvious one is the space-saving aspect, reducing the footprint of two beds, to just one. Even if you have one child, they are likely to want friends over for sleepovers at some point, so the option to have two sleep spaces gives you plenty of flexibility.

And if you're looking for small children's room ideas, this has got to be one of the first solutions you come to.

Angela Morris, Founder of JojoBeds comments, 'Bunk beds are a brilliant solution for shared bedrooms, sleepovers, or maximising floor space. They turn vertical space into an asset—especially useful in city apartments or smaller homes.'

Jojo Barr, Interior Designer at House Nine agrees that their space-saving credentials are one of their biggest benefits.

'When designing Clients' homes, we often recommend bunk beds as a smart, space-saving solution for family homes - especially in shared children’s bedrooms. Their vertical design maximises floor space for play, study, and storage, making them both practical and playful.'

'But it's not just their space-saving ability that makes them so appealing,' Jojo continues, 'many kids love the novelty of sleeping up high, and with so many stylish, well-crafted designs available today, bunk beds can be a beautiful and fun addition to a child's room.'

John Rastall, Head of Home at DFS agrees that the novelty aspect of bunk beds is a big draw for many young families.

'When it comes to creating a space for kids that is both fun and functional, bunk beds are a great place to start. Not only do they bring a sense of novelty and adventure to bedtime – children get to climb up to their very own hideaway – but they are especially useful in compact or shared spaces, freeing up valuable floor space for play or study.'

I have to admit the excitement of climbing up the ladder into my bunk each night, was pretty exhilarating as a kid, and I know my son (my eldest) would adore sleeping up high. Plus the combined toy storage ideas are really appealing to curb the clutter.

Could there be any other benefits to choosing bunk beds for my kids room?

'Bunk beds are more than just space-savers—they're a way to future-proof your child’s room with flexibility and style,' explains Angela. 'Many high-quality bunk beds are modular, meaning they can be separated into twin beds later or adapted as your children grow.'

I certainly like the idea of changing the bunks into twin beds later down the line, either in a shared bedroom, or separating them into different rooms.

'Many bunk bed designs also feature built-in shelves for books and toys, drawers within the frame for extra storage as well as key safety features like flat ladder steps and cut-out handles, making them a well- rounded choice for busy young lives,' adds John.

So things are sounding pretty good for camp 'yes' to bunk beds so far, but what about the disadvantages?

The downside of bunk beds

'If you're looking to plan the perfect kids room, know that bunk beds aren’t for every family,' advises Angela. 'They can pose a few challenges, especially in certain room layouts or for younger children.'

This I was especially interested in hearing about as my kids are currently 5 and 2, so I wanted to know about some of the challenges Angela was talking about, to really work out are bunk beds a good idea for a kids room.

'Firstly, access can be tricky. Night-time toilet trips can be more difficult from the top bunk so if your little one is 100% potty trained, this could cause a few bumps in the road. Secondly, changing sheets is harder- making the top bunk is never anyone's favourite chore. And ceiling height is something to consider- low ceilings can limit usability and safety for the top bunk.'

'Finally, if siblings are prone to arguing or have different sleep schedules, sharing bunks may not be the most harmonious solution.'

Ah. So here we reach my first hurdle. Although my kids are only 3 years apart in age, their sleep schedules are slightly different. As they get older, I don't see this being such an issue, but right now that could cause some meltdowns if one has to go to bed first and the other has to try and creep in (and up!) later.

Sleep schedules aside, my next concern was my children's safety, so I was keen to find out how safe bunk beds are.

Are bunk beds safe?

As a parent, your number one concern in life is your child's safety, and this goes for their bedroom furniture choice too. Can I be sure the kids won't fall out of their beds, and what about when they're both up top playing, will it hold their weight?

Karen Murray, Furniture Buyer, Great Little Trading Company explains 'Bunk beds are a great option if you’re looking for a space-saving solution, yet when it comes to bunk beds, not all beds are made the same. A strong bunk bed, made from solid wood or sturdy metal will be able handle everyday fun and play in a children's room. If you’re unsure, check if the bunk bed meets safety standards like the British Safety Standards (BS EN 747).'

'Guard rails are another crucial feature to look for, ideally these should be at least 16cm above the mattress to keep little ones safe from falls. A well-built ladder or stairs with slip-resistant steps will adds extra peace of mind too. It’s also important to choose beds finished with non-toxic paints to ensure your child's health and safety.'

Jojo adds, 'Safety must always come first. Bunk beds are best suited for children over the age of 6, as younger children are at a higher risk of falls, particularly from the top bunk. It's also important to ensure that the bed meets current safety standards: sturdy guardrails, a secure ladder, and proper mattress sizing are non-negotiable,' she explains.

So, my second hurdle. With my son only just turning 5 and my daughter not yet out of her cot, we may be a bit premature in choosing this as an option for their sleepspace, but it's good to know we're not wildly far away.

But as they get older, bigger and heavier, will a bunk bed support their combined weight?

'We would always encourage parents to focus on quality over price where possible,' Angela advises. 'There are many imitation beds on the market where safety and build quality simply aren’t there.'

'Reputable brands focus on rigorous safety testing, robust materials, and smart design features such as guard rails, secure ladders, and weight limits. At JoJoBeds, safety is at the forefront of every product we offer, and we only work with brands that meet the highest European safety standards.'

Where can you buy bunk beds for kids?

Depending on your space, you could opt for bespoke built-in bunk beds, which would be made by a carpenter to fit your space exactly. This is a great option if you have multiple children, a large extended family or an awkward shaped room, but it's worth remembering that built-ins could cost you more, and are a more permanent choice.

But if you're in the market for a stand alone bunk bed that can be adapted to suit your space, style and age of child, here are some choices I've got earmarked for when my kids get a bit older...

Are there any alternatives to bunk beds?

If after reading all this, you're still not sure bunk beds are the best choice for your child, be assured that there plenty of other choices for kids beds that can be equally as fun, attractive and space-savvy.

John comments, 'If your child prefers a more grounded sleeping setup, consider a single bed with built-in storage like our Bala or Kaia Bed instead. These styles offer generous hidden storage in contemporary single frames that are available in a wide range of colours, to bring a touch of fun to bedtime all while maximising every inch of space for storage to keep clutter at bay.'

Here are some of my favourite designs that provide a solid alternative to bunk beds.

My final thoughts

It's safe to say that bunk beds bring a certain level of fun to a kids room and as long as your children like each others company and won't be arguing constantly, they are a great space-saving solution, bonding enabler and comfortable and safe space to sleep.

While my two might be a little young for us to be choosing this option right now, I feel assured that they will be safe, know there are plenty of designs on the market that would suit our home and will help keep toys and clothes stored neatly away too.

So in my mind, yes bunk beds are a good idea for a kids room and I'm so excited to invest in them in just a few years time!

Would you choose bunk beds for your kids room?

Arguably one of the most exciting rooms of the house to decorate, there is nothing like the magic of conjuring up children's room ideas, no matter what stage of childhood your little ones are at.

Whether your kids are tiny and new so you're looking for nursery ideas, or if they're a bit older and you're looking for ideas that will last them into their tweens, a designer that will work in both spaces (and every age between) is British Arts & Crafts aficionado, William Morris.

Synonymous with patterns such as Strawberry Thief and Willow Boughs, you'll have seen his work across textiles, wallpaper, artwork and beyond, and the staying power of his work in modern homes today is a true testament to his classic designs. Additionally, with his founding company, Morris & Co., reimagining his work in a more contemporary way and partnering with a plethora of high-street names to make his designs more accessible, it has become one of the most-loved brands to decorate with.

I've asked the experts for their top tips on how to use William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom so you can transform their sleep space into a sanctuary that is both contemporary and classic, yet super stylish too.

1. Bring softness to the room with fabric

One of the first ways you could use William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom, is via fabric, swathed over a cot or bed canopy-style.

There's something so theatrical yet comforting about an over-bed canopy and using a beautiful William Morris fabric will bring a sense of child-like whimsy to the space.

Jodie Cooper, Acting Lead Designer, Morris & Co comments on how ideal William Morris prints are for kids bedrooms, as children were often at the forefront of his designs.

'William Morris designs work wonderfully for a child’s room, since he was a designer and poet who believed in the rich, artistic inner worlds of children, saying "It is the childlike part of us that produces works of the imagination. When we were children time passed so slow with us that we seemed to have time for everything."’

'Designs like Willow Boughs, will always prove popular for kids’ rooms. In fact, Morris got the idea for this design after going on a walk with his own daughter, May Morris, where they passed a Weeping Willow and they both marvelled at its beauty,' Jodie explains.

Other ways to use William Morris fabrics in a children's room is to make cushion covers, which could be layered up on the bed, or piled up on the floor to make a cosy reading corner.

You could also use it to cover seat pads or window-seat cushions, tying a whole room scheme together.

2. Adorn walls with wallpaper

Another easy yet affective way to use William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom, is with bedroom wallpaper ideas. Suitable for all ages, you can choose to paper just a single wall to create a feature, or opt to drench the room in pattern, papering from floor to ceiling, wall to wall.

Melanie Adams, Global Head of Wallpaperdirect comments, 'William Morris wallpaper patterns bring timeless charm and a sense of storytelling to the walls of a child’s bedroom.'

'Playful prints like Brer Rabbit, which features characters from a 19th-century children’s book, make the perfect wallpaper for a child’s room - rich in character yet subtle enough to grow with the child.'

'When we decorate our homes, we want our spaces to reflect who we are, and heritage brands like Morris & Co. continue to be popular with our customers for this very reason. They help create rooms full of personality, but in a timeless way, so you never tire of the space. This is particularly important in a child’s bedroom, where the decor becomes a supportive backdrop for self-discovery and growth,' Melanie advises.

3. Invest in a statement headboard

If your kids are a little older, perhaps in a single or even double bed, then headboard ideas are a great way to bring William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom.

Adam Black, co-founder, Button & Sprung advises, 'The smart choice when decorating a child’s room is to focus on longevity – a scheme which will grow with the child and see them through the early years into teenagers and young adults.'

'Nurseries and toddler bedrooms are traditionally highly themed but often require changing after just a few years. By thinking about clever designs which can capture your little one’s imagination but adapt as they grow you not only save money in the long run but decorate in a more sustainable way.'

'William Morris prints offer a perfect way to add colour, texture and personality to a child’s space,' Adam explains. 'The bed is the largest investment piece in the bedroom and by using upholstery you can create a focus piece which will inspire a wider room scheme.'

'Upholster a bed or headboard in a fabric which is timeless, something that William Morris does very well, and then accessorise it with items which are easier to switch out as the child grows such as cushions, lamps and rugs. A varied and patterned fabric also allows for the exploration of different colours schemes over the years – from neutral tones to bright colour pop. As your child grows, they may feel inspired by certain colours and have a say in the scheme of their room as well.'

However if you're looking for a more flexible and less permanent way to add William Morris prints to the bedroom, then opting for something like the beautiful Habitat x Morris & Co bedding range in one of his designs is a great compromise.

4. Opt for elegant window dressings

The next of our ideas for how to use William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom is via window dressing ideas. As any parent can attest, having curtains or blinds over your children's windows that will not only look great but also block out that late-night or early-morning sun, will pay dividends. William Morris' designs have the ideal pattern repeat to work perfectly for blackout, full-length curtains, or smart Roman blinds.

Jojo Barr, Founder of House Nine Design loves to incorporate William Morris designs in her clients homes, and finds them most versatile in children's bedrooms.

'William Morris prints can be used effortlessly in a kids' room, through bedding, cushions, or throw blankets as the rich colours, intricate florals, and natural motifs really add a classy whimsical feel. The designs offer a fab pop of pattern without overwhelming the room.'

'Choose one bold pattern or opt for a more subtle, softer look, choose curtains with his muted floral or botanical designs. These can blend well with neutral walls and create a sense of warmth and nature,' she advises.

5. Treat feet with a rug

If you're looking for a way to easily add a touch of William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom, without going the whole hog, a bedroom rug is a great way to do it.

Ideal for making the room cosier in the colder months, making the floor softer for little ones to crawl on, and help with sound proofing too (your downstairs neighbours will thank you for it!), a rug featuring a stunning William Morris design could be the finishing touch you needed.

When it comes to what size of rug to choose, bigger is always better, so look to opt for one that can be placed right up to and under furniture pieces to not only make the room feel more expensive, but bigger too.

6. Add finishing touches with accessories

Our final idea for using William Morris prints in a children’s bedroom, is via an array of accessories. From bedroom lighting to artwork, adding little touches of the designers work will elevate your kids room to a smart and sophisticated, yet whimsically traditional haven.

Jojo says, 'If you want to keep things simple in a kids room, add smaller pieces of Morris-inspired furniture, like a chair or table with floral upholstery or intricate woodwork. These small touches make a big impact.'

'Or, consider framing vintage Morris designs or reproductions of his famous works. Hanging them at child-friendly heights adds both colour and culture to the room,' she explains.

Which is the most popular William Morris pattern for a kids room?

Jojo says, 'Beautiful, floral and nature-inspired designs, such as Strawberry Thief or Willow Bough, are the best William Morris patterns to use in a children’s room.'

Jodie agrees, adding, 'Other designs within Morris & Co. that work well are Newill, where owls and pheasants happily perch on scrolling leaves, as well as Meadow Sweet – there’s something nostalgic and inspiring for a child in its simple, Arts and Crafts style.'

However, Brer Rabbit has also proved popular for nurseries and younger children's spaces, while Pimpernel and Sunflower could be better suited to older children.

Where is the best place to shop for Morris & Co. pieces for a kids room?

Jodie says, 'The best place to shop for Morris & Co pieces is on our website. If you want to see the designs in person, you can also find your local stockist here.'

But as well as shopping directly from the source, there are plenty of high street brands that have partnered with Morris & Co, to bring you William Morris designs across everything from furniture to tableware.

Try the Habitat x Morris & Co collaboration for beautiful bedding, lighting and even fragrance, or Swyft for armchairs and ottomans adorned in Morris & Co. fabrics. Ruggable has a great collection of Morris & Co. rugs, while King & McGaw has a fab range of framed William Morris prints.

Check out our selection of top William Morris buys below.

Do you have a favourite William Morris design you've earmarked for your children's bedroom?

If, like me, you live with someone who a) loves shoes, and b) doesn’t love tidying up after themselves, then you’ll appreciate just how messy shoes can make a room look.

Take my 12-year-old son, for example, who has a penchant for footwear. This means that every birthday and Christmas, he asks for a new pair of trainers, and he saves up his pocket money to buy second-hand trainers, shoes, and boots on Vinted.

Which is all very well, however, he only has one pair of feet! Meaning that for most of my life, I’m having to navigate his bedroom with pairs of loose, messy footwear strewn across the floor.

That is, until he showed me the bedroom storage idea many of his favourite TikTokkers use to store their sneakers in; a set of clear plastic stacking shoe boxes that mean you can easily see what shoes are inside each one.

I was impressed. His room isn't that big, but this looked like a small bedroom storage idea that could really work, so I set to work trying to find some options that are available in the UK. In the end, I narrowed our choices down to two main contenders.

In the end, we opted for the SONGMICS option. I like the fact that the SONGMICS set stacks together perfectly and also has the door-opening so you don’t need to remove the boxes on top to access the shoes. I was also impressed by the reviews and mention of how sturdy they were.

And when they turned up, my son was equally impressed. They arrived flat-packed, but the side of each box is labelled to avoid confusion, meaning that the assembly is really straightforward. Despite the fact that I’m definitely not a flatpack pro, we assembled the whole set of six in less than half an hour.

When constructed, they stack well, meaning my son can have them in a variety of stacking combinations. I've seen some integrated into wardrobe storage ideas and hidden away, but we opted for leaving his favourite pairs out on display.

They feel sturdy and are large enough for him to fit two pairs of most of his shoes in each one; he’s a size 5 shoe, which means he can get two pairs in side by side. Although you can fit up to a size 11 shoe inside.

Larger shoes just need to go sideways on, meaning you can only get one pair in (unless they're thin pumps or flipflops, which could be doubled up).

When the boxes are in position in his bedroom and filled with the pile of shoes that had previously been littering his floor, I’m impressed. And he's over the moon that the clear stacking boxes stop his shoes from getting dusty and keep them organised.

The magnetic closing front doors mean that it’s easy to quickly access them to get shoes in or out.

TikTok gets a lot of flak, but I never expected it would solve my son’s bedroom shoe storage problem as well as it has. The only problem is, I'm probably going to need to buy more pretty soon as his trainer collection continues to expand!

Hot days, balmy evenings, bright mornings – summer is wonderful… until kids come along, that is.

If you're anything like me, then once you become a parent, you suddenly realise all the things you love about summer are the same things that are stopping your children from sleeping. And therefore, stopping you from sleeping too.

As a mum of three, I've spent almost a decade figuring out how to help my kids stay cool in bed so they can sleep during hot summer nights – and with a heatwave in full swing, I’m here to share my three top hacks.

The best thing about these tips? They're easy to do, and you likely already have almost all the kit you need to put them into practice tonight.

Tip 1: Ditch the duvet

Children are more likely to overheat in bed than most adults, so they don't need that thick of a duvet at the best of times. That means that during a heatwave, even the thinnest duvet is going to be too hot for most kids.

However, I’ve found my kids still like to have something over them while they sleep. This makes sense. We don’t move much while we sleep, and, as the temperature lowers through the night, we can get chilly. A thin layer, like a blanket, can also give a sense of security to your child whilst they sleep – the pressure of a blanket mimics being hugged and helps our brains relax.

However, there's no need to run out and invest in new blankets. Instead, I take my kids’ duvets out of the duvet cover, and then my children sleep inside the duvet cover like a sleeping bag. They think this is fun, and they won’t kick the sheets off while they sleep and wake up cold.

In the summer, it’s particularly helpful to opt for bed linen that’s going to keep your child cool. Avoid synthetics like polyester or polycotton (often dubbed a hidden sleep thief) and opt for a duvet cover made from natural, breathable fibres, such as pure cotton or linen instead. These are three of my favourites.

Tip 2: Actively cool the bed down

When it’s boiling hot, I do everything I can to cool down my children’s bedrooms ahead of bedtime. This involves closing the curtains and windows throughout the day to stop warm air coming in – this alone makes a huge difference – but I also try to cool down their beds.

Some people suggest putting bed sheets in the freezer, but this sounds like a massive faff to me – and I can’t find space for three sets of bedding among the ice lollies and peas in my freezer anyway. Instead, I freeze ice blocks, and then wrap them in tea towels and put them in my kids' beds before they get in. I find it works a charm – just remember to remove it from your child’s bed before they get in.

I use these ice blocks, which are £8.99 at Amazon, and pop them back in the freezer every morning for the next night. I have also deployed this £6.99 Amazon gel cooling mat in the past when it’s been very hot. I stick these under the children’s fitted sheets, and it gives them something cool to lie on. However, the mats take up a lot of space in my fridge, and I’ve found the ice block trick works just as well.

Tip 3: Block out the light

Much like a vampire, sunlight is any parent’s number one enemy, at least when it comes to getting your child to sleep. If you’re finding your child is wide awake at stupid o’clock yet struggling to fall asleep in the evening during the summer, you’re not alone. You’re going to need to block the light out of their room every night.

To do this, in my desperate, sleep-deprived state as a mum of twins who never seemed to sleep at the same time, I tucked a thick blanket around the roller blind in their room. This covered all the gaps, and hey presto – my early riser child started sleeping longer in the morning.

Now, you can go for this makeshift blanket approach, or you could invest in a portable sleep blind for the summer months. This Tommy Tippee blackout blind is a game changer – and it tucks into a tiny bag, so you can take it with you on holiday or to grandparents’ houses. It attaches to the window using suckers, so you can block out all the gaps.

Or this super affordable temporary blackout blind from Dunelm is great – you can cut it to size as it’s just made of paper and stick it across the top of your kids bedroom window to darken the room.

Why do kids sleep less in summer?

We’ve all had sleepless nights when it’s unbearably hot, but the hot summer evenings can be even worse for kids. This is because children’s ability to regulate their temperature is not fully developed, so they find it harder to stay cool in the heat. That can lead to discomfort and restlessness.

Put that together with the long evenings and early mornings in summer, and it’s a recipe for terrible sleep. Light helps set our circadian rhythms – our natural body clocks. The long days and exposure to daylight for longer disrupts this natural cycle. As adults we can make sense of this, but for kids you will probably find they take longer to drop off to sleep and are awake at 5am and asking for breakfast.

But regardless of what time sunset and sunrise is, we all need the same amount of sleep year round. Hopefully my hard-won heatwave tips will help both you, and your child, to get that.

IKEA furniture is a staple in most homes, beloved for its price, adaptability and sturdy design. This creator on Instagram has taken the iconic KURA bed and turned it into the ultimate children’s den.

IKEA flat packs are brilliant for putting together easy DIY projects, particularly as plenty of their units have a modular shape which makes them easy to enhance. In fact, there are hundreds of IKEA hacks to sink your teeth into and we think the den bed hack deserves a spot on your inspiration mood boards.

Taking to Instagram, Kirsty Haslam - aka @houseofhaz - revealed her brilliant IKEA hack, where she used MDF panels to curate a stunning den bed for her son. And we think it’s a perfect inspiration for your children’s bedroom ideas.

The hack itself is simple yet the end result looks incredible. Kirsty cut an archway into a slab of MDF before attaching it to the KURA bed which she already owned. Painting it bright yellow (she used Walls R130D Sense of Wonder from Valspar), the result is playful and fun - perfect for a child.

True Joy was Dulux’s colour of the year for 2025, and we’ve seen plenty of sunny shades used to brighten up spaces this year. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to lift spirits, and a kid’s bedroom is the perfect opportunity to try out this bold look.

‘It was sooooo easy,’ Kirsty revealed. ‘I got the idea from a brochure, it was a bespoke den bed and my 6-year-old said I want that. He already had the Kura bed which has a frame. I purchased one piece of MDF from the local timber merchant (you can pick up similar from Wickes) and cut it to the size of the bed frame, cut out a large arch and then nailed it to the bed. It is the easiest IKEA hack I have ever done.’

IKEA’s sleek and simple designs lend themselves to be a DIY-ers dream - you can do as much as your imagination lends itself to!

‘KEA furniture is the obvious choice for DIY hacks for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s affordability. Its low price point means that it’s a risk many DIY newbies are happy to take. You’re not going to want to ruin a family heirloom or solid mahogany piece but you’re more than happy to experiment with an IKEA LACK side table. If it goes wrong, well, there is not really any harm done,’ says Sarah Day, Storage Solutions Expert at Pay Less For Storage.

‘Secondly, thanks to the iconic Swedish minimalist design, IKEA furniture is a blank canvas just crying out to be personalised. Whether it’s a quick coat of paint or being entirely repurposed. IKEA products are a DIYer’s dream when it comes to getting creative. You can easily take an ordinary bit of furniture that everyone has and make it into something unique that only you have.’

Kirsty’s bed den is the perfect example of how a relatively simple idea can look amazing. She’s certainly inspired us, what are you planning on creating?

Heritage paint and wallpaper brand, Little Greene, has launched a new collection of wallpapers in collaboration with the National Trust with a playful nostalgic edge perfect for a kid’s bedroom.

Whilst the stylish wallpapers can be used in all sorts of rooms throughout the house – from bathrooms to breakfast nooks – I think they become the star of the show in a children's bedroom or nursery idea.

The new ‘Storybook Papers' collection features eight wallpaper ideas, each inspired by artefacts conserved in National Trust properties across the UK – from vintage children's toys to decorative fabrics and original artworks by children's author Beatrix Potter.

Little Greene x National Trust ‘Storybook Papers' wallpaper collection

The two prints that instantly caught my eye are the Little Greene ‘Animal Kingdom’ wallpaper in 'Atomic' – a vintage twist on a jungle safari theme featuring colourful elephants, ostriches, tigers, and penguins – and ‘Broad Stripe’ – a bold pea-green striped wallpaper that is both classic and contemporary.

However, if you're new to wallpapering, there are some tricks worth knowing to ensure you get this look right. I asked Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene, and interior stylist Laurie Davidson for their top tips on incorporating these two wallpapers into a decorating scheme that looks playful and stylish, rather than childish.

How to style 'Animal Kingdom' wallpaper

First up, think beyond just the wallpaper. You'll need paint that works with your chosen paper, and accessories that complement or contrast to tie the whole room together.

'For a gentler more harmonious scheme, take the ‘base’ or background colour of your wallpaper pattern onto your ceiling and woodwork' explains Ruth. Little Greene's 'Slaked Lime - Mid' paint is the perfect neutral match with the 'Animal Kingdom' collection.

'Or for a more maximalist approach consider taking the deepest or brightest colour from within the pattern onto your painted surfaces' Ruth suggests. Primary shades ‘Atomic Red’ and ‘Smalt Blue’ contrast perfectly.

Interiors stylist Laurie explains you can also incorporate this paint trick into a feature wall idea by using coordinating paint colours on three of the walls and only wallpapering one.

'If you have your heart set on a particular wallpaper but it's a bit more expensive than you'd like, look at how you can still incorporate it without having to buy too many rolls' shares Laurie. 'If you're only using it on one wall, make sure it's a wall you see the most, or one that you'll see as you pass by outside'.

Or, 'Why not use it above a picture rail around the top of your room, which is a smaller area to cover?' Laurie adds.

You can then source accessories – such as bedding, a bedside lamp, or furniture – that pulls out some of your favourite colours from within the wallpaper. Or consider painting existing bedroom furniture in one of your coordinating paint shades.

How to style 'Broad Stripe' wallpaper

Depending on how you style it, striped wallpaper can be 'fun and graphic' or 'elegant and regal', says Ruth.

To add more playful fun, 'Consider a striped ceiling or add floor-to-ceiling stripes in an attic bedroom for a fun way to exaggerate the angles of the space' suggests Ruth.

'Then there are smaller ways to include it, such as in the panels of wardrobe doors or lining the back of shelves in a cabinet' adds Laurie. 'And, if you have any leftover, why not use it to line drawers so that none goes to waste'.

You could pair the 'Broad Stripe' wallpaper with a tonal green such as Little Greene's 'Pea Green' for a timeless look, but I love it paired with a contrasting colour, like Little Greene's 'Heat' for a quirky edge. Then add accessories in your contrasting colour to tie the room together.

Whether you're looking for small children's bedroom ideas or have a larger room to decorate, I think the 'Storybook Papers' offer plenty of inspiration. Maybe even enough to consider getting the wallpaper paste out this weekend!

Plus, as a contribution from the sale of every roll of Little Greene wallpaper will go to support the National Trust’s conservation work, not only will your little one benefit from a newly decorated bedroom, but you'll be helping to ensure Britain’s historic houses, gardens, and open spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Children’s furniture has taken a more mature look for 2025, as the mini-me armchair trend has embraced ‘adult’ designs in kids’ sizes.

When looking for children’s room ideas, parents will want to find something both playful and practical that works with your home decor too. A high-back armchair for your six-year-old gives them their own space whilst tying into your home's aesthetic.

A twist on traditional playroom ideas, this trend centres on giving children their own grown-up furniture, to create their own bespoke living space - but why is this style of furniture trending?

Why is the mini-me armchair trend trending?

‘We are finding that this generation of parents are invested in the quality of their products – they want to buy once, and buy better. With the fast-paced world that modern day parents find themselves in, they want furniture that they can rely on,’ commented a spokesperson for Snuz.

‘As well as this, more so than ever people are curating their individual styles and aesthetics, and want pieces that fit within these, across the home. Therefore, the importance of marrying style and function means parents and parents-to-be are going to research and invest in these purchases, to ensure they make the correct choice for their little ones and their style.’

The mini-me armchair trend was created with both kids and parents in mind. It’s about functional, stylish furniture that suits your home, whilst appealing to the needs of your children.

‘Multifunctional and modular designs are key to the growing appeal of kids’ furniture. For families in smaller homes or those looking to maximise space, pieces that double as storage, seating, or sleeping solutions are well worth the investment,’ says Sebastian Clarke, Senior Designer at King Living.

‘Families are increasingly investing in furniture that is built to last, not only to reduce waste but also to avoid the need for frequent replacements. Quality kids’ furniture made from durable materials offers long-term value, reducing the need for constant updates as children grow.’

The grown-up nature of the mini-me armchair trend is also designed to last as kids grow. When your little one has had enough of dinosaurs or princess bedrooms, often we’re left with furniture that doesn’t reflect their personality. Meanwhile, adult styles in kids' sizes are more timeless - they remain stylish as your child’s tastes grow and develop.

Shop the mini-me armchair trend

These are our top picks of the trend from our favourite brands.

Think of Scandinavian style and you’ll likely conjure images of neat schemes with blonde wood, clean lines and a neutral colour palette – but what about when it comes to a child’s bedroom?

As a professional interior stylist, I can confirm that the same ethos works here too, with unfussy décor and practical furniture all key parts of a Scandi kid's bedroom. However, after styling many homeware shoots I've also found that you can have a little more fun with it.

Sweet motifs or paint effects on walls, wall-hung storage baskets, and small displays of chosen toys or books will all combine to create a cosy bedroom little ones will love to spend time in.

Need some inspiration? Read on for my key ingredients to a super-stylish Scandi kid’ bedroom…

1. Streamlined furniture

Scandi style is renowned for being simple in design, embracing light tones and minimalistic shapes, so bear this in mind when choosing furniture for a kid's room. Soft curves, pale wood and pieces that are easy to move around will keep your child’s room feeling streamlined and functional.

2. Cosy flooring

Minimal styling doesn’t have to mean bland – adding plenty of textures will help your child’s room feel nice and snug, especially underfoot. A shapely rug will add a cosy vibe but, again, keep colours soft and neutral rather than too bright or colourful.

3. Unfussy walls

Wallpaper ideas and paint effects can be used in Scandi kids’ bedrooms, but it’s important to keep them as simple as you can. For example, while this wallpaper features a sweet teddy bear pattern, the print isn’t too busy, and the neutral colours help balance it out. Finish the look with shelving and a peg rail to hang a favourite outfit.

4. Useful storage

Having a dedicated home for toys, clothes and shoes will ensure a tidy bedroom, which is important if you’re going to embrace that clean Scandi style. Storage baskets are ideal for keeping the room clutter-free, and if you don’t have much space, you could always hang them on the wall or place them on a shelf, as a smart toy storage idea.

5. Light colour palette

While Scandi looks are usually pale in colour, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to white, grey or beige. As long as you keep the rest of the room light, a colour brought in through paint or accent.

Get the look

IKEA new children’s collection SKOGSDUVA has everything we wish we could have had in our own childhood bedroom. The range is all about transforming everyday items into magical buys and it seriously delivers on imaginative children's bedroom ideas.

The new home collection focuses on encouraging kids (and adults) to be playful at home - we already love IKEA's playroom ideas but we’re obsessed with SKOGSDOVA's innovative ways of stirring our imaginations. Available to shop instore and online from 1 October, I think of it as dopamine decor for children.

SKOGSDUVA kids collection

The Toadstool Stool Cover (£5) is by far the highlight in my options. For just £5 this cute little cover will turn a boring old IKEA stool into a toadstool. Easily removable, they are machine washable and complete child-proof. However, we'd be lying if we said we hadn't considered for a moment investing in one of these covers ourselves to add as a cute little footstool in a living room.

Another stand is the shaped cushions (from £9.50). Decorated like giant flowers and logs - much like the toadstools - it brings a 3D element to the room. They're perfect for perking up a kids bed or piling up in a cosy reading corner.

Classic cuddly toys and bedding round off SKOGSDUVA to complete the magical woodland look.

‘Embedding play in the daily routines of families is an easy way of adding some playfulness into everyday life,' Says Maria Törn, Range Area Manager Children’s IKEA.

'With SKOGSDUVA we wish to inspire families to bridge the gap between wants and musts in those routines by incorporating play and storytelling.

‘Here, a pillow is also a log, a bathrobe can turn you into a lynx, and the duvet cover can inspire the bedtime story, making bedtime something to look forward to.’

Honestly, who wouldn't want to come home to story time, perched on a toadstool?

Focused on family, £1 of every sale will be donated to the UK’s Baby Bank Alliance which provides essentials to families in need.

However, if you don't have an IKEA nearby or can't wait until the 1st Oct, we've rounded up a couple of our other favourite playful kid's room pieces from the high-street.

Toys are one of the many things in life that just keep on giving, even when we really wish they wouldn't. As such, trying to keep on top of decluttering toys can often feel like an uphill battle we're constantly losing. However, with a little intention and drive, finding the best way to declutter kids toys is not as far a feat as you may think.

In an ideal world, our many carefully thought out toy storage ideas would actually stay tidy. But, the reality is that not even a day later, chaos will have already overrun your children's playroom or living room.

Therefore, to decrease the possibility of toys taking over, downsizing the number of toys available to them is one of the most effective and often underrated courses of action to take to prevent playroom storage solutions bursting at the seams once again.

'Children have far too many toys these days and research claims they only play with about 12, so why are are we all guilty of buying them more?' begins Marie Bateson, APDO's volunteers director and founder of Cut The Clutter.

'When they have too much choice or no organisation, there are lots of things that never see the light of day but clutter up our homes and make them look untidy.'

So, to help you effectively declutter kids toys, we've asked professional organisers and decluttering experts to share their top tips to get started on the mammoth task.

1. Choose your moment

Although there's never a 'perfect' moment to get started with trialling a decluttering method (as you'll never begin at that rate), there are definitely smart times to consider getting stuck in – especially with children's toys and belongings.

'The end of the summer holidays, the beginning of December, or a few weeks before a birthday can be great moments to declutter the toys in your home,' says Suz Sawtell, APDO member and founder of Declutter and Breathe.

2. Go for the easy wins

Naturally, decluttering can feel like an overwhelming task if you're thinking about the sheer number of toys you've got to sift through. Therefore, to curb this looming feeling and build momentum from the get go, set a timer for a 10-minute declutter to get the ball rolling.

'Start by decluttering toys that are broken, have been outgrown, or that you've not seen your child play with for a while,' advises Suz. 'These are all categories that may require less thought before letting them go.'

As we know from some of the most common decluttering mistakes, trying to start with sentimental items is a no-go, so this is definitely a key thing to keep in mind.

3. Consider what your kids really need

'Kids need less toys than you think to fuel their imaginations,' says Heather Tingle, APDO member and founder of Untangled by Tingle. 'Declutter by supporting your child to decide what stays and what goes.'

While it's easy to believe you know what's best for your child (and 9 times out 10, you probably do), you should take note of the toys they actually gravitate towards on a day-to-day basis and declutter accordingly.

'Give your child the autonomy to make their own decisions, which will become a life long skill – even if it means ditching the 'worthy' toys and keeping the plastic tat,' adds Heather.

4. Make it easy to put away

One of the easiest ways to keep kids toys organised is to have help from your children to keep things in order – and the most reliable way to consistently enlist their help is to make it simple to follow. This goes for both hidden toy storage ideas as well as toy storage for small living rooms (and beyond).

'Use visual labels so children don't have to remember where things go. Open baskets or boxes work really well, as well as the obvious KALLAX units from IKEA,' notes Heather. While you're here, it's also important not to overcomplicate and over categorise. 'Use broad categories to keep similar items together, but don't be overly restrictive over how they're stored,'

Similar to the last point of allowing your kids autonomy, giving them the means to easily participate in tidying up will also build good habits. To start building up this routine, consider the below storage buys to get them started.

5. Implement a toy rotation

To keep things fresh, it could also be worth rotating toys to consistently capture your kids' attention (as well as be an excuse to keep the majority of other toys stored away for the meantime).

'Reducing the number of toys your children has ready access to can help them to focus in their playing and fully explore a toy,' says Suz.

'The benefits include increased engagement, enhanced creativity and imagination, reduced overwhelm, improved focus and attention – and it makes clearing up quicker,' explains Nicola Fraser, APDO member and founder of Organised Living with Nicola.

6. Create an exit strategy

Now you've sifted through and decided on the toys you want to keep, ensuring you've got a proper exit strategy in plan is just as crucial to keep the clutter truly at bay. Failing to do this will just mean you've moved your clutter from boxes in a small playroom to boxes that will sit in your hallway for weeks on end (and eventually make their way back to your little ones' grasp).

'Items that are broken and need to go in the kerbside bin can be placed there with ease. However, if booking a trip to the recycling centre, to do a charity shop drop or to donate to a local toy drive is required, book a date in to your diary at your earliest opportunity,' advises Suz.

7. Learn to say 'no'

If you've made it this far, then you've already completed the hardest part of decluttering toys. However, as we're well aware, this isn't a one and done thing but rather a lifestyle that needs to continually be upheld. As such, you've got to be strong willed enough to be intentional about what enters your home going forward and learning how to say no.

'We all have well meaning friends and relatives who, very kindly, will pass on toys that their children have outgrown or no longer play with. You don't need to accept them if you don't want them or have space for them,' reminds Nicola.

There's no use favouring being 'polite' if you know it'll just create chaos in your home and leave you feeling too overwhelmed to declutter. Granted, it's easier than done, but it's a good habit to incorporate into your life even aside from kids toys to prevent you from hoarding and collecting too much than you realistically need.

Staying on top of keeping less toys will never be a straight forward journey, but hopefully following these tips will help you get one step closer to discovering the best way to declutter kids toys – and keep it that way.

Walls in any room play a crucial role in bringing the space together. But when it comes to a playroom, the walls play an even more important role as the walls are where the room really comes alive – as long as you go for the best and most suitable ideas for playroom walls for your kids, of course.

Every child, along with their likes and needs, is different. And that should be reflected in the playroom ideas and design you impart on what is ultimately their space. Making them involved in the design and decision processes is a good way to go about it, including what you do with the four walls of their play area.

‘When decorating a children’s area, it is important to consider your child’s personality and tastes, and how they might evolve in the future,’ says Annica Wallin, creative director of Scandinavian wall art brand, Desenio.

From wallpaper to paint ideas and even toy storage, these are some of the ways in which you can make the most of your kids’ playroom walls.

1. Create a playful wall mural

Wallpaper ideas are great for playrooms, whether you cover only one feature wall with it or all of them. It’s an easy way to inject some pattern and colour into the space. But what’s even better than a regular wallpaper is a wall mural. There are wallpaper brands that make wallpaper murals or you can even paint one yourself.

‘Adding wallpaper murals with playful themes like animals, space, the jungle, or underwater scenes can transform a room and ignite children’s imaginations,’ says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at I Love Wallpaper. ‘You can even use different wallpapers to create themed corners or zones within the playroom.’

2. Put wallpaper on the ceiling

You should never forget about the fifth wall of the room – the ceiling. Especially in a playroom as you can get playful with it and mimic the appearance of the sky – whether that’s the sky during the day with clouds and the sun shining or a night sky with stars and even planets.

‘If you want to take it further, don’t forget the fifth wall! Using wallpaper on the ceiling to create a starry night scene or magical sky can add even more excitement to the room,’ Chelsea says.

3. Paint walls in pastel colours

Pastel shades are one of the latest paint trends. But not only that, soft pastels also make for the perfect colour scheme for kids’ playrooms and bedrooms as they introduce colour but in a calm way.

‘Choosing colours for a playroom will all come down to what mood you want the room to have. Soft yellows, light blues and greens are known to evoke happiness, creativity and create a cheerful atmosphere. Light blue and green in particular have a calming effect, which can help balance the energy of an active playroom,’ Chelsea recommends.

Also if you’re undecided whether to go for a wallpaper or paint on your children’s playroom walls, just know you can do both only in different sections of the room. But there are also pros and cons to both.

‘Both wallpaper and paint can work for playrooms in different ways depending on personal preference. Wallpaper offers an array of designs, patterns, and themes, allowing you to create an engaging and unique environment that is tailored to your child’s interests. On the other hand, paint can be more flexible and cost-effective, allowing for easy updates and touch ups as children grow and their preferences change,’ Chelsea explains.

4. Include educational motifs

You can make learning fun. Especially when incorporating it in a fun environment like a playroom. From map wallpapers to alphabet art prints, they will all help your child learn without even knowing it.

‘Keep the playroom enchanting but educational! Combine alphabet prints, educational animal posters and fun world maps. This creates educational talking points throughout the room,’ Annica says.

Chelsea agrees, ‘Educational patterns with numbers, the alphabet, maps, or shapes can make a playroom both fun and instructional, allowing children to learn in a playful manner.’

5. Use walls for storage

It’s not just decorative purposes that playroom walls can be used for. It’s also the perfect space to include some playroom storage ideas and free up some extra space for play.

‘Functional decorations like hooks or pegboards can help keep a playroom organised,’ Chelsea suggests.

From hooks - they can even be playful ones shaped like animals like these Wooden Animal Wall Hooks from Amazon - to pegboards and even shelves to display their books and toys, anything can go on those playroom walls.

6. Hang their favourite prints and posters

‘Wall art is a great choice for a child’s room because they can easily be switched up as they grow and develop new interests,’ Annica says.

Wall art is perfect for bringing some more vibrant colours into the space, as well as make your little ones happy by displaying anything from their favourite animals to favourite movie characters.

‘Consider hanging colourful artwork or posters that feature your child’s favourite characters or choose a favourite feature from the wallpapers,’ Chelsea adds.

Annica recommends a picture ledge to best display these, although hanging them on the wall is also a great option. ‘Use picture ledges to easily vary and switch out your designs without needing to drill new holes in the wall.’

7. Decorate with your child's name

Let your little one know that this is truly their space by personalising it with their name, displayed front and centre on the wall. They are sure to love it.

‘Custom name signs will make the space uniquely theirs,’ Chelsea confirms.

Annica adds to the idea, ‘For a personal and timeless detail, feature your child’s initials in a watercolour print.’

8. Invest in display frames for your kids’ art

In our opinion, whatever else you decorate your kids’ playroom walls with, there is one element that you simply can’t miss – and that’s their own art that they themselves have produced, displayed proudly on the walls of their fun area.

But to display their pieces of art well, we recommend these Amazon frames designed specifically for kids’ art so you’re able to open them from the front and simply add the latest one on top of the last one. Or you can swap them out if you wish.

‘Frames that once displayed illustrations for your newborn can later show prints of their favourite movie characters. Investing in frames and setting up a gallery wall that can grow with your child is a great way to create an interior that will be loved for years to come,’ Annica concludes.

Get the look

And that’s how you make your little one’s playroom all the more special.

A playroom should be a fun, inspiring and stimulating space for your children, no matter the size of the room. Small playroom ideas can be just as entertaining, playful and even stylish as long as you’re clever with the use of space.

Every good playroom idea needs to take all the different uses of the space into consideration and cater to all of them – from playing to doing arts and crafts, reading and relaxing. And considering the sheer volume of toys most children have at their disposal, playroom storage ideas are also very important to take into consideration. Otherwise you could be in danger of having one chaotic and messy room on your hands. So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen with our top small playroom ideas.

You can even make it into a bonding family activity by inviting your kids to be included in the design process. ‘Turning a small room into a kids’ playroom can be a really fun, family experience. Encourage your children to get involved by inviting their designs, framing their artwork and asking them what they want to go where – you will see which toys are most important to them and which are the ones you need to make easiest to reach,’ says Lynn Tjoeng, product manager at premium Scandinavian furniture brand, Stokke.

1. Include plenty of storage

As already mentioned, toy storage ideas should be at the top of your priority list when designing your children’s playroom – as the right storage solutions will make sure the room is organised and effectively utilised.

‘The best storage for a small playroom includes wall shelves to save floor space, bins and baskets that are stackable and easy to move,’ says Alex Tolofson at Nöa & Nani. ‘Hanging organisers can utilise back-of-door space and walls, while under-furniture storage makes use of the space under beds and tables. These storage solutions help keep the playroom organised and clutter-free.’

Jade Crow, nursery buyer for Jojo Maman Bébé, continues, ‘How do you solve a problem like storage space? Enormous storage bags. Clear away unnecessary clutter and transform a room by folding away clothes and toys that aren’t used daily into easy-to-lift bags. Keep the bags high to ensure pesky mitts stay away from bags they shouldn’t be touching.’

2. Utilise vertical space

‘Vertical storage solutions, such as shelving and wall-mounted organisers, free up floor space,’ Alex says.

And Siân Pelleschi, professional organiser, owner of Sorted! and APDO president, agrees, ‘Vertical storage is the best way to keep on top of small spaces.’

But it’s not just vertical storage that you can incorporate into your little ones’ playroom. You can also either build in an extra floor to create another surface area for your children to use or put in a piece of furniture that comes with that extra space like the Flair Nook House Midsleeper Wooden Bed from Bed Kingdom where the top can be made into a reading nook and the bottom can be used for play.

3. Incorporate multifunctional furniture

Multifunctional furniture that serves more than one purpose (one of which should ideally be hidden toy storage) is a must in a small playroom.

‘Use multi-functional furniture that serves multiple purposes to save space and maximise utility, like storage benches or toy boxes and ottomans,’ Alex says.

Lynn adds, ‘It’s all about making the most of every part of the space. A toy box that can also be used as a window seat for example is key.’

4. Go for a Scandinavian look

Just like when designing any other space, it’s not all about practicality. The space also needs to appeal - and you can achieve that through decorating. And given you’re working with a small space, you can also use decorating to make the room appear bigger than it is. Light colours of course do that best as they reflect the light better than dark shades.

‘For a stylish look, natural Scandinavian wood colours, whites and greys are very popular and means that you can add colour with books, pictures or posters without clashing too much with the wall or shelving unit colours. They give a clean look,’ Lynn says.

5. Keep the centre of the room open

Don’t clutter the space with either toys or even pieces of furniture as the playroom still needs to remain spacious enough for play. The best way of going about that is by leaving the centre of the room open.

‘Choose compact furniture that suits the room's size and keep the centre of the room open for play,’ Alex says.

6. Create zoned areas

When designing a playroom of any shape and size, it’s best to create different activity zones – perhaps a cosy reading den in one corner, a little desk with a chair can be designated for arts and crafts and a central area with an activity rug or play mat can be reserved for imaginative play.

‘To turn a small room into a kids' playroom, start by planning the layout and deciding on zones for different activities,’ Alex says.

Lynn adds, ‘There are so many lovely play mats out there to choose from that also helps to create a zone for them.’

Our top picks

FAQs

How do you create a play area in the living room?

If your home doesn’t have enough rooms to accommodate a standalone playroom, you can create a play area for your little ones in the family living room.

‘Start by defining the space with a rug to delineate the play area,’ says Alex Tolofson at Nöa & Nani. ‘Use low shelving to keep toys within reach and organised, and incorporate storage bins for quick and easy clean-up. A small table and chairs are ideal for crafts and activities. Must-haves for the play area include books to foster a love for reading, art supplies to encourage creativity, building toys to promote problem-solving and motor skills, and soft toys for comfort and imaginative play. These elements create an engaging, organised, and functional play space that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the room.’

How to make a playroom cosy?

One of the benefits of a small playroom is that you can easily make it feel cosy thanks to its compact and cocooning disposition. But there are ways in which you can enhance that feel.

‘For a cosy feel, create a den with cushions and bean bags for a reading nook. Perhaps set up a shelf with all your child’s favourite toys on,’ says Jade Crow, nursery buyer for Jojo Maman Bébé.

So no matter how small a space you’re working with, just know you can always make it work with a little creativity and ingenuity.

At the end of a long day, when you’ve packed the kids off to bed and you’re finally curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine and your bae/dog/cat to watch telly, the last thing you want to see is the living room door being pushed open by a wide-awake child.

How to sleep better is a question we all have to face at some time in our lives. With children, it’s one you’ll have to answer for them – for their and your own wellbeing. If it’s an issue you’re struggling with, Lisa Artis, sleep expert and deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity can reassure you: ‘Facing challenges with your child’s sleep can be frustrating, but there are many ways you can prevent or improve sleep issues. One simple step is to look at your child’s bedroom. It plays an essential part in getting a good night’s sleep.’

 ‘Creating an environment conducive to sleep involves thoughtful design choices that cater to the senses and promote relaxation,’ says Lisa. So when you’re looking for kids’ bedroom ideas, always bear the following principles in mind…

1. Lower the lights and ban screens

Lisa Artis continues, ‘Use dimmable lights or lamps with warm bulbs to create a gentle transition from day to night. Avoid bright, harsh lighting close to bedtime.

‘Make bedrooms a no-screen zone so that they’re not tempted to watch TV. The blue light emitted slows down the production of melatonin (the sleepy hormone), making it harder for them to go to sleep.’

Paediatric sleep practitioner Tabitha Moynagh adds, ‘Safeguard that lovely, peaceful haven for your children and keep screens out!’ 

2. Fit blackout blinds or curtains

Take steps to make the room darker for better sleep. ‘Light can disrupt sleep,’ explains Lisa. ‘Installing blackout curtains or blinds can help to create a dark, sleep-friendly environment, especially in the lighter months when the days are brighter and longer.’

Tabitha Moynagh says, ‘A darkened room signals to the brain that it is sleep time, not awake time. If a bedroom is too light and the child can pick out shapes and toys in their room, they are more likely to be distracted or tempted to get out of bed to play rather than fall asleep. Out of sight, out of mind!’ 

3. Keep the room cool

Tabitha Moynagh advises, ‘For babies, 18-20˚C is recommended as the safest sleep temperature. For other ages, 16-18˚C is ideal. If we are too hot, we will struggle to fall or stay asleep because it can suppress melatonin production.’

Check your tog rating, too:  ‘Ensure bedding is appropriate according to the seasons and the temperature in your home. For example, draughty old buildings with single glazing might require a higher-tog duvet than an efficiently insulated new-build home. Use common sense and follow safe sleep advice for babies from Lullabytrust.org.uk.’ 

4. Check the mattress

Lisa Artis asks, ‘Is your child’s mattress comfy? Does it still fit their needs, or have they outgrown it? Your little ones don’t stay little for long, so it’s important to regularly check that the mattress is still suitable.’

Do your research to find the best mattress, making sure your child tries it before you buy. 

5. Choose natural-fibre bedding

Tabitha Moynagh advises, ‘Avoid synthetic fabrics which can make it harder to regulate body temperature and increase sweating. Those who struggle with being too hot find bamboo sheets are ideal.’

If your child has sensory issues around texture, she suggests, ‘Give your child some autonomy in their pyjama choices and notice what they are drawn to and what they avoid in other environments and see what you can translate into bedding. For example, fluffy or silky, smooth textures. 

'However, please don’t give your child a weighted blanket to sleep under,' Tabitha warns. 'They are not safe for this use. They can be wonderful for snuggling under when your child needs help calming down or soothing, or just to feel cosy when reading or watching TV, but they should not be slept under unless advised by a qualified occupational therapist.’

6. Declutter regularly

In 2015, a study at St Lawrence University in New York found that a cluttered bedroom goes hand in hand with a poor night’s sleep. Lisa Artis says, ‘This can be a tough one to keep on top of, but a tidy room can contribute to a peaceful mind. Keep toys and distractions out of sight at bedtime, particularly those associated with active play.’

Tabitha Moynagh adds, ‘Ideally, toys should be kept in another room or out of sight at bedtime. For older children and teens, it’s nice to be able to hide away homework and laptops, etc, so they can associate the room with calm and rest rather than school and homework.’

Try turning decluttering into a game kids will enjoy by using the scavenger hunt method.

7. Decorate with calm colours

Tabitha advises, ‘Avoid overstimulating designs. For example, bright colours and lots of pictures or posters might be too alerting. Ask yourself, is this room conducive to calm, rest and sleep, or is it a hub of playful themes and favourite cartoon characters? Children don’t need themed rooms to sleep well.’

For the walls, consider colours that support sleep. Karen Haller, colour and design psychology expert, and author of bestseller The Little Book of Colour recommends, ‘Go for soft, low saturated colours for a child’s bedroom as a child’s energy is sensitive and so is their response to colour. This will help to prepare your child for a peaceful, restorative night’s sleep. My top three colours using the principles of colour psychology are as follows:

• Soft light blue – soothes and calms the mind, reducing mental activity, overthinking and aids in a deeper and more restorative sleep.
• Soft light green – helps the body to transition smoothly into sleep for a restorative, peaceful night sleep and waking up feeling refreshed and ready for play.
• Soft pink – supports children by physically soothing which helps to reduce restlessness, sleeplessness and waking during the night. Soft pink is like being wrapped in a cuddle.’

8. Minimise noise

Tabitha Moynah says, ‘Use soft surfaces to absorb sound, such as curtains, rugs and upholstered wall panels. Consider double glazing or window insulation. In the winter, children are sometimes woken early in the morning by the sound of central heating turning on. If you notice this happening, consider delaying the heating or time it to come on earlier in the night instead. If you’re concerned about unwanted noise in your living environment, you can mask it with a white noise machine. Follow the guidelines for safe use, though.’

FAQs

 Why is my five- year-old having trouble sleeping? 

Lisa Artis says, ‘Children at this age can have trouble sleeping for various reasons, ranging from developmental changes to environmental factors. Here are some potential causes:

• Separation anxiety: Five-year-olds often experience fear of being away from parents, which can make bedtime challenging.
• Overstimulation: Activities and screen time close to bedtime can overstimulate their brains, making it hard to wind down.
• Inconsistent routine: Irregular sleep schedules can disrupt their internal clocks. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is crucial. We recommend starting around an hour before bedtime and could include having a light snack, doing calming activities such as drawing and jigsaw puzzles, a warm bath, PJs on, and into bed for storytime.
• Nightmares: At this age, children begin to develop vivid imaginations, which can lead to nightmares and nighttime awakenings. This is normal and it’s important to offer your child comfort and reassurance.
• Sugar: Avoid sugary snacks and drinks a couple of hours before bed. If your child is hungry, some great sleepy foods include bananas, cherries, wholewheat cereals and wholemeal toast.

 How do I help my 10 year old to sleep? 

‘Establish a routine. A consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even at weekends, can help regulate their sleep patterns,' recommends Lisa. ‘Encourage screen-free time at least an hour before bedtime. Exposure to screens before bed can interfere with melatonin production.'

Children will also benefit from bedtime rituals, ‘create a relaxing pre-bedtime ritual. Activities like reading, taking a bath, or practising relaxation techniques can signal to their body that it’s time to sleep,' says Lisa.

Lisa also says to ‘encourage physical activity during the day. This can promote better sleep at night. However, avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.'

She does point out that anxiety and stress could be effecting sleep in 10 year olds. 'School and social pressures can impact sleep. Create a supportive environment where they can talk about their worries,' she recommends.

If you don't manage to help your little one to get to sleep tonight, try some of these tips and be kind to yourself as it might take a few days for a new routine to sink in and become effective.

Somewhere between the poster paint primary colours of school playrooms and the pared-back tones of 'sad beige parenting', there's the perfect calming colour palette for children's rooms. These soothing Goldilocks hues hit the 'just right' sweet spot between overstimulating and downright dull in a kid's bedroom, with the happy consequence that both kids and parents will be thrilled with the results.

'People often think that calming interiors need to be neutral in tone, but colour can have a huge impact on your mood and on creating a calm ambience,' explains Lou Petersen, head of design innovation at DFS. 

Calming colours for kids' bedrooms

'Nature remains a key source of inspiration for interiors and is known for its grounding effect,' continues Lou Petersen, 'so one way to use colour to create a sense of calm is to opt for a palette that reflects shades found in the natural world, such as soft blues and greens. Using a mix of these shades across upholstery pieces will create an easy-going yet cohesive look.'

We spoke to experts in calming colours for kids' bedrooms, from designers to scientists, to find the best hues to create a soothing and stylish scheme for little ones. These ideas are so good, the adults are sure to learn from them, too… 

1. White and pale neutrals

Think kids and white bedroom ideas don't mix? Think again. Walls are surprisingly easy to keep clean, thanks to scrubbable and hardwearing white paints. Decorating with white also has the added bonus of making small children's rooms appear bigger. Then there's the fact that white and other pale neutral colours are naturally relaxing, making them a great base as calming colours for kids' bedrooms.

'When space is tight, the colour palette you choose can make a big impact. Focus on a soothing, neutral palette that forms a flexible foundation – opt for light, neutral base colours such as soft whites, greys or light yellow for walls, ceilings and larger furniture pieces,' suggests interior designer Zara O'Hare, for nursery brand Jojo Maman Bébé. 

'Have fun mixing natural textures such as wool knits, linen, wood grains and subtle patterns including stripes, triangles or abstract prints, which add cosy interest,' Zara continues.

'Then layer cheerful pops of colour like aqua, lime green, or even bright orange sparingly on bedding, small decor items and artwork. A few colourful accents will keep it fun without overwhelming a smaller room.'

2. Warm and earthy tones

The trend for caramel, chocolate and toffee tones we're seeing across interiors translates beautifully to children's room colour ideas. These comforting colours are cocooning and cosy, creating a calming space for kids to spend time in.

'Natural earthy tones combined with light shades of wood are very calming for children's bedrooms,' agrees Rina Patel, director at Vastu Interior Design. 

For a super-soothing effect, especially if your young one can find it hard to slow down or has trouble sleeping, think about these colours for the lighting in their room, too.

'To improve sleep, it is an idea to include a low-level night light with red or amber rays in your child's room,' Rina advises. 'Warm colours like red or amber are better for sleep, while blue light from electronic devices should be avoided as it can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. Projecting mobiles for babies or gently twinkling lights for preschool children can encourage sleep and become part of the bedtime routine.'

3. Soft and natural greens

For a kids' room that combines calming colours with longevity as they progress from tot to teen, then you can't go wrong with green. And if you colour drench your green bedroom from ceiling to floor, even better.

'A spectrum of green shades – ranging from blue-greens, aqua, jade, to pale olive tones – is particularly soothing,' suggests interior designer Rina Patel. 'Creating a room scheme using similar hues while avoiding high contrast colours creates a serene environment. Green-based schemes are grounding, gender-neutral and remain appealing as the child grows older.'

This instinct is backed by science. 'Greens are the most eye-friendly of colours as they combine the cheerfulness of yellow with the mellowness of blue,' explains chartered clinical psychologist Dr Melody Smith for JoJo Maman Bébé. 'Evidence shows that blues reduce stress and promote creativity, and are a popular choice for a child’s room. Blues can also encourage more creative approaches to problem-solving. Yellow is a happy colour that is best used in small amounts, for example as an accent or balancing colour in a nursery.'

4. Zoned and Zen colours

Bright shades do have their place in children's rooms but the trick is to create a balance of zoned colourful areas and Zen calm areas, so the space doesn't become overstimulating.

'A calming bedroom can make a real difference to a child’s bedtime routine, helping to create a tranquil atmosphere that encourages them to sleep. However, in the day, it’s also important that this space feels like an engaging, playful space that they can make their own,' says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS.

'As the bed is likely to be the largest piece of furniture in a child's bedroom, choosing a statement headboard that stands the test of time and will take them through to the tween years is a great way to anchor the scheme.

'To keep the bed the standout piece in an otherwise tranquil scheme, go for light and airy wall and floor coverings in complementary plain tones to keep the scheme calming, yet still interesting. 

'You could also pair the bed and headboard with darker colours to create a scheme that’s calm, comforting and cocooning, building the look by layering with heritage prints such as checks or tartans, and a dash of rich green.'

5. Unexpected red

The unexpected red trend – using accents of bold red to elevate the look of a room – works surprisingly well in kids' bedrooms, when it's done right.

While big blocks of bright colour can be overstimulating, smaller red details can create a happy, creative space for children to spend time in. Interior designer Zara O'Hare, working with Jojo Maman Bébé, explains.

'When painting a nursery, avoid bright blocks of colours such as reds, oranges or yellows. These colours can be overstimulating and may not promote a calming environment in which your little one can get ready for rest. While not strictly a colour, it's worth mentioning that overly busy patterns can be distracting or overstimulating for infants too.'

But here's where it gets interesting…

'Red in moderation can transform a room into a cheerful space. It can also improve performance on detail-oriented tasks,' says chartered clinical psychologist Dr Melody Smith. 'A bit of red can liven up a room, but too much might be overwhelming. Balance is key - it's great to mix colours in children's bedrooms.'

6. Storytime murals

Calming colours for kids' bedrooms don't simply need to be plain shades. Adding texture, small patterns and even murals can create a cocooning space that kids find soothing and immersive.

'Textured wall coverings with small prints or self-patterns on all walls can create a cosy, "hug-like" feel, and murals can provide a fully encompassing experience and atmosphere depending on the pattern,' explains interior designer Rina Patel. 

'Rugs and play mats can also add colour and pattern to the room without being visible when the child is in bed, so they won't be distractng when they are trying to sleep.'

As the experts show, there's a huge range of possibilities when choosing calming colours for kids' bedrooms, which gives plenty of scope for you and your children to explore your creativity while still creating a soothing sanctuary that you can all enjoy.

Children's bedroom furniture ideas are the key to creating a kid's bedroom that's practical and functional, as well as making it a fun and creative space for a child to play and learn.

After all, a children's room needs to fulfil a lot of criteria, providing a restful area for sleep, a safe space for play, and somewhere to store clothes and, of course, toys! That's why choosing the right kid's bedroom furniture is vital to making this space work well for both children and parents.

This is even more important if you're working with a small kids bedroom, where any furniture choices need to work extra hard to earn their place.

10 children's bedroom furniture ideas

To make sure you're investing in furniture that will really perform in a kid's bedroom – whether that's a toddler's or a teenager's bedroom – we've asked multiple children's furniture experts for their advice on the essentials you should be considering when furnishing a kid's room.

We've also rounded up the best places to shop children's furniture below.

1. Choose a transitional bed

A bed is obviously going to be a key piece of furniture in any bedroom, but when you're thinking about childrens bed ideas, there are a few additional factors to consider.

'A good first bed for children transitioning from a cot or a toddler bed should prioritize safety, comfort, and design', says Alex Tolofson of children's furniture retailer Nöa & Nani. 'Ideally you want a bed with a low profile, ensuring that it is close to the ground to minimize the risk of falls and to allow children to get in and out of bed independently, and selecting a design that appeals to kids can make the transition exciting'.

If you need to factor a shared bedroom into your furniture choices, then 'low midsleeper bunk beds combine the fun and space-saving benefits of traditional bunk beds with enhanced safety' says Alex. 'Being closer to the ground reduces the risk of injury from falls, making them a safer option for younger children. Additionally, the lower height makes it easier for kids to climb in and out of bed, fostering independence and confidence'. We love the Tuva Cabin Bed with Bunk Underbed, £280 from Nöa & Nani.

2. Think storage, storage, storage

Whether your working with a small children's bedroom, or have more space to play with, you can never, ever, have too much storage in a kid's bedroom as far as we're concerned – whether that's wardrobe space or toy storage ideas.

'Good storage is a great investment for any nursery or child’s bedroom as it allows you to maintain an element of organisation in what can be quite a busy space', agrees Lisa Coppin, Chief Creative Officer at The Cotswold Company.

Think a wardrobe, chest of drawers, and a storage box that can hide a multitude of sins – from extra bedding to toys, toys, and more toys – like this SMÅSTAD Bench with toy storage from £85 at IKEA.

3. Make sure toys are in easy reach with scaled down shelves

However, whilst you'll definitely want storage to stash away lesser used items, toys or books that your child plays with frequently are sometimes better stored within easy reach.

'Effective storage solutions are crucial for maintaining order and fostering a sense of responsibility, holding everything from toys, clothes, and stationary supplies, making it easier for children to find what they need and tidy up after themselves', explains Sarah Link, marketing director, at La Redoute.

The Sueno Child's Bookcase, £155, at La Redoute is a great option for displaying books and toys somewhere easily accessible but off the floor.

4. Add a desk or table for activities

If you have the space, then as Sarah continues to explain, 'incorporating tables and desks can significantly enhance children’s study habits and creative activity, providing a dedicated space for homework and reading'.

If space is at a premium then look for a table or desk with a narrow depth that can be pushed back against a wall and a chair or stool that can be tucked underneath.

For little ones, we love the Kids Maisy Desk and Stool Set, £55, from Dunelm which comes in four colourways and is the perfect spot for drawing and colouring in.

5. Look for multifunctional furniture

If you're furnishing a small kid's bedroom then space-saving or multifunctional furniture is key.

Look for a bed with hidden storage, or storage boxes with padded tops that can double as somewhere for your child to sit and read.

'Consider versatile furniture with built in drawers or shelves like the Roxana Mid Height Platform Bed, £575, at La Redoute to create a clutter-free environment that promotes better focus and relaxation' suggests La Redoute's Sarah Link.

6. Consider furniture placement

As well as the furniture itself, it's just as important to consider its placement. 'Start by positioning the bed in a corner or against a wall to maximize floor space for play' advises Alex Tolofson of Nöa & Nani.

'Allocate a dedicated play area, ideally on a soft rug, away from high-traffic zones to minimise accidents' he continues, 'and arrange storage solutions like chest of drawers, bookshelves, and toy chests along the walls to keep the centre of the room open'.

'Keep surfaces clear and floor level clutter to a minimum making the space easy to clean', agrees Lisa Coppin of The Cotswold Company.

7. Think longterm

When considering which children's bedroom furniture ideas you want to incorporate into your child's bedroom, you'll also want to consider how the room will need to change as your little one gradually becomes not-so-little.

This means you can invest in furniture that offers longevity and will adapt as your child grows, rather than replacing a whole kid's bedroom furniture set when your toddler becomes a tween, and when you eventually need to consider bedroom ideas for a young adult (sob!).

'When choosing the right desk or table, consider factors such as the child’s age, size of the room and the furniture’s design. Adjustable desks that grow with the child, ample storage options and a style that suits the home interior are essential for functionality and aesthetic' suggests Sarah from La Redoute.

8. Don't forget wall furniture

If space is at a premium then don't forget you can also utilise the walls for extra storage space.

'Storage solutions like toy chests, bookshelves, and multi-functional furniture can help keep the room organized and clutter-free' says Alex from Nöa & Nani. And, anything that helps with decluttering a kids bedroom is good news in our book!

Adding shelves provides useful extra storage for books and smaller items, and also provides kids with somewhere to display their favourite toys. We love the practical yet stylish Chester Bookshelves, £99, at The Cotswold Company.

9. Add a pop of colour

Unexpected colour combinations bring a sense of fun, creativity and playfulness to a children's bedroom, and can also inspire your little one's imagination.

Becca Stern, Co-Founder and Creative Director of furniture manufacturer Mustard Made says 'If you want to add a unique touch of personality to your kids room, why not try something a little surprising? Unexpected colour combinations give off fresh, playful, energising vibes'.

When incorporating furniture into colourful childrens bedroom ideas, just make sure to consider longevity. Sticking to smaller pieces of furniture, such as The Shorty £139 at Mustard Made, means items can be more easily swapped in and out of a room if and when your kid's tastes change.

10. Add the finishing touch with accessories

Once you have the basics in place, and a bed and storage furniture sorted, then you can go about adding the finishing touches to the room.

'To inject a sense of fun, style the space with colourful accessories, like table lamps and cushions', says Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village. 'These smaller pieces can be easily switched out or updated as your child grows up and their tastes evolve'.

Where to shop children's bedroom furniture

• John Lewis: good quality kids furniture
• Dunelm: wide range of budget-friendly options
• IKEA: practical space-saving designs
• Argos: affordable kids furniture
• Nöa & Nani: stylish and practical kids furniture
• La Redoute: kids furniture and accessories
• Furniture Village: childrens bedroom furniture
• The Cotswold Company: quality furniture
• Happy Beds: childrens beds for all ages
• H&M Home: kids storage and accessories

How to choose children's bedroom furniture

As Sarah from La Redoute says, 'Creating an ideal child’s bedroom environment involves a thoughtful balance of functionality, safety, and creativity. By choosing well-designed and durable furniture, you can craft a space that supports your kid’s development while still reflecting their personality and providing a space they enjoy spending time in'.

'One essential factor that must be considered is safety' she continues, suggesting that when furnishing a childrens bedroom it's best to 'avoid furniture with sharp edges and instead opt for round corners allowing freedom for activity'.

Alex Tolofson from Nöa & Nani agrees, advising that it's best to prioritise safety 'by selecting furniture that is age appropriate and adheres to UK safety regulations'.

It's also important to look for children's bedroom furniture that is hardwearing and durable. This isn't just for longevity, but also for safety reasons. As Sarah explains, 'selecting sturdy and well-constructed furniture is essential for safety, durability, and comfort. High-quality products which can withstand the wear and tear of daily use prevents frequent replacement and also potential injuries'.

With longevity in mind, it's also important to think about future-proofing the children's furniture you invest in. Thinking ahead to how your furniture will need to adapt as your child gets older means you won't be shelling out for new furniture when designs begin to feel too 'babyish' for a growing child. That also makes for more sustainable choices.

Alex of Nöa & Nani suggests 'choosing colours and themes that can easily adapt as your child grows, ensuring longevity'.

Shelley Cochrane of Furniture Village is also in favour, saying that children's bedroom furniture ideas 'should reflect your child’s personal style. Of course, the space needs to feel fun, imaginative and creative but it needs to offer longevity too, as their tastes will change as they grow up'.

Rex Isap, CEO and sleep expert at Happy Beds also suggests considering scale when you're thinking about children's bedroom furniture ideas, especially if you're furnishing a room for a toddler or younger child. He says, 'Children are often fearful of what could be hiding in or behind tall and long items in their room, such as a full-size wardrobe or floor-length curtains. Try swapping to a shorter wardrobe, curtains, or even blinds to prevent their imaginations from running wild'.

Lastly, Alex says 'involve your child in the selection process to incorporate their preferences and create a space they will love'.

Whether you're looking to furnish a girl's bedroom, boy's bedroom, or a gender neutral kid's bedroom, we think you'll agree that our experts have offered plenty of top tips to help create a chidren's bedroom that delivers on all fronts.

We don't know about you, but Zoe Sugg was our 'it' girl back in the 2010s. Having played a huge role in defining the beauty and lifestyle area of YouTube with her much-anticipated Primark hauls and vlogs under the 'Zoella' name, she now takes to her socials to share snippets of family life as a mum of two.

Considering Zoe pioneered some of the most popular fashion trends back in the day, it will come as no surprise that her interior style is just as stylish, materialising as playful yet equally elevated nursery ideas. In a recent Instagram photo, she shared a snap of her nursery, adorned with beautiful floral wallpaper complete with a colour-drenched fireplace and shelving in a complementary light blue.

Despite the growing idea that neutral and minimalist nurseries like Molly Mae's are the favoured choice among newer parents, rest assured that colourful nursery ideas are still as alive as ever – and the YouTuber's beautiful nursery is a testament to that.

'Zoe has created a playful, colourful, and elevated nursery using a beautiful floral spring pattern and colour palette,' begins Chelsea Clark, head of brand at Lust Home. 'Pastels are a big trend for 2024 and Zoe has incorporated this colour palette through her use of blue throughout the room. The blue of the flowers perfectly matches the woodwork and fireplace, giving the room a cohesive feel.'

So, not only is blue at the top of the list as far as the latest paint trends go, but given the many colours that go with light blue, the possibilities for styling your interiors using this refreshing hue are endless. Not to mention, light blue also works a dream as the perfect calming colour to paint a nursery or for achieving a calming bedroom scheme.

Better yet, going full colour-drenching mode by taking the light blue up to the fireplace, shelving, and even the cabinets we can see reflected in her mirror, Zoe has shown how even opting for a 'bolder' paint idea can still be achieved in a beautiful and pared-back way.

'By picking out one of the lesser colours in the wallpaper, Zoe has ensured that her child's bedroom is pretty and whimsical, though not so predictable or themed that the baby will grow out of it quickly,' adds interior designer Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design.

Chelsea even highlights Zoe's further use of accessories in a complementary palette, including a wooden rainbow ornament, stuffed toy, and even a playful bobbin mirror similar to the ones we've seen taking centre stage among the latest home decor trends. She explains that tying the room together as such makes the space feel 'fun yet considered'. It's all about the details, after all.

If there's one thing Zoe's nursery design has made us sure of, it's that we'd always choose a characterful nursery over one lacking colour or interest any day. Just because gender-neutral nurseries and the like are growing in popularity doesn't automatically mean they have to live in the confines of beige alone.

'When choosing a theme for a nursery, it's important to pick a style that will grow with your child as they grow, whilst still being in keeping with the interior design throughout the rest of the home,' explains Chelsea. 'If you incorporate colour and pattern throughout other spaces in the home, why should your children's nursery or bedroom be any different?'

So, instead of letting a neutral scheme define a nursey design, let go and experiment! Ann Marie concludes that 'by choosing a pretty, joyful scheme, the baby's toys and accessories can evolve in this pretty spring-like setting, rather than their books and toys jarring against too neutral and elegant a scheme'.

You can have your cake and eat it, too. Take Zoe's example as a nursery done well, with all parts pretty and equally elevated.

Preparing for the arrival of a baby is filled with a lot of excitement and anticipation, as well as anxiety and stress. But one of the most fun parts is coming up with nursery decorating ideas and then turning them into reality – at least for us here at Ideal Home as we’ll take any excuse to decorate a new room.

So if you’re in need of some inspiration - whether you’re stuck for it or simply want to look at some pretty nurseries to spark an idea for your own - we’re here to help. This list is brimming with ideas on how to make your baby’s room look stylish and feel cosy and truly special.

But, of course, we should not forget the necessity of kids’ room ideas being practical and functional as well. Since being a new parent is stressful and chaotic enough, one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your little bundle of joy is a nursery that works well for your needs.

Nursery decorating ideas

‘Our advice begins with creating a calm, nurturing space that supports bonding, comfort, and connection, for both baby and parent,’ says Lynn Tjoeng, product manager for home at Stokke. ‘Instead of chasing trends, focus on a design that grows with your family. We believe that the nursery is more than just a room, it’s where a new chapter of life begins. Every family is different, and each nursery should reflect what feels right for them.’

And here are some of the top tips on how to achieve that, as recommended by experts.

1. Build it up with time

One of the biggest misconceptions is that your baby’s nursery must be completely finished and ready by the time they arrive. But that’s not necessarily the case. Of course, we’re not saying it’s ok for your baby’s nursery to be a building site by the time they’re born. But all you really need are the basics to begin with and then build on those with time.

‘Remember that when a baby arrives, they don’t need all the things,’ says Heidi Skudder, parenting expert and expert speaker at The Baby Show. 'You can slowly build on how you want your nursery to look, without needing to invest too much. There are some amazing high street shops doing gorgeous interior bits too.’

2. Go for classic pastels

Opting for pastel nursery colour ideas is not exactly groundbreaking, much like florals for spring aren’t. But there’s a good reason why pastels - especially soft pinks, baby blues and muted yellows - are the go-to shades for nursery decorating.

‘Having too much stimulation when trying to sleep could be a bit of a challenge, so opt for pastels to help encourage settled sleep,’ Heidi Skudder says.

Lynn at Stokke continues, ‘Shades like muted pastels also offer flexibility, making it easier to adapt the space as your child grows. In addition, soft shades of purple, such as mauve and lavender, are making a subtle comeback. These tones add a gentle, inviting energy, whether used as an accent or across accessories like bedding.’

3. Opt for soft lighting

Lighting is often a neglected element of nursery design. But given that lighting sets the mood and the atmosphere of any space, it really shouldn’t be forgotten here.

‘Thoughtful touches like soft lighting can elevate the space while keeping it grounded in what truly matters: safety, experience, and connection,’ Lynn at Stokke says.

This is best achieved by layering your sources of light, as well as opting for warm-toned, dimmable light bulbs like these Linkind warm white screw bulbs from Amazon.

4. Embrace the storage basket

 Every good nursery needs at least one or two clever toy storage ideas to its name, and there's honestly nothing easier than a multi-purpose basket or two.

'Storage in a nursery is a must-have to house everyday essentials such as nappies, vests and muslins that you need to access frequently and quickly,' says Sally Jackson, founder of Soren’s House. 

'Space-saving solutions such as cot organisers, nappy caddies, and storage baskets are great options to keep everything neat and organised. And themed storage baskets are also a fun way to disguise toys and laundry.'

Sally adds that opting for a basket that’s in keeping with your nursery decor will reduce clutter without detracting from the aesthetic of the space.

5. Decorate the ceiling

One of our favourite gender neutral nursery ideas? Painting the ceiling, of course!

'Ceilings are one of the biggest areas of wall space you have in any room, so why not add the colour there to supply some much-needed personality?' says Stephanie King, content and creative lead at Dulux. 

'When you walk into a room, your eyes will tend to scan the walls, therefore if you’re not feeling quite brave enough to experiment with colour on the most seen places, then why not add a little surprise for people when they look up? It doesn’t have to be dramatic, and it can do wonders for the feeling of space and comfort in that room.'

Stephanie adds that 'bringing that ceiling colour down onto the walls slightly also creates a mock picture rail effect too, particularly good if your walls are lacking some architectural interest or much coveted period features'.

6. Opt for warm neutrals

Plenty of nursery ideas involve neutral colour schemes, and little wonder: they're cosy and inviting, plus it means your little one can make their own imprint on their room as they grow and forge their own tastes.

'Warm neutrals and beiges wrapped around a room on their own can feel a little pedestrian,' says Stephanie. 'To banish the bland, it’s a good idea to layer a few neutrals together – add some subtle pops of delicate colour and bring some texture through furnishings and accessories.'

Lynn at Stokke adds, 'We’re also seeing a strong shift toward warm brown tones in nursery furniture, bringing a sense of warmth, depth, and playfulness to the room. This trend is rooted in the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design, with its rich, earthy palette and emphasis on natural materials.'

7. Invest in clever furniture

Don't forget the practical bits when finalising your nursery ideas; from a cot bed that grows with your child like this Tutti Bambini Modena 3 in 1 Cot bed at Dunelm, and a wardrobe that makes it easier than ever to organise baby clothes, choosing the right furniture for the space is key. 

'Nursery furniture is likely to be the biggest investment you’ll make for your new baby, so make sure it’s multifunctional and built to last,' says Sally. 'Cotbeds are a great option as they offer longevity from baby to 9 years of age and can be handed down to siblings, meaning that the initial investment covers years of use.'

She adds that, where possible, 'it's also wise to choose matching nursery furniture sets, as collections change over time and it can be difficult to find the perfect match later on'. 

8. Make space for you

Trust us when we say that you will likely be spending a lot of time in your baby's room with them, so make sure that your nursery ideas reflect this: you will absolutely need somewhere to rest up during late-night feeds.

Choose yourself a cosy armchair or, better still, a rocking chair: this will make it easier than ever to soothe your little one back to sleep. And layer up textures to make it a warm and cosy space, too: temperatures tend to dip when the sun goes down.

9. Get creative with paint

Nursery ideas are the perfect place to have a little extra fun with your painting choices, just don't go overboard with an overly bright pigment.

'Paler colours work for children's bedroom paint ideas as they tend to be more relaxing and soothing – both for the child and parents,' says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. 

'When decorating a nursery almost anything goes – bright colours, patterns, murals. And you don't need to be an artist to be able to create great mural feature walls for your kids. There are many easy ways to do it. Work out a design on paper then scale up for the walls, using good masking tape to create crisp lines. Kids’ rooms have a license to be fun.'

10. Choose a wooden floor for easy cleaning

A plush carpet is often the choice for baby boy and girl nursery ideas, but take a beat before you get one fitted.

The first few months can be especially messy, so choosing a hard floor will make cleaning up those inevitable messes that bit easier. Instead, look for a rug to add that softness underfoot.

'A soft rug can add texture, colour and interest,' notes Staffan Tollgard, creative director at Tollgard Studio. 'But make sure you look at everything through child-safe goggles. Can a crawling baby easily pull handfuls of rug out?' 

11. Include book storage

'We try to use our baby room ideas to encourage reading moments together,' says Catherine Dal, founder of CatDal Interiors. 

'I have also seen from my own home, that books displayed openly and facing outwards helps children to select the books at night, whilst working as beautiful and happy 'artwork' to decorate the shelves.'

She adds that 'this type of book and toy storage ideas is done best with narrow depth 'art' shelves. We also recommend keeping these shelves within reach to inspire self reading.'

12. Add shutters to the windows

'Shutters are an important consideration for nursery ideas as they help parents control light, temperature, volume and privacy,' says Sally Denyer, digital marketing manager at Shutterly Fabulous.

'Café style shutters, are a nice option as they allow the light come in through the top half of the window, whilst giving control over the lower half. Alternatively, solid wood shutters can be closed to create complete darkness, which is perfect for putting children down for daytime naps.'

'As well as offering light and temperature control, shutters are also the safest window treatment for nurseries, as they also have no cords or pullies, which present a hazard for children.

13. Add sweet accessories

'Don't forget to have fun with accessories,' says Catherine from CatDal Interiors. 'There are no rules with these spaces, so don't limit yourself to bog standard choices when it comes to wardrobe handles, mirrors, curtain ties, coat hooks or door stops for example.'

'Think about adding on pom pom garlands and bunting, or choose sheepskin and fairy lights for a cosy den,' adds Alex Tolofson, co-founder of Noa and Nani.

14. Make it personal

Make your child really feel as though it's their own room right from the beginning by using their initials as bedroom wall decor above the crib.

As well as being personal to the child, it's easy to switch up when tastes change - or if a new child moves in to the same space. 

15. Go bold with wall stickers

Go bright, bold and beautiful with your nursery ideas and add a stunning mural: this rainbow decal is a brilliant way to add a pop of colour to a neutral room. 

If you're feeling ultra savvy, you could buy a reusable wall sticker like this rainbow decoration from Etsy, as it means you can switch up your room's look whenever you like.

16. Theme it

'Themed nursery ideas are a creative way to design the perfect room for your little one that will engage their senses and feed their imaginations,' says Sally, 'and they’re also a great option for families who are looking for a gender-neutral space.'

'Themes such as Big Blue Sea, Safari and Outer Space will enchant your little one for years to come and can be added to over time,' she continues.

'There's no need to invest in permanent decor such as wallpaper and paint, which can be difficult to update as your child grows and their interests change. Themed bedding, toys, wall art and books can all contribute to the theme.'

17. Welcome warmth with wooden furniture

Timeless, natural wood furniture instantly warms the space in a nursery to make it inviting for both girl and boy nursery ideas. The complementary natural tones also mean you don't necessarily need a full nursery range from the place. 

'We suggest decorating a nursery with large pieces of furniture in neutral shades such as pine, grey and white so that these pieces, which are often the most expensive, remain timeless,' agrees Alex from Noa and Nani.

18. Opt for a feature cot bed

Classic nursery furniture is a safe choice by why not make a statement but choosing a coloured cot or toddler bed instead? A block colour will make a refreshing change and become the focal point of the nursery scheme.

'A cot is one of the most important additions to nursery ideas,' says Ann Marie from AMC Design. 'Ideally try and incorporate one which will grow with your baby rather than having to keep changing it. 

'Try and position this away from a radiator and window to ensure maximum sleeping.'

19. Feature a blackout blind

Installing a blackout blind in the baby's room is a nursery idea you will thank us for. Controlling day-light to darkness will encourage a sleep schedule parents dreams are made of. 

'When it comes to blinds, we advise a double layer approach if possible,' says Catherine from CatDal Interiors. 'A linen sheer for privacy of you are overlooked, but still keeps the light in, and then a black out lined curtain to block the light for sleeping.'

'If you believe your child needs total black out, maybe consider a pelmet or returning curtain pole.'

20. Stimulate senses with mobiles

Soothing or stimulating cot mobiles are a, heartwarmingly, staple nursery idea. Benefits include visual stimulation, sleep routine familiarity and motor skill development. Their decorative uses are also super valuable by adding colour, texture and style to a nursery room theme.

Don't restrict them to above the cot either; hang various mobiles that complement each other to ceilings, bookshelves and down curtain lengths for a whimsical and attractive look.

21. Add in a peg rail to organise clothes

Any new mum will tell you that getting your little one ready for a day out can be a nightmare. You've managed to wrestle them into their closest clean t-shirt, only to discover that it is a PJ top. 

Install a peg rail on the nursery wall at your height, away from little fingers, where you can coordinate their outfits in advance and have them close to hand when it's time to get ready.

22. Spice up your white

Grey and white nursery ideas are incredibly popular for a reason, you know.

'White might seem like the most obvious neutral, but there a lot of white paints in the Dulux repertoire that inspire a more colourful palette,' says Stephanie. 

'In general, warm whites like Timeless contain hints of gold and pink, and work beautifully alongside warmer shades elsewhere in the room. They also work well in north facing rooms to warm them up. Cooler whites like White Mist and Rock Salt contain hints of blue, grey and green which make them perfect for teaming with cooler shades and for south facing rooms.'

Stephanie adds that 'the beauty of white is also that it’s the perfect canvas for additional colour'. 

'As a mother of boy-girl twins myself, white provided me with the perfect backdrop for a gender-neutral scheme. I teamed White Cotton with pops of Rich Black confetti on a feature wall, and used brightly coloured painted doors, skirting and furniture to add the energy,' she says. 

'Whether you are painting a nursery or not, consider the versatility that the humble white provides.'

23. Create a colourful feature wall

It's tempting to want to create a paradise of cream and sheepskin rugs when you have a little one on the way. However, don't shy away from the brighter colours which your baby will be drawn too. Use bedroom accent walls ideas so you can stimulate your babies senses.

24. Incorporate plenty of storage

Babies usually come with lots of things, from nappies to baby wipes. Keep everything in its designated place with plenty of built in storage in your new nursery. 

Drawers are perfect for how to organise baby clothes and keeping your supply of nappies and cotton wool pads. However, be careful about using drawers anywhere little fingers can get caught: instead consider a fabric box slotted into a shelf.

25. Think tactile and textures

'Colours and patterns are important in nursery ideas and play a large factor in a child’s development,' says Rebecca Drury, co-founder of MissPrint. 'Textures, especially, encourage children to be more inquisitive and adventurous. Introduce natural materials to a nursery like wood and stone as they can add a sense of calm by bringing nature into your child’s space.'

'Think about introducing some key features such as a washed wooden floor, wicker storage baskets or plants. These can create a relaxing influence for a naturally calm and homely nursery space.'

26. Wow with a wonder wall

Wall stickers are a cheap and easy way to update a kid’s room. There are hundreds of designs available, from Disney characters to aeroplanes and farmyard animals, all of which can be easily applied to the wall without any fuss. 

Why not create an interactive wall map? Perfect as your child grows and learns.

27. Line toys up on a shelf

Make a display of books, teddies or dolls on a set of shelves lined up horizontally on one wall.

This is a great way of keeping toys off the floor, yet still to hand when your child wants to get one down.

28. Play with pattern

If you’re eager to add interest to your child’s room but want to avoid a strong theme, choose a toning colour palette in subtle shades of the same colour. 

'We try to avoid themes, for example like a ‘Starwars’ theme, especially as fads rarely last into teenage bedroom ideas,' says Cherie Lee, founder of Cherie Lee Interiors. 'But the kid’s room is the space to be more adventurous and fun than other parts of the home.'

'You can go to town with patterns, colour and geometric patterns.  You can go a little crazy and have fun compared to other rooms to create an exciting and interesting space.'

FAQs

How can I make my nursery look good?

'Paint your nursery in a colour you like, rather than a colour you feel you should paint it (blue and pink are not the only options!), but aim for neutral such as soft whites, yellows or even a sage.' says Ann Marie from AMC Design. 'These colours will enable a calming and welcoming space.'

'Ensure it is a clutter-free space,' advises Juliette Thomas, founder of Juliettes Interiors. 'When walking in and out during the night time, you don’t want to be falling over things so opt for a clear pathway from your room to the nursery.'

What is a calming colour for a nursery?

It's time to dig out your favourite sage green nursery ideas, because it seems green is a truly wonderful and calming colour for a baby's room.

'Nature is always an amazing place to take inspiration from, and there is one colour that nature does like no other: green,' says Stephanie King at Dulux, noting that 'it’s also a colour that it sits bang in the middle of the colour spectrum, so it’s neither too loud nor too quiet'.

'For a slightly fresh but subtle green, choose Tranquil Dawn: a delightful mid-grey green perfect for promoting that feeling of calm and restfulness in a bedroom.'

When should I start decorating my nursery?

Although your baby will most probably sleep in your bedroom at the beginning, it's a good idea to have the nursery decorated before they arrive as newborns keep parents very busy.

'It really depends when the nesting instinct kicks in,' advises Staffan from Tollgard Studio. 'The sooner the better, so that any paint fumes have time to dry out and you don’t get stressed with finishing a scheme days up to the due date.'

'Smaller items like clothes, nappies and blankets don’t need to be stockpiled. Babies comes in all different sizes, and gifts are often incredibly generously given. You need less than you think, and you will wash more than you ever thought possible.'

We hope that we've inspired you with plenty of nursery ideas, and that you feel empowered to make the best possible choices for you and your little one.

And remember: your little one will care far less about having the perfect nursery aesthetic than they will a safe sleep space and cosy cuddles on tap, so don't put too much pressure on yourself!

When it comes to decorating your teenage daughter’s room, teenage girl bedroom ideas should not be imposed on her and the space. But rather, it’s best to take on a role of a helping hand in realising her vision, while also guiding her in terms of the more practical parts.

Your big kid’s room should really be a reflection of her personality, interests and style – so getting too involved in the process of teenage bedroom ideas could hinder that. After all, it’s your teen that will be spending the most time in the room so she should feel comfortable in it.

‘Avoid going against the creative wishes of your children,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. ‘It’s their safe space in which to develop their own independence and having a bedroom they will love until they leave is nothing short of magical.’

1. Utilise under-bed space for storage

Bedroom storage ideas are one of those practical areas that your teen will likely need most help with – because she’ll need a lot of it and she might not know how exactly to incorporate it. But utilising the space under the bed is one of the best ways to approach this.

‘A teenager’s bedroom should prioritise storage to ensure there is enough space for school uniform, clothes, study materials and more in their bedroom,’ says Mark Holloway, founder and design expert at Holloways of Ludlow. ‘Under-bed storage is the best way to keep all of this stored away without cluttering the floor space.’

Nicky Emlick, creative director at sofa.com, adds, ‘Smart storage is a must in any teen bedroom. An ottoman bed is a practical yet stylish solution, offering hidden storage for seasonal clothes or school essentials.’

2. Make it cosy

Creating a cosy atmosphere is part of making your teenage girl feel comfortable in her room and make it a space she genuinely likes to spend time in. And there are a few ways you can add some cosy bedroom ideas.

‘Comfort is everything at this age, so cosy soft furnishings are essential,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. ‘A well-dressed bed with tactile layers such as cushions, a comfy duvet and a throw or quilt, will make a big difference. Curtains or roman blinds in a soft fabric will help to soften the room visually and also offer that all-important privacy and light control. We’d also recommend a little reading or chill-out corner with a beanbag or floor cushion and a soft rug, so it’s not just a bedroom, but a space where they can really unwind.’

Mark at Holloways of Ludlow agrees, ‘To make a teenager’s bedroom look and feel cosy, layer soft furnishings such as rugs, throws, blankets and cushions to make the space inviting. If space allows, a separate social area with a sofa or armchair is a great way to create a cosy nook and encourage a space for reading.’

3. Opt for a soft colour palette

While the classic pink might be the first colour to come to mind, that doesn’t mean you should go with it for your teen's bedroom colour scheme. While softer, soothing shades are best, there are several you and your teenage daughter can opt for instead.

‘It’s easy to go bold with bright colours and floral prints, but they can date quickly. Instead, consider soft tones like willow green, which work beautifully with pink and oranges or for a more refined look paired with white or cream. These shades create a calming, cocoon-like atmosphere that feels timeless and adaptable,’ Rachal at Sharps says.

4. Keep it neutral

When dreaming up a bedroom colour idea for your teenage girls bedroom ideas, don't be afraid to keep it neutral either.

'There are so many different colour schemes to choose from, but to ensure the room still works as they grow older try timeless classic colours that provide a neutral backdrop, such as warm greys, natural beige or even blush pink tones layered with a pop of colour to bring out that personality,' suggest Stephanie.

Heather Young, Ideal Home's Editor-in-Chief, agrees. 'My daughter is anti-colour, so we painted the bed and walls a soft taupe, but I managed to squeeze in a couple of accent tones in ochre and dusty pink,' she says.

5. Layer up different textures

'Teenage girls love a romantic bohemian look, so faux fur rugs are always a good idea,' say Sabrina Panizza and Aude Lerin, co-founders of PL Studio.

'A cosy bed with lots of throw pillows and a soft blanket are must-haves in a girl’s bedroom, as well as a free-standing mirror and lots of greenery to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for chilling and reading or hanging out with friends.'

They add that 'a great addition to complete the boho style look could be a soft draped canopy over the bed paired with string lights, and a few carefully chosen bedroom wall decor items.'

'Add a hanging chair for a dreamy, romantic look,' finishes the designer duo.

6. Tech it up

Every teenage girls bedroom idea needs to take into account the fact that your teen, whether you love it or not, will be using a lot of tech.

'Incorporating technology into a teen's bedroom can enhance both their entertainment and productivity,' say Sabrina and Aude. 'However, it's essential to have a balance between providing useful tech and ensuring that it doesn't become distracting or interfere with sleep and other activities.'

Given that many teenagers use technology extensively, the duo add that you 'try and provide a designated area for devices, charging stations, and a computer or gaming setup'.

'Organise cables and wires to maintain a neat appearance. Equip the desk area with computer accessories, like a comfortable keyboard and mouse, a monitor, and a good-quality chair,' they explain. 'Wireless headphones can provide privacy for music, gaming, or watching videos without disturbing the rest of the family.'

7. Get playful with the lighting

Don't underestimate the power of good bedroom lighting ideas. 'Most teenage girls would consider twinkle lights a must,' say Sabrina and Aude.

'Different coloured lights can match different moods and times of the day, and it adds something unique to the room when it doesn’t feel exciting and entertaining enough for them.'

Heather agrees, adding that 'good lighting is key so that your teen can change up the mood – as well as the main light, you need to factor in desk lighting for homework, plus I've added wall lights on dimmers. And both my teen twins are big fans of these colour-changing LED strips from Amazon, which we've run around the top of the wall!'

But neon lights and lamps with playful shapes like this Miffy light from Urban Outfitters also get a thumbs up.

8. Go geometric

If you're looking for a fun teenage girls bedroom idea, but don't want to repaint their entire room, why not try adding a bedroom feature wall idea?

'Geometric shapes or curves work really well in teenager's bedrooms; the shapes help add an element of texture to their rooms,' says Stephanie King, content and creative lead at Dulux.

'Combining two colours on the wall is such a stylish and simple way to transform an interior and the best way to do it is to use different tones of the same colour, one lighter and one darker.'

Stephanie adds that 'splitting the wall into thirds gives the best effect and if you paint the section that goes down to the floor in the deepest shade, it helps to make a room feel grounded'.

'Try painting the ceiling in a lighter shade too for a seamless effect,' she finishes. 'And make the job really easy by using Dulux Simply Refresh paints that cover in one coat so you can get the job done in double quick time.'

9. Green is the colour

'Using house plant ideas can be a great way to add life, colour, and a refreshing atmosphere to teenage bedrooms,' say Sabrina and Aude.

'You might want to think about choosing the right plants; low-maintenance plants are ideal for teenagers who may not have a green thumb. Consider plants like snake plants, pothos, spider plants, or succulents.'

They add that 'you can encourage your teenage girl to paint or decorate plain pots themselves to add a personal touch'.

10. Maximise wall space for storage

Kate Salmon, head of homeware buying at Oliver Bonas, says that the key thing with small children's room ideas, is to keep your floor free from clutter. 'In small and box bedrooms, it’s a good idea to use wall space for storage where possible,' she advises. In the space pictured above, ample shelving stores a huge collection of shoes, keeping the room looking streamlined.

'Don’t just use any old shelves though, make sure you find some that fit with your decoration theme as open shelving will keep your treasures on display,' Kate adds. 'Look for a style with hooks so you can hang up your bags and scarves and maximise the space underfoot.'

11. Create depth with botanical wallpaper

Bold patterned wallpaper (or peel-and-stick options) can be used to create depth, making teenage girls bedroom ideas feel larger. Use the wallpaper as your starting point for the rest of the room, picking up on colours in the wallpaper and carrying them through in the soft furnishings. This will make it hang together beautifully.

If you're worried about it feeling too busy, white bedding and walls will tone it down. A neon light is also a great girls' bedroom idea, as it allows the occupant to put their stamp on the space and creates a cosy glow. If you can, opt for a bed with built-in storage underneath to save on wardrobe space, or buy slide-out storage solutions for under the bedframe.

12. Invite luxury with a four-poster

The best bed should always be the focal point of a stylish bedroom, and what better way to make a statement than a four-poster? The classic style brings lots of luxury, creating teenage girls bedroom ideas that they will love hanging out in. While it may be more of an investment than a standard double bed, it will grow with her. Plus, after Netflix's Bridgerton caused sales of four-posters to soar, they can now easily be found at high street stores like Habitat, with its popular Blissford 4 Poster Double Wooden Bed Frame.

Teens' tastes will change dramatically, so using furniture that's interesting but not overwhelming will create a canvas for them to try out the latest trends and make the room theirs, says Christopher Lusty, founder of Little Folks Furniture. 'It also means once they’ve flown the nest and it’s the parent’s turn to redesign the room, the furniture can easily remain for guests.'

13. Mix old and new homeware

The wallpaper is the star of the show here (sorry) and is a fine example of how effective it can be to take bedroom wallpaper ideas all the way up and over the ceiling in loft rooms with awkward angles. Style retro pieces, like these lockers that have been repurposed as bedside tables, with modern neon lighting and prints. We're loving the juxtaposition of old and new, which continues with the use of a vintage bedframe and graphic typography.

Kate from Oliver Bonas says choosing bedside tables with extra storage can be a real gamechanger. 'Whether it’s to charge their phone or host the latest title on their reading list, most people will need some kind of furniture piece at their bedside.'

'Every inch of space needs to be maximised so make sure you choose a style with extra storage such as a cupboard or drawers to conceal the things you need easy access to but don’t have room to store on top.'

14. Colour clash for big impact

Clash bold tones for fun and vibrant teenage girls bedroom ideas that are full of energy. Pick complementary colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, from classic combos like pink and green to more unusual pairings like coral and turquoise.

'Be bold,' says Stephanie. 'After all, you are only a teenager once and paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make a change. Clash bold colours to create vibrancy and energy within their space. Try combining Dulux's Sweet Embrace and Ochre Sands.'

15. Go easy-breezy with holiday vibes

Take inspiration from this year's biggest wallpaper trends to create a striking feature wall in your teenage girls bedroom ideas to bring a holiday feel to the space.

Layer on a circular mirror, side table and chair for a practical dressing table set up and accessorise with textural table lamp, sheepskin rug and a tactile cushion cover.

16. Hang polaroids for a personalised touch

Surround your teen with photos of their friends and family with a selfie wall! Do so without damaging the beautifully painted walls by attaching pegs to either side of the wall and tie string – or even thin wire fairy light ideas – between them like a mini washing line.

'You can opt for string lights with clips, which allow girls to hang up photos of their favourite days and people, so the memories stay lit up in their minds as much as they are on their walls,' say Sabrina and Aude.

Now all you have to do is turn a polaroid camera and bulldog clips over to your teen for them to curate the rest. Even if you don't have a polaroid camera there are plenty of apps or print templates that you can use to achieve a similar retro look.

17. Turn your teen's wanderlust into a feature wall

If you have a teen already plotting her gap year adventures why not make a feature out of a wooden map that they can pin polaroid shots of the places they've already been and places they are still planning to go?

Continue the theme from the bedroom wall decor throughout the rest of the room by adding some stylish storage with some old fashion suitcases as a bedside table.

18. Curate a cool bedroom art display

If you've spent time and money carefully creating two-tone paint effects like this, and refurnishing a kids bedroom, you're probably not going to be that keen for your teenage girls bedroom ideas to involve posters being pinned or Blu-Tacked directly on the wall... not that we're being design control freaks or anything.

Try fixing picture ledges at staggered heights on the wall above the bed and layering up framed prints and photos of your teen's choice for a personal and art display. The images – and therefore the space – can be updated as frequently as she wants.

'A gallery-style art display (showcasing multiple pieces on a single wall) can create a playful yet sophisticated look in a teen bedroom, giving life to an interesting blend of high-spirited and more mature décor, with a warm and inviting feel,' say Sabrina and Aude.

This is also great if you're working with shared bedroom ideas as each child can easily delineate their space and changing tastes.

19. Introduce flashes of colour to a neutral room

Flashes of bright coral will make for an energetic bedroom – it might help the girl who lives in it get out of bed faster in the morning, but then again... The hot coral contrasts with the pristine white walls to add a fresh hit to the overall look.

The exposed wire bedside light makes this room feel grown up, but there is still space for her beloved Moomin's, she's still a kid underneath all that teenage angst.

20. Create a study zone

Just because a bedroom study space is essential for school or college homework, doesn't mean it has to be boring. This teenage girls bedroom ideas has a corner that has been transformed into a space you want to hang out in – it's worthy of a lifestyle blogger!

Floating shelves house stacked framed prints and photos, and accessories look pretty while also functioning as organisational desk essentials. A terrazzo light and fur throw add a touch of luxury to the slender desk that handily doubles as a dressing area.

When setting up a study zone, Nicole from Furniture Village recommends finding a semi-private area for the desk to go. 'This will mean fewer interruptions. Position a desk in a bright, open space with natural light and good ventilation to aid concentration.'

21. Seek privacy with stylish window treatments

Thoughtful bedroom curtain ideas are essential for a teenager's room, to provide privacy more than anything. Not merely reserved purely for living rooms and bathrooms window shutters are ideal for a bedroom setting too – providing much-needed privacy and to filter out the light.

22. Make it changeable with wall stickers

When things go out of fashion quicker than you can say trending, there's a chance your teen could change preference very quickly on what's deemed cool or not. To save on a decorating budget and also prevent waste, consider wall stickers to add decoration.

The use of transfers means less commitment to a theme, giving teens the freedom to express themselves with more fluidity – whether it's a large-scale design like this cherry blossom tree wall decal from Amazon or a more discreet scalloped trim sticker from Etsy.

23. Keep things light and airy

Clean white bedrooms or at least a neutral base is ideal for teenage girls bedroom ideas, as it offers the opportunity to chop and change the look as quickly as teenage tastes and styles do! Opt for classic white furniture with a slender profile, as this will help reduce the sense of clutter.

However, this sunny, pretty space is really all about the accessories; a bold bloom bedspread, hot pink accents, soft pastel lamps and prints and a tactile sheepskin throw on the chair ensure this space is modern and still playful.

24. Give a loft room a Scandi spin

Not all teens are blessed with the biggest of bedrooms, and it's not always simple switching up from a children's room to a more adult space. This attic bedroom idea does a great job of crossing that divide, with a cool Scandi style that makes the most of the available space with a raised built-in cabin bed, with storage below and in the alcove beyond... leaving the rest of the room free for your teen's wardrobe (ideally not scattered across the newly-freed-up floor).

The wood cladding keeps the bedroom calm and enhances the sense of space – essential in teenage girls bedroom ideas – while colourful bed linen can be used to add personality and flair.

Top picks

FAQs

We hope that these teenage girls bedroom ideas leave you feeling inspired, and don't forget: it's all about creating a multi-functional space they'll love.

'Teens like to spend a lot of time in their rooms (I know – I've got two of them!), and it can be a challenge to create a multi-tasking space that also ticks the style box,' says Heather.

'My daughter's room is pretty compact, so we chose a high sleeper bed, which we hacked to add a built-in desk and shelving below. Then I used a couple of beanbags to create a little chill out space.'

Anyone else suddenly in the mood to add a beanbag or two to their own bedroom? See you at the checkouts...

Following the Disney+ release of Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, we have been cordially offered both a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the high-profile court case, as well as a glimpse into the Rooney household.

Although the docuseries' intention is to unveil the ins and outs of the viral four-year-long dispute which endearingly took on the name Wagatha Christie, we admittedly can't help but keep a watchful eye on how Coleen brought her small kids' bedroom ideas to life with the cutest kids' storage station.

Coleen Rooney kids' storage station

In the third and final instalment of the docuseries, Coleen is seen buttoning up her son's school blazer, with an all-in-one kids storage station spotted behind her.

It was only in the shot for a brief moment, but best believe it instantly caught our eye as a clever storage solution for a small space, given its multi-functional design. The storage station consisted of a clothes rail, shelving, and a kid-friendly mirror.

So irrespective of whether you're looking to organise your little one's wardrobe or are in desperate need of extra toy storage, it's pretty much a one-stop shop for all your kiddie needs.

On the clothes rail hung the Rooney children's outerwear coats and grey crates were placed on the shelves to help separate and organise the Rooney kids' bits and bobs further. Coleen is even seen using the top shelf as a charging station for her sons' electronic devices.

We think this clever storage also makes for an easy way to fake a tidy house if you need a go-to spot to store away your kids' things quickly, while still being small enough for your kid to venture into it themselves without an adult's helping hand.

With the festive reason on the come up, this could very well be a lovely, little gift to keep in your back pocket to surprise your child with this Christmas.

This all-in-one kids' storage station could very well spark your little one's imagination to play dress-up, or just simply encourage them to learn how to tidy up after themselves with a piece of kit that isn't double their size.

Given their petite stature, children often get the smaller rooms in the house as their bedroom. But even though they’re small themselves, they come with a lot of stuff that they need - as you’ll know - not to mention all the toys that need to be accounted for. It’s nothing that a few clever small children’s bedroom ideas can’t solve.

Here at Ideal Home, we have the privilege to tour and feature some of the most stylish homes around the country. And many of these happen to be family homes with great children’s room ideas worth taking inspiration from. And that applies to kids’ rooms that are on the smaller side as many of these come with great space-saving solutions without sacrificing on style and whimsy at the same time.

A lot of this comes down to the right children’s bedroom furniture ideas but also the correct decorating choices. So without further ado, let’s see how you can make your little one’s room look and feel more organised, functional and lovely to spend time in.

1. Opt for a storage bed

No kids’ room can ever have too much storage, especially if the room in question is quite small to begin with. And if you’re in the market for a bed for your little one, then you can kill two birds with one stone by investing in a bed with built-in storage, just like Kat Collins and Toby Sealey have done for their daughter’s room in their Scandi-style family home.

‘The drawers under the bed are huge and hold so many toys, which is handy for tidying up at the end of the day,' Kat says.

2. Build a loft bed

If you’re looking for small shared bedroom ideas where you need to be able to squeeze more than one child into an already small space, then a loft bed is the ideal solution as realised by Louise and Peter for their sons’ room in their Oxfordshire family home.

‘The boys’ room used to feel small and cramped. So, Peter decided to build a loft bed himself from reclaimed wood left over from other projects, and we designed storage built along one side for toys and books. This way, we were able to squeeze two beds in without covering over the lovely original fireplace. And with the bed up above, there’s still plenty of space to play in,’ Louise says.

3. Accentuate vertical space

With small spaces, it’s as much about visual clutter and how large the room appears to the eye as it is about how much space there actually is (and other practicalities). So if you want to make your little one’s room look bigger than it is then draw the eye upwards – and vertically striped wallpaper like this one from I Love Wallpaper is the perfect way to do this.

When it came to their son’s bedroom, this is exactly what Jess and Mat did in their York family home, also taking advantage of the high ceilings of their 1930s home.

4. Incorporate multipurpose pieces

When space is lacking, you need to make the most of every inch and every piece in the room needs to earn its right to be there. The most effective way to do this is by opting for pieces of furniture that have more than one purpose, are versatile and can grow with your child.

‘In smaller spaces, smart, space-saving solutions make all the difference, especially when they grow with your child,’ says Lynn Tjoeng, product manager for home at Stokke. ‘Compact, foldable items can also be incredibly helpful. For playtime, the Stokke MuTable blends fun and functionality. It features integrated storage and a modular design that supports creativity while encouraging independence. Perfect for keeping things organised without sacrificing play.’

She adds, ‘The key is choosing products that are both versatile and thoughtfully designed to adapt to your family’s evolving needs.’

5. Move some of the toys to the living room

Remember that not everything needs to be squeezed into your children’s bedroom. It’s likely that they also play in other areas of the house like the family living room so it’s best to set up a toy storage system for their things there.

‘Think about how many of their toys you need in a bedroom and if space is limited, separate them out so that the majority sits in your living space,’ says Heidi Skudder, parenting expert and expert speaker at The Baby Show. ‘Less pretty to the eye but also means if the room is small, it feels less cramped.’

6. Focus on the essentials

When it comes to small kids’ bedrooms, it’s best to keep their furnishing to a minimum as putting too many pieces of furniture, decor, toys etc. can result in a space that looks cluttered and doesn’t feel pleasant for your children to be in.

‘We advise to focus on essentials: a safe place to sleep, room to play, and practical storage,’ Lynn at Stokke says.

7. Opt for fun colours

‘If you want to add a unique touch of personality, why not try something a little surprising? Kids' tastes can be as vivid and vivacious as they are, so creating their dream space is all about balancing fun and functionality,’ says Becca Stern, creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made. ‘Lilac brings a sense of calm, playfulness, or sophistication to any room, depending on how you style it, making it perfect for brightening up a kids' space.’

Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours, continues, ‘Although it has been known that greens and blues can create a calming environment for children, some children may feel the opposite. So, the importance of colour towards a child’s mental health or cognitive development is based entirely on that individual child. It’s very much about self-discovery and there’s a real learning journey for all involved when it comes to the right colours for your child.’

8. Declutter regularly and rotate toys

When it comes to any type of small space, clutter is your number one enemy because it takes up unnecessary space that can be dedicated to more useful things, and makes the room look messy and even smaller than it already is. So learning how to declutter your children’s toys, clothes and other things is invaluable.

‘Something I do a lot with three small children is decluttering. Regularly sorting through toys and clothes ensures that only what is needed at the time remains, freeing up more space,’ Heidi Skudder says.

She continues on the importance of toy rotation – having only a select number of toys out at any given time for your little one to reach for and regularly rotating them. ‘We also know that spaces with too many toys can make the room feel cramped and overwhelmed which can have a direct impact on a little one’s ability to focus and engage in creative play. In fact, Montessori theory suggests that children should have minimal toys around and that toys should be switched regularly to minimise clutter and avoid creating too much choice.’

9. Go for light-coloured but practical flooring

It’s no secret that light colours make things and spaces look bigger, while darker shades can do the opposite. And the same applies to flooring. So to visually open up your kids’ room, opt for light-coloured flooring. But have easy upkeep in mind when selecting the material and finish – wooden flooring works, as do certain types of carpet.

‘An engineered wood floor provides a light and airy feel to a room, while the natural grain seen in the wood brings texture and warmth,' says Natalie Mudd, co-founder of Knot & Grain. 'To recreate this in a children’s room especially if it’s on the small side, opt for light wooden tones, we’d recommend wide planks in a light tone such as oak. It’s best to avoid herringbone here to keep with the clean lines and to create a feeling of space.'

But don’t be afraid of a subtle, timeless pattern either, as Kirsty Barton, storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring, suggests. ‘A lighter-coloured carpet can keep the room bright and playful, making a smaller space feel larger, whilst darker shades can create a cosy atmosphere. For the best of both worlds, incorporate a subtle pattern that introduces colour practically and timelessly, creating a space that is both functional and delightful for little ones. When selecting colours and patterns, choose designs that won't clash with their ever-changing tastes and will stand the test of time,’ she says.

10. Add hooks on the wall

Walls provide a large surface that can be utilised for anything from storage to decor – so utilise them to their full potential. One of the easiest ways is to attach a series of hooks on the wall to lift things off the floor as much as possible.

‘Look upwards to find extra space. Install hooks and hanging organisers to take advantage of vertical space,' says Ashley Hainsworth of kids' bedroom specialists, Cuckooland. 'Anything you can do to keep the floor clear will make a room feel bigger. Add a few hooks to keep items such as bags and dressings gowns off the floor and you have gone a fair way towards maximising the space available.'

11. Think vertically

If you're working with less floorspace, it's always a good idea to incorporate some bedroom wall decor ideas into your small kids room. Especially if you tie it together with a theme.

'Themed bedrooms are a fun way to create a space that reflects your child's interests and personality,' says Sally Jackson, founder of Soren’s House.

'There are options available to suit every decor style, from wildlife to dinosaurs and outer space. To create a room that will last, avoid going overboard on one theme. Instead, decorate the room in a neutral tone and use accessories, wall hangings, and bedding to add the theme.'

Sally adds that these items (like the paper insects above) can be easily swapped out as your child's interests change and can be handed down, recycled, or donated when your little one is ready for a bedroom makeover'.

12. Paint a mural

Bedroom accent wall ideas are worth their weight in gold when it comes to adding some oomph to your small kids bedroom ideas.

'Go wild and create a place for them to explore their adventurous side,' advises Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux . 'A nature-themed room can be perfect for kids and is not too difficult to create using three shades of green on a background of pale blue.'

She suggests you try use a light teal like Atmosphere as main wall colour, and create a layered jungle horizon line with three steadily deeper tones – Willow Tree from B&Q, Putting Green, and Enchanted Eden from Dulux.

'Using a bit of torn paper to separate the colours will create a tropical rainforest background,' she adds, noting that you can check out the how-to video on Dulux's YouTube.

13. Try a cabin bed

One of our favourite bedroom design tips from storage expert Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps, is to invest or build in a cabin bed and weave it into your kids small bedroom ideas.

'Cabin beds are classic pieces that never fail to delight children of most ages,' she says. 'With bases made up of deep drawers and cupboards, overhead shelves are also ideal for keeping the floor tidy and reserved only for playing.'

That's exactly what the owners of a colourful Surrey family home have done in the children's room (pictured above). ‘When it came to the front bedroom I saw a space for a cabin bed and seeing my little sketch come to life still blows my mind,’ one of the owners says.

14. Incorporate bunk beds

Of course, if you're trying to suss out how to divide a shared kids room (and maximise space), then bunk beds are probably the answer.

'Whether you’re short on space, or your children prefer sleeping in the same room, creating a bedroom for two or more children doesn’t need to be challenging,' says Sally of Soren's House reassuringly.

'The key is to opt for durable, high-quality furniture that can withstand the energy of active bedtimes, coupled with a theme that appeals to the children.'

Or you can go down the bespoke road as interior designer Kelly Howlett and her husband Rob have opted for in their son's room in their Norfolk family home. 'I found the design I wanted, Rob drew it up on the computer, and our carpenter made it for us. The top bunk is for when his friends sleep over,’ Kelly says.

15. Bag some baskets for storage

You need a bevy of toy storage ideas if you are working with a small kids bedroom, trust us!

'Rooms that are organised evoke feelings of calm that have benefits, not only for adults, but children, too,' says Rachal at Sharps.

'The "less is more" mantra can be applied just as easily to kids bedrooms, despite the regular mass of toys, books, games and treasures that collect over the years.'

Sally agrees, adding that 'colourful baskets that are in keeping with the space or solutions that double up as toys, such as wagons, will help to keep the bedroom feeling warm and welcoming'.

16. Conceal clutter with a curtain

'Not only are bedrooms a space for sleep and relaxation, but they are also a place for kids to play and be creative, so they often have lots of toys and games,' comments Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design.

'Storage plays a key role, so ensure that functional storage is smartly incorporated into small kids bedroom ideas, without it feeling overcrowded.'

One way to make your small kids room ideas transition more easily from playtime to bedtime is by having a curtain that can be drawn over shelves of toys and books.

This means kids can proudly display their favourite toys and have them within reach for playing, but when it's time to settle down for bed, the room won't feel cluttered or overstimulating. While they might be very busy during the day, kids need a calm environment to get a good night's sleep just like we do.

17. Throw down a colourful rug

A big rug is a no-brainer for small kids room ideas. It'll anchor the space, add soft texture for tiny toes and, if you go for something patterned, it'll be forgiving of felt-tip pen marks and any other stains (although watch out for the LEGO/race cars underfoot).

'Those looking to add a sense of comfort into the room should consider a high-pile rug for extra cosiness. The benefit of rugs is that they can be easily swapped out when tastes change, or for a seasonal refresh,' Natalie at Knot & Grain says.

Rugs can instantly make any room feel more welcoming and give a bit of cushioning on knees and elbows for kids playing on the floor. They also have the added bonus of softening the acoustics so not every single thud of an indoor football can be heard downstairs.

18. Build a space-savvy window seat

Incorporate a compact window seat to create a cosy area for reading and chilling out that won't encroach too much on the rest of the small kids bedroom ideas. Add storage boxes beneath so your little one has lots of space to put their toys and games, and layer up with lots of cushions.

Ann Marie says you can have fun with storage boxes and bins by using different colours for different items in boys and girls' bedroom ideas. 'This will also help encourage your children to store their items correctly, as I find they react really well to colour,' she says.

19. Create a magnetic feature wall

Why not make a fun magnetic wall for your small kids' room ideas? This might help you carve out a mini 'play zone' with other toys and some comfy seating. You could make yours with magnetic paint or install a magnetic memo board available at places like IKEA.

A magnetic wall provides a lovely place to show off paintings, or for playing with solar system magnets, animal magnets, or spelling out their name with classic letters of the alphabet.

'Kids are forever growing, and their bedrooms need to evolve with them from nursery ideas to pre-teen spaces – creating different zones helps with this and zones the room for learning, playing and relaxing,' comments Rona Olds, director of product at Habitat.

As they get older, the magnet wall can become a place for pinning useful reminders and revision cards.

20. Distract with an accent colour

Upcycle furniture you already own with a bright paint shade of your child's choice for clever small kids bedroom ideas. Going for something bold on bedframes, wardrobes and chests of drawers will create a big impact and draw attention away from the room's petite proportions.

Here, yellow and grey complement each other in a stylish and functional kids' room. The curved wooden shapes of the bunk bed design score extra design points.

'In a small space, keep the colour palette light and neutral to create the illusion of more space, then add pops of colour through accessories like cushions and wall art,' advises Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist. 'Wall decals, fairy lights, or colourful rugs can bring personality without overcrowding the room, while keeping the overall design functional and uncluttered.'

21. Make a reading corner with floor cushions

Lay down floor cushions near your child's bookshelves, hang artwork related to their favourite stories and put up fairy lights to make a cosy atmosphere in girls and boys bedroom ideas for reading stories together.

Stack floor cushions up and store them on top of wardrobes when not in use to give you more space for playing games.

22. Keep tiny furniture as long as possible

Don’t upgrade your child's toddler bed until you really have to. Most cots convert into toddler beds and you’ll be amazed at the difference in size they are compared to a standard single.

Lynn at Stokke uses the brand's Sleepi crib as an example, 'Sleepi, our iconic crib, is built with that mindset – the crib that grows with the child. It can be used from newborn up to 5 years old. The fact that the side (mid section) can be fully opened allows the little ones to step into their bed by themselves and be independent from their caretakers.'

Depending on individual size and growth, your child shouldn’t need a full-size bed until they are around primary school age. The same goes for bedroom wardrobes and chests of drawers; tiny clothes take up less room, so stick to small proportioned furniture for as long as possible to leave more floor space for play.

23. Make sure everything is easily accessible

Working with small kids bedroom ideas doesn’t mean a child will accumulate fewer belongings. In fact, younger children’s toys are notoriously larger than big kid versions, so it’s time to get savvy with storage. Encourage tidiness in a small space by ensuring storage is easily accessible and within reach for little ones.

Create a library for oversized books displayed front ways. Remove fitted wardrobe doors for an airy look and replace them with shelves for baskets and bins. Labelled wire storage will keep clothes off the floor.

24. Include underbed storage

'Under-bed is the unsung hero of storage spaces. It’s simply one of the smartest and easiest ways to add masses of storage without it cluttering your room. Although many beds are now designed with built-in drawers, there are ways to create something similar if you’re looking to utilise the "dead" space,' says Rachal at Sharps.

Under-bed storage is a godsend in children’s bedrooms as toys can be organised and out of sight and the low level means little ones can access what they need (and hopefully tidy away, too).

Mel and Greg Sinclair chose the bedframe for their daughter's room in their Scotland family home specially so that plenty of storage can fit underneath. '’Mila’s is the smallest room in the house, but she has the most stuff. We opted for a secondhand mid-riser bed to give her storage space underneath,' Mel says.

25. Invest in a toy chest

There’s a reason sturdy wooden toy chests have been around for centuries – they are super useful! And, if you can make yours multi-functional, even better. This wooden ottoman works as storage, a colour co-ordinating bench with a soft seat pad and triples as a nightstand in this twin children’s bedroom.

Make it practical by storing items that may not be used every day, such as fresh linens, warm blankets or out of season clothing.

26. Pop a pull-out desk under a raised bed

When space is at a premium in a small kids' bedroom, squeezing a desk in can be impractical. Instead, go for a cabin bed or mid-sleeper that comes with a pop-out desk and can be used as and when it’s needed only. They often come with additional side storage too.

Alternatively, a pull-down table fixed to a wall or floating shelf mounted at waist level is a space-saving option as vital desk space for teenage girls and boys alike.

27. Create more floor space with a high sleeper

Floor space is precious in a kids' room, it's the building zone for lego, trains, fairy kingdoms and hours of fun. So a high sleeper is a great option. Alex & Kris, founders and directors at Nöa & Nani point out that the space beneath can easily be changed into a functional desk area for learning when children are older.

'We also suggest adding some high shelving so that books can be easily reached for bedtime stories,' they advise.

In this room, the space under the bed has been turned into a lounging den for reading. As you start to need teenage girl or teenage boys bedroom ideas, this space can be adjusted to provide extra room to store for clothes or a desk.

28. Utilise wasted wall space for storage

If possible, it's always wise to bespoke for wall storage in small kids bedroom ideas. This smart kid's room features a wall of storage cubes to elevate everything off the floor and onto one wall – including everything from the TV to books and cuddly toys.

This solution is ideal for small spaces because you have the vertical advantage of using wall space you wouldn't otherwise be using.

Whether a full wall or just a small section of a free wall allows plenty of storage potential, from floor to ceiling being utilised. Freeing up the floor space not only makes the rooms feel bigger, but also creates valuable space for little ones to play.

29. Be clever with built-in storage

In small kids' room ideas built-in storage can be a lifesaver when it comes to making sure the room feels spacious for your child, but still fits all their belongings in. When fitting a built-in wardrobe along one wall, leave a small cut-out for a slim laptop desk, future-proofing the room ready for more grown-up teenage bedroom ideas.

A pegboard like the one in this room can be added above the desk to attach pencil pots, lamps and even a tiny house plant. This will help leave the desk clear so there is plenty of space for them to do their homework.

30. Paint floorboards a similar colour to the walls

From looking at this room you would never be able to guess the size of it. This is thanks to the light colour scheme which has been extended from the walls to the floorboards.

Carpets might feel a more natural choice in a kids room, but the bare floorboards make the space feel more spacious than it is, you also have the option to play around with rugs for added warmth and comfort.

31. Swap bookshelves for picture ledges

If you're child is a keen reader, but their small room means there isn't enough space for a proper book shelf, try installing some picture ledges instead. They might not be able to hold up the entire collection of Harry Potter books, but anything less than 300 pages should be fine.

It is also a great way to create a feature wall in a small space that is functional and stylish.

32. Keep the colour scheme balanced

Small kids bedroom ideas can become easily overwhelmed by clutter and busy colour, leaving them feeling cramped. For this reason, it pays to keep a compact space white, but this doesn't mean colour and pattern can't be used to add fun and character.

Bedding and bedroom curtain ideas are the perfect vehicles for colourful scenes and patterns, and will bring the bed and blinds or curtains into sharp relief in a neutral room.

Add scatter cushions and rugs to increase the impact. Alternatively, knock colour back to a few key accessories, such as table lamps or wall art for a more controlled scheme. Bear in mind that objects and toys targeted at children are often brightly coloured or patterned, so that once the room is a little more lived-in it may appear more balanced than when first painted.

33. Limit wallpaper to one wall

With so many adorable options out there for children's bedroom wallpaper, it's easy to fall in love with some bright, bold pattern. Don't despair: although simpler is generally better with small kids' bedroom ideas, it can be done. If you keep the print to one wall and ground it with furniture in front, you can achieve both cute and charming.

Keep the rest of the room relatively simple in contrast, but with some smaller spots of vibrancy to keep the scheme balanced, ideally picking out and continuing a colour.

34. Embrace architectural details

Awkwardly shaped small kids' rooms can be tricky to decorate. But instead of fighting against the architectural details the room comes with, it's best to just embrace them.

Make use of alcoves by building in storage like shelves and drawers, think about going bespoke if you are struggling to find something that fits. Or highlight a sloping ceiling with your choice of paint ideas like Jess and Oliver, owners of an East Sussex family home, chose to do in their daughter's bedroom.

'We wanted our daughter's loft room to feel soft and charming without being overly pink. To highlight the sloping ceiling, we used a warm peachy shade and added a scalloped detail above the skylight to create a sweet pelmet effect,’ Jess says.

FAQs

We hope you find something you love in our list of must-try small kids' bedroom ideas, and remember: the world can appear immense when you're little, so they'll likely love retreating somewhere small and cosy.

So, yes, it may be trickier to decorate, but a small kids' bedroom will make your favourite mini human feel safe and cosseted. And isn't that the entire point of a bedroom, anyway?

Parenting teenagers can be tricky, but finding teenage bedroom ideas you both love doesn't have to be. Especially if you follow the tried-and-tested advice of our experts.

Of course, there's more to it than your typical kids room: a teen's sleep space needs to be a sanctuary for them. Somewhere to chill with their friends, decompress after school, figure out who they are, do some homework, and... well, and sleep obviously.

Still, you'll be able to create a stunning bedroom for your teenager that does all of that and more if you follow these bedroom design tips.

Teenage bedroom ideas 

While coming up with bedroom ideas that all parties are happy with is key, it’s not just colours and decor that needs to be considered. 

'First things first, it’s important to involve any person who you might be designing for in a discussion about their needs and how they want to use and feel in that space that is being created,' says Stephanie King, content and creative lead at Dulux. 

'What do they want to use their room for, is it for relaxing, is it a study space, it is a space for friends or is it a safe space for them to retreat to from the world?'

Stephanie adds that, by involving your teen in all of your teenage bedroom ideas from the outset, it will 'help them take more ownership and pride of that space, that they helped create.'

1. Inject some personality

When it comes to teenage bedroom ideas that your kid will love, take some time to consider how you will decorate above the bed.

'Personalisation is very important,' say Sabrina Panizza and Aude Lerin, co-founders of PL Studio. 'So allow them to personalise their space with posters, artworks, photographs, and decor that showcase their hobbies, interests, and favourite colours.'

They add that 'you can create a gallery wall or use removable wall decals to change things up easily,' and that 'the easiest way to achieve this is to talk to your teenager about their preferences and interests.

'You should ask for their input and involve them in the decision-making process,' the designers stress. 'This helps ensure the room reflects their style and personality.'

2. Try zoning

It doesn't matter if you're working with a large or small kids bedroom; using paint to 'zone' areas is a brilliant way to elevate all of your teenage bedroom ideas. 'It’s one thing to have a beautiful-looking room, but quite another to have a room that works beautifully,' explains Stephanie from Dulux. 

'Thinking about those all-important functions of that room, start by considering the zones you might need to create. If a reading or study space is needed, then perhaps consider using a more grounded but still interesting colour like such as Ink Well, a beautiful and thoughtful inky blue colour that pairs well with brighter accents as well as working beautifully with paler, warm neutrals.'

'Colour blocking is a great way to section these spaces, either adding a geometric pattern behind a desk, a cool painted headboard or creating a cosy colour-drenched corner taking the colour up onto the ceiling.'

3. Light it up

If you're hoping to add some oomph to your teenage bedroom decor, pay close attention to the many, many, many bedroom wall lighting ideas available.

'Lighting is an element that can’t be underestimated,' insist Sabrina and Aude. You should provide adequate lighting for different purposes, such as task lighting for studying and softer ambient lighting to create a cosy atmosphere for relaxation.'

This, they say, will allow your teenage boy or girl to enjoy their room at different times of the day. And, if you want to get even more inventive, remember that 'different coloured lights can match different moods and times of the day'.

'This will add something unique to the room when it doesn’t feel exciting and entertaining enough for them.'

4. Go green

Why not use some of the sleep-enhancing powers of the best plants for the bedroom to inject some natural magic into your teenage bedroom ideas?

'Use a mix of small and large plants to create a visually appealing arrangement and opt for stylish and decorative pots or containers that match the room's decor,' say Sabrina and Aude. 

'You can encourage your teenager to paint or decorate plain pots themselves to add a personal touch; hanging planters, macrame hangers, and wall-mounted planters can also be used to save space and add a unique look.'

'Lastly, you could consider creating a green wall or plant wall; dedicate one wall to a vertical garden, which can be made with a grid or trellis and a variety of plants. This would make a bold design statement and maximise the use of space..

5. Go geometric

If you're looking for bedroom accent wall ideas that your teen will love, go for a geometric design.

'Teenagers will be changing their likes and dislikes frequently as they interact with life around them, therefore whilst tempting to design rooms around a theme it’s probably safer to design in some longevity,' says Stephanie. 

'They may love football today, but will they love it in a year? Simple geometric patterns work well for adding interest that doesn’t go out of fashion, whether that be chevrons, confetti shapes, stripes or grid patterns painted on the walls. It will look great for them and hopefully stand the test of time.'

You can learn how to master the geometric technique seen above via Dulux's easy-to-follow painting guide.

6. Go halves with colour

While a black-painted bedroom might be the teenage dream, if it’s a step too far, strike a compromise and opt for a half-and-half colour scheme instead. Black and white bedroom ideas are a classic colour pairing for a reason. They have great staying power and can be updated with different accent colours or pattern combinations.

Half-painted walls are also a perfect on-trend look. While painting the ceiling a dark colour is often frowned upon, painting the ceiling and top section of wall in the same dark shade helps to extend the wall upwards and can increase the sense of space, which is a useful trick for small teenage bedroom ideas or poky box room.

7. Create a bold focal point

When planning a teenagers room it is important to treat it like any other space in the home, creating a focal point around which to build the scheme.

'Creating a focal point within teen room ideas is just as important as in other rooms in your home - creating both a feeling of individuality as well as a talking point for friends!' explains Nicky Phillips, Style Editor at Ideal Home. 

'A dark navy, green or even gold painted ceiling, a whole wall clad in cork board covered edge to edge in photos, or simply an oversized upholstered headboard.'

A curvy upholstered headboard, paired with on-trend peach and paprika bedding is a sophisticated teenage girls bedroom idea, that is still playful and fun. 

8. Choose a versatile blue backdrop

Blue is a good all-rounder when it comes to colour options for a teenager bedroom ideas, with mid-toned blues creating a grounded effect and calming backdrop that feels relaxed and restful. 

Inky blues are versatile too, without being too boyish or girly, and can be prettied up with softer pinks and blush tones, calmed with earthy neutrals, or mixed with denim blues and chambrays for a casual, comfy vibe.

If space is tight in a small kids bedroom, opt for a leaning ladder-style desk that can be slotted into a recess or alcove. It can do double duty as a work space or used as a mini dressing table.

9. Make more space to hang out

Converted loft space is the ideal spot for teenage room ideas. Adolescents crave privacy, so a space away from nosy parents and noisy siblings is the dream, with a loft bedroom offering plenty of space for sleeping, study and hanging out with friends.

Make use of a sloping ceiling to squeeze in extra bedroom storage ideas - modular units are ideal and can be arranged at staggered heights to make full use of height. Then add sectional seating or a sofa bed set-up so that there's plenty of seating and sleepover space for friends.

10. Stretch storage space all-round

Lack of space can be a problem in a single bedroom or box room, so finding savvy ways of working in extra storage without wasting floor space in small bedrooms can be invaluable. 

While wall-hung organisers and peg board systems are brilliant above desks and work areas, they can also be used above a bed - or even all round the bedroom - providing stacks of extra storage for all kinds of teenage bedroom decor essentials, from clothes and accessories to sports gear and gaming kit.

11. Make tidying easy with open storage

Any parent of teens will know the pain of clothes left cluttering the floor while a perfectly-usable wardrobe is within easy reaching distance, so employing stealth tactics is often the only option when it comes to the battle of the tidy bedroom. 

Open storage with easy-access hanging rails makes clothes instantly visible and easier to grab and put away in teenage bedroom ideas. Arrange so that clothes worn more often are in the most prominent spot and then put those that are worn less-often in see-thru boxes on top shelves or out of sight in lockers.

12. Build over-bed storage

Factoring in separate space for sleep, study and storage can be tricky in a small bedroom or loft space. So why not consider consolidating everything in the teenage bedroom ideas into one area with wall storage that stretches over an entire wall and bridges the bed to maximise floor space.

Modular pieces like these can be configured to create a tailored set-up that fits the wall space snugly. Components include a desk and pinboard unit for study space, bedside lockers, closed cupboards and open cubbies for displaying books and favourite things.

13. Set up a styling station

Organise dedicated storage so that beauty kit and hair-styling essentials can be kept ordered and within easy reach. Use a wall adjacent to a dressing table and mirror area and fix up a stack of wooden racks one above the other to serve as mini shelves for products and tools. Ikea’s Bekvam spice racks, £4.50 each, are the perfect size and a brilliant budget Ikea hack.

Fix the rack that’s positioned at the bottom of the stack upside-down, which will give a ledge for resting tubs and small bottles, plus a hanging rail for hooking on hair dryer, straighteners and other hair-styling tools.

14. Try ‘switch-able’ decor

Future-proof teenage bedroom decor by opting for easy-up wall stickers that are perfect for brightening up white walls or plain wardrobe doors in a bedroom, but are easily removed should your teen tire of the look a little later down the line.

Investing in simple white furniture can be the key to longevity in any teen or child’s bedroom. Classic white won’t date, will work in any colour scheme and is easily added to, should you need to buy additional pieces at a later date. Adding colourful drawer pulls and door handles will add a splash of colour too should furniture need brightening up.

15. Paint the ceiling

When mulling over bedroom colour schemes for your teenager's bedroom, consider painting the ceiling a bright, bold shade.

'For teenager bedroom ideas, paint a ceiling,' says Stephanie from Dulux. 'Pick a favourite colour from art, bedding and accessories and use it to create a painted headboard and canopy over your bed.'

She adds that you can 'paint a simple strip that is as wide as the bed and take it up and over onto the ceiling where it can finish in line with the foot of the bed'.

'You could also extend the colour onto either wall which gives a more of a cosy embracing look. Concentric circles in soft tonal colours look amazing around a ceiling rose and hypnotise you gently to sleep. Use some chalk tied to a string and a drawing pin to draw out the circles and bendy masking tape (yes there is such a thing!) to paint them,' she finishes.

FAQs

So, there we have it: more teenage bedroom ideas than you can shake a metaphorical stick at! Just be sure to let your teen take on an autonomous role in the design process: it is their room, after all.

And if they decide to paint the whole thing black? Embrace that monochromatic colour scheme for now and remind yourself that paint is very easy to change later...

When it comes to teenage boy bedroom ideas, the goal is more to guide your teen towards sensible and practical choices and decisions, rather than completely taking the reins. At the end of the day, teens are old enough to know what they like and don’t like – and since it’s your teen boy that will be spending time in the room, it’s only fair he has plenty of input when designing and decorating it.

Just like anyone’s personal space, your growing kid’s room should reflect his personality, hobbies, interests, style and taste. Most teenagers draw visual inspiration from trends on social media like TikTok – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But what should ideally be encouraged is for your teenager to create collections and mood boards on these apps - with the likes of Pinterest being the best - of everything he likes, so that you and he can see a pattern which can be a starting point for his teenage bedroom ideas.

‘First and foremost, listen to what your teenager wants,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. ‘It’s a chance for them to take the creative reins and express their personality, explore their style and create a space that feels like their own escape. Involving them from the start helps everything run more smoothly, ensuring everyone’s on the same page. Think of your role as the gatekeeper of practical issues such as ensuring there’s space for homework, enough storage for clothing and all of their special keepsakes.’

1. Zone out the space

‘When designing, decorating and shopping for a teenager’s bedroom, it’s important to first think about the floor plan and the space you’re working with,’ says Mark Holloway, founder and design expert at Holloways of Ludlow.

Just like with any room, teenage bedroom layout ideas should be the first thing to consider before you start buying and putting in any furniture.

‘It’s important to consider the floor plan and layout of a teenager’s bedroom as they will likely want to use the space for a variety of activities including socialising with friends, studying, relaxing and sleeping. To make the space work for various purposes, zone out spaces for a desk or socialising by using bookcases to separate the spaces,’ Mark adds.

2. Pay attention to lighting

Lighting is what sets the mood – and in the last couple of years, we’ve all started to pay more attention to it. Including the teenagers with their trend of LED strip lights like these on Amazon which are still growing in popularity. But a layered lighting approach is best, rather than stopping at the LED lights and calling it a day. And this adjustable table/wall light from Dunelm is the perfect cool and versatile piece that will fit right into any teenage boy’s room.

‘Don’t forget to layer lighting in the space – add table lamps, bedside table lamps and a floor lamp to make the space work for various activities. Avoid adding harsh or bright white lights to the bedroom too, as this will avoid the space from being a relaxing bedroom to sleep in,’ Mark says.

3. Create a personable display

As already mentioned, a teenager’s (or anyone’s really) bedroom should reflect their interests. And this is best achieved with a well-curated display of objects, photos and prints – bookcases or floating shelves like this chunky rustic wooden one from Amazon are the best spot to create this display on.

‘Teenage boys’ rooms often lean toward a single colour or dark, neutral palette, which can feel a bit flat or uninviting. Introduce warmth and personality with open shelving styled with colourful items like clocks, framed posters and art. This adds visual interest and keeps the space from feeling too flat,’ Rachal at Sharps says.

4. Create a gallery wall

When it comes to teenage bedroom ideas, creating a 'space that is both comfortable and timeless is very important, but it is also crucial to create a decor that has sentimental value, too,' say Sabrina Panizza and Aude Lerin, co-founders of PL Studio.

To this end, then, they suggest you create a bedroom picture wall using 'the teen’s own artworks, like drawings or collages, combined with off-the-shelf posters and prints to give life to a fun gallery-style wall.'

Sabrina and Aude also suggest that, if your teen is into arts and crafts, you 'encourage them to create some sculptures and objects that can be displayed throughout their room.'

'An art workshop could be a great activity to keep the teens entertained for an afternoon and give them the chance to come back home with a work of art they are proud to showcase in their own room,' they say.

5. Don't ban black

Despairing over your teen's desire for a black bedroom? Don't; there are ways you can incorporate this into your bedroom colour scheme.

'It's important to work with teens on what they want here, as a bedroom is often one of the only places that they can truly mark as their own,' says Stephanie King, content and creative lead at Dulux.

'It is, however, good to maintain some common ground. If they want to paint the whole thing blank, consider instead an accent wall. Or, alternatively, how about a deeper grey tone such as Natural Slate from B&Q?'

Whatever you decide, she adds it's important to remember that 'it's only paint and can be easily changed.'

6. Opt for bold geometric prints

When it comes to bedroom wall decor ideas for your teenage boy's bedroom, Sabrina and Aude say 'bold geometric prints are our go-to when it comes to adding personality.'

'They are fun and engaging, but also are structured, so it’s the perfect combination for a teenager who needs order as much as freedom and excitement,' they explain.

Stephanie agrees, adding that 'straight lines or panelling designs also work really well for teenagers and add a pop of bold colour to a boring bedroom.'

7. Try an indoor plant (or several)

One of our favourite bedroom ideas, for kids and adults alike, is a room filled with indoor plants – so it makes sense that a touch of greenery is on our burgeoning list of teenage boy bedroom ideas, too.

'Using indoor plants can be a great way to add life, colour, and a refreshing atmosphere to teenage bedrooms,' say Sabrina and Aude.

'You might want to think about choosing the right plants; low-maintenance plants are ideal for teenagers who may not have a green thumb. Consider varieties like snake plants, pothos, spider plants, or succulents.'

8. Think vertically

Use the walls, and less will end up on the floor, right? Make sure your teen has plenty of space to put his stuff.

For teenage boys bedroom ideas, consider an open wardrobe idea for shirts and jackets with shelving and baskets for folded clothes. This will mean that everything's to hand when getting ready in the morning, helping them get up and out the door on time.

Giving your teenager their own laundry basket and large bin will help keep the space tidy and calm.

9. Remember blue is the colour

It's official: blue bedroom ideas work really well for teenage boys, but take care when choosing the shade of blue.

'Creating the perfect paint colour palette for a boy's bedroom can be tricky, and it’s really important to involve your teenager in the process and consider what they're using it for,' says Stephanie from Dulux.

'It’s crucial to consider what they want, as it's important to create a room for them to grow with whilst also maintaining timelessness. Deep blue shades tend to look great when paired with harmonious colours such as softer, natural neutrals.'

10. Build an inspiring workspace

Incorporate a colourful desk area into your young man's or teenage girls' bedroom with bright filing boxes and folders. Transform basic shelving with a lick of paint and look for stationery storage options in matching colours. Use leftover wallpaper and paint to add depth inside the shelving.

Shelves are also handy for displaying treasured items. Ideal Home's former Decorating Editor and mum of teenage boys Nicky Phillips recommends creating an area of open cube shelving to transform favourite trainers, baseball caps and trophies into display pieces.

11. Carve out a chilled corner

If your teen wants a calm and minimalistic look, go for a pared-back and modern scheme with neutral tones, comfy seating and houseplants. This will enable you to create a calm chill-out zone within teenage boys bedroom ideas to retreat to when needed.

Laid-back seating options like beanbags or even floor cushions are great for making a den-like area for watching TV, reading or gaming. They can easily be moved around the room when friends come over, too.

12. Make room with a high-sleeper

A high-sleeper bed is a design must-have if your teen is working with small bedroom ideas. This multifunctional piece of furniture can double or triple up as somewhere to sleep, somewhere to study and somewhere to relax. Go for a metallic tone such as chrome to give a more grown-up feel.

13. Be flexible with a chalkboard wall

Be inventive with your wall space and create a DIY chalkboard for your teenage boys bedroom ideas or 'chill out' space. Start with one feature wall painted half-way in a chalkboard paint like this one from B&Q, then add a white storage shelf above to keep chalk and stationary to hand.

Continue the laid back and creative vibe with a macramé hanging chair (mounted to a secure structure) and an atmospheric fairy light idea. You could also use chalk paint to upcycle existing furniture.

'Why not try painting a wardrobe door in chalk paint for a useful notice board, so you can subtly nudge them to do their laundry or tidy their room!' says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor at Wayfair’.

14. Furnish with stylish designs

Choosing furniture that doesn't feel childish is an easy way to make your teenage boy's bedroom feel like a grown-up space. By using statement furniture pieces that feel welcome in a living room helps to make their bedroom evolve into a social space.

A comfy leather swivel chair is ideal for providing a cool place to hang out and relax. A side table with a removal top is the ideal storage solution for keeping their favourite magazines and books to hand, while they enjoy some chill time in the comfort of their own room.

15. Design a teen cave

Sometimes, we all need peace and 'alone time' so create a cosy snug in their teenage boys bedroom ideas by adding a curtain around the bed. This one is attached to a rustic beam but the effect can easily be created by installing a curtain rod to the ceiling. You don't need much space, so this will work even in rather small kids rooms.

Fun fairy lights will frame the nook and add a whimsical atmosphere. Finish the enclosure with eye-catching posters taped to the wall for a look that is laid-back and relaxed.

16. Make a big statement with an oversized map

Maps provide a great motif for teenage boy bedroom walls, with charted murals or map prints making a great impact on a large expanse of wall. They're also a handy tool for coaching (you and) your kid through their geography homework.

Let the map be the main feature and stick to a simple colour palette of two or three primary colours for a smart, cohesive scheme.

17. Make tidying simple with oodles of storage

The easiest way to encourage tidy teenage boys' bedroom ideas is to offer bundles of bedroom storage ideas that create a home for absolutely everything.

Kids can accumulate a lot of belongings, so avoid a cluttered scheme by choosing coherent bedroom furniture like this modern light-wood and curvaceous range. It has as many components as you could think of including a funky sliding 'over-bed' desk.

18. Paint a wall effect

Be inventive with your wall space and create a bedroom accent wall that highlights and envelopes your teen's sleeping space. Start by painting walls a pale tone then measure from the corner of the ceiling a diagonal line on each wall to the floor.

Mask with tape and fill in the pyramid with a contrasting paint shade. Remove the tape whilst the paint is still damp. Decorate the area with artwork and lights.

19. Be inventive with space

If your new loft conversion was built to accommodate a growing teenage son, make the most of sloped ceilings and alcoves. They'll love the hide-away spaces.

This teenage attic bedroom idea has a low-level bed slotted into the eaves space, while cut-out shelf storage showcasing colourful books makes the most of the small square footage. A futon sofa bed adds to the intimate and inviting feel.

20. Welcome a vibrant accent colour

Play it safe with traditional blue and grey shades as a background and add a splash of vibrant colour as an accent shade throughout. This smart grey room welcomes an acid yellow ladder, bedside table and soft-furnishings in a similar shade to lift the scheme.

This double bed is perfect if you are looking for shared bedroom ideas and wanted to keep the room as neutral as possible to please both parties without looking dull. If you've just one teenage son taking advantage of this room, they can easily turn the lower level into a spacious sofa to hang out with their friends.

Emma Anthony, design manager at Dunelm recommends adding lots of cushions to create a space for lounging and gaming. So if the bed is against the wall they can be positioned to create a seating arrangement with something soft to lean against. Alternatively, if another family comes to stay, this set up makes a great temporary guest bedroom idea.

21. Start with a blank canvas

If you're not keen on the idea of making a trip to a DIY store every year for a new pot of paint, accommodate your teenagers changing tastes by keeping the walls of the room a blank canvas using the best white paint.

White walls might not be the trendiest option for a teenage boys' room, but you can easily adapt to your teenagers changing interests with framed prints on the wall and patterned bedding.

22. Show off cool collections

If your son has a favourite hobby or collection, why not incorporate it into his teen bedroom design scheme? The caps in this bedroom make an interesting storage solution and talking point. A plain white backdrop lends the bright and colourful appliqué details on the headgear extra impact.

It's also a good idea to think about their hobbies when choosing furniture for teenage boys bedroom ideas.

'Ensure there is enough room for their hobbies and activities. If they like to read, include a cosy armchair in the corner of the room with a blanket and reading light; if they like to do art, ensure there is a desk in a part of the room with plenty of natural light,' comments Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design.

23. Hang a peg board

Teenage years can be dominated by school exams, so a tidy and organised study area in a teen's bedroom is a must. Invest in a good quality desk and chair and fit a funky pegboard like this one at Amazon above the desk area so your teen has plenty of space to store notes and reminders. It's actually a great small home office idea for a grown up, too.

24. Pick out a rug

The best bedroom rug ideas can transform a space, so why not let your teen choose something that will make their room their own?

'We let them choose select the bed linens to suit the teen's taste and reflect their individuality, so why not involving them when it comes to select their room’s rug?' ask Sabrina and Aude.

'A simple rug with an unusual shape and great colours can add much needed youthful joy!'

Top picks

FAQs

So, there we have it: a list of teenage boy bedroom ideas to make your life (and decorating choices) easier for you.

And, if they do decide they want all-black everything, try to breathe easy. Monochrome is, after all, very big right now...

There is a certain kind of joy when it comes to decorating a childrens room. 

It's one that starts before they are born when looking into nursery ideas, imagining who your little one will be and continues as they quickly grow up and their own funny, little personalities blossom.

Sure, it would be nice to change up their room decor as often as their tastes change, but unless you have a bottomless pit of cash (and have no regard for sustainability) it's not a viable option.

But nailing a timeless kids bedroom, one that can adapt with them as they grow, is tricky. 

Luckily I am on hand to guide you, with my fail-safe 'cheatsheet' of essential ingredients to create an inspiring, restful and stylish kids bedroom, that won't date too quickly, that you can tick off as you go.

My tips for a timeless kids bedroom 

With over 12 year of experience working on Interior Magazines, and a degree in Interior Design, I know my way around a successful room refresh. Every space in my home has seen a slow, yet complete DIY overhaul to create the bright, comfortable and colourful home that works for me and my family.

I'm also a mum to one very energetic toddler, (with another little one on the way) so I know how quickly children grow both physically and mentally and keeping up with these changes can be a lot. 

My little boys bedroom began life as our guest bedroom, which I'd already decorated in quite a neutral scheme. So I decided to keep the spotty Sandberg monochrome wallpaper we already had up and just add in a couple of cute, colourful wall hangings and a fun, spotty rug. Nearly 3 years later, the room hasn't dated for us or him, so I'm glad I stuck to a fairly sophisticated theme.

So if you're looking to create your own timeless kids bedroom, no matter if they have a small kids room or large, these are the design ingredients you need to do it. 

1. A built-in bed

A built-in bed is ideal for rooms with limited floor space, as you can make the most of the room's height and stack storage below the high sleeper bed instead. Everything from toys, clothes and shoes can be stashed inside meaning you won't need to squeeze in a wardrobe idea too. 

Here we added custom ply doors to standard kitchen Metod base units, from £35 each and Maximera drawers, from £32 each, both IKEA, which rather than being painted to match a scheme that could date, have been left bare. 

Hanging curtains will turn it into a cosy den for younger children, or give older children a sense of privacy. Try to avoid character-featuring bedding (sorry Paw Patrol) and instead opt for something with a sweet pattern and pop of colour for a timeless kids bedroom. 

2. Their own study station

Give them a dedicated spot for doodling, crafting and for older kids, homework, so you can (try to) confine the chaos to one place, as well as free up your own home office desk, or more likely, the kitchen table. 

Choose a plain desk like the Fargo desk in pure white, £275, Little Folks Furniturewith some storage built-in, like a couple of drawers or a cubby space for keeping colouring books and stationery. 

While they are younger (and less likely to keep still for very long) a simple wooden chair will suffice for sitting on, but once they get a little older, a more supportive desk or gaming chair might be worth investing in instead.

3. Stylish wall art

Bring some personality into the room with prints in matching frames. Opt for cheerful animals, like this selection, from £28 each, Abstract House, geometrics or simple motifs and hang them in pairs or sets of three for the most pleasing arrangement. 

Alternatively, a gallery wall or a picture ledge looks great displaying a few framed pieces of your little ones own artwork, as well as some favourite toys dotted along it too. While wall art is something that can be changed fairly easily and inexpensively, choose designs that match the colour scheme of the room and aren’t too garish.

4. Blackout blinds

Those with sleep-adversed youngsters will know the importance of a blackout blind, especially in the middle of summer when it’s still light outside at bedtime. 

If your windows allow for it, fit a patterned roller blind, from £27.99, English Blinds inside the recess to ensure a snug fit that blocks the maximum amount of light, a great option for keeping direct sun glare off a screen during gaming, movie sessions or while doing homework too. 

While roller blinds are super easy to operate so older kids can adjust them themselves, just be aware of any pull cords and chains that might attract younger children and make sure they are either completely out of reach or meet the highest child safety standards.

5. A secret reading nook

No matter how energetic your kids are, providing them with a calming space to read, listen to music or just chill out with friends will (help) encourage a bit of downtime at the end of the day. 

Instead of placing Billy bookcases, £35 each, Ikea against a wall, face them towards each other to create a special shelving den. Suspend floaty fabric over a swing curtain pole for a magical hideaway canopy, letting it drape to the floor for a fairytale-feel. This can easily be removed as they get older and the units turned back against the wall if a den isn't something that excites them any more.

If space is tight, swap one unit for the back of a bed head, or if kids are sharing, assign them a shelf each, hanging individual hooks at the end for cherished personal belongings or favourite toys. 

6. Accessible storage

Encourage children to help with tidying away toys and books at the end of a play session, with a slim toy storage unit like the Oeuf mini library shelving system, £695, Nubie featuring a combination of doors and open shelves, so you can choose what stays out on show and what gets hidden away. 

Don’t make the shelving too high, as you don’t want little ones reaching or climbing to get something they want, and always ensure it’s attached securely to the wall so it won’t topple over. As interests change over time, swap out toys for photos of mates, prized possessions and wireless speakers.

7. Simple wall mural

A wall mural is a simple way to bring some colour and personality into a kids room, that is relatively easy and cost effective. Plus if they decide they don't love it as much in a few years time, you can easily paint over it (or even better, have them paint over it themselves!).

To achieve a mountain range scheme like this one, choose a cheery paint colour, like Friendly Peach matt emulsion, £42 for 2L, Yes Colours then simply use a ruler and pencil to draw tall triangles above half way up the wall. Paint the triangles and wall below in your chosen shade, leaving the rest of the wall white.

If you're feeling a bit more creative, take inspiration from this Mums diy rainbow mural and create something really special.

So there you have it, my cheatsheet of ideas for creating a timeless kids bedroom, so that you can create a space your little one will love both now, and as they grow to be not-so little ones anymore. 

Like many bedtimes in homes up and down the country, ours was a battle. My son is nearly two and a half and as independent and happy as he is, he refused to go to sleep without my husband or I (usually both of us) sitting quietly in the room with him.

It meant most of our evening was spent sat in silence, in the dark, lying on the floor of my little boys bedroom, waiting for him to nod off so we could creep out and crack on with dinner/more work/housework/life admin.

But that all changed when we bought the Yoto Player starter bundle for £89.99 on Amazon.

The one item I swear by for a kids room

When my son was born, I was brimming full of nursery ideas and couldn't wait to transform our guest bedroom into a super-cute space for him to grow up in. But being in the midst of global pandemic, it wasn't easing getting to shops for materials and so we decided to leave the room as it was, making just a few tweaks here and there.

I'd always loved bedroom wallpaper ideas, so was happy to keep the monochrome Sandberg Ella wallpaper design that we'd already decorated with previously. Adding in his cot, a changing table, chest of drawers and comfortable armchair, we were pretty much set. But it didn't even cross my mind to invest in a smart speaker too. 

The Yoto Player is a great screen-free audio player for kids of ages 3 and up. It works by slotting physical cards of your kids favourite stories into the player, which then narrates and sings the audio for your little one to enjoy. Unlike a lot of kids toys and games, it isn't horribly garish and still sits nicely within the bedroom colour scheme.

We still read books with him every night, but once it's time to get into bed, he chooses his favourite Yoto card, currently these Peppa Pig ones, and then is happy to be tucked up on his own and nods off while listening to the stories.

We can then slip out and actually utilise our evenings, which are currently spent researching kitchen ideas for our next home which we should be moving to soon.

So my advise for anyone about to embark on children's room ideas or if you're currently in that 'bedtimes are hell' stage of parenting, invest in my must-have item and I promise not only will your little ones bedroom still look super-smart, you'll be able to regain your evenings back for you again! 

It’s completely normal for siblings to have to share a room, at least for some period of time anyway. Most of us have been there at some point. But the design, decor and layout of the shared room can either really enhance the experience or make it pretty unbearable for your children. That’s why we’ve put together these clever kids’ shared bedroom ideas to help you achieve the former for your little ones and, by extension, for you too.

The wrong children’s room ideas can lead to anything from an impractical layout that doesn’t work, a cluttered look and feel or an uneven split of the space which can lead to arguments and fights between your kids, rather than harmonious cohabitation.

On the other hand, getting this right will give both of your kids a level of privacy, their own space that they feel is truly theirs and is of equal size to their sibling, as well as space that’s shared and where they can spend time together. It’s all about striking a balance between the two here.

Kids' shared bedroom ideas

‘In a shared kids’ bedroom, layout is everything,’ says Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. ‘I always start with zoning areas for sleeping, playing, and studying.’

But we’d add that it’s also about the right children’s bedroom furniture choices – so be cautious when investing in these as they can either make or break the room.

1. Add a shared reading nook

Reading corner ideas are perfect for a kids’ room – and it’s also the ideal opportunity to create a space that’s meant to be shared between the siblings where they can also spend time together. And all that's needed to create one are some cushions and/or pillows and potentially a canopy like this Wonder Space one from Amazon to recreate the look from the image above.

‘The centre of the room could be perfect for a shared reading nook, creating a space that promotes togetherness instead of competition,’ says Sienna Brooks, Flitch interior stylist.

2. Use a bookshelf for partition

If you want to create a physical separation between the two areas, each belonging to one of the kids, then rather than installing something not dissimilar from a wall, go for something that will still allow light to come through.

‘Instead of going for solid partitions, consider using a half-height bookshelf or a curtain hung on a tension rod. This way, each child can have their own little space without cutting off light or airflow,’ Sienna at Flitch says.

3. Maximise space with clever storage

As the room is designed to serve more than one person, it’s safe to assume that space is considered luxury – so make the most of every inch, including the vertical ones.

‘Think vertical. Tall bookcases, under-bed storage drawers and wall-mounted desks are fantastic for keeping the floor clear for playtime. Don’t overlook the back of the door either. Over-door organisers can be a game changer for storing toys, shoes or even homework supplies,’ Sienna at Flitch advises.

Chloe at Laura James agrees, ‘Maximising space always comes down to how well you use height. Bunk beds remain my favourite for good reason, but if that’s not right for your family, then focus on the wall space you have. Shelving, hooks, hanging storage and even wall-mounted desks help keep the floor clear for play are great options.’

4. Go for a high sleeper

If there’s enough space for two separate beds rather than bunk beds, then you can opt for high sleepers like the Habitat Ronnie design from Argos which will then create extra space underneath the beds for each of the kids to enjoy for either play or homework, or both.

‘If space allows, the best solution can be placing raised beds on opposite sides of the room. This will help create natural separation and a sense of ownership for each child. These beds can allow for a play space and desk area underneath. This not only maximises height but also gives each child a sense of privacy within their own mini zone,’ Chloe at Laura James explains.

5. Divide the space equally

Treating children equally will diffuse resentments before they start. So ensure each child has the same amount of space, regardless of age or other factors.

If you're including beds with built-in storage beneath, make sure you know which side the drawers will open. It will reduce any arguments and make life easier if drawers can be opened without encroaching on each other's space.

6. Include built-in storage where possible

Kids accumulate a lot of 'stuff'. From clothes and shoes, to toys, books, sports kids, dressing up costumes, school work and more. With two kids sharing a bedroom, it's easy for things to get out of hand, particularly when they grow out of things so fast.

They key to keeping things organised and under control is ample storage. Built-in or bespoke options will make the most of every centimetre. So it's well worth considering the extra expense, especially in an attic bedroom or one with with awkward corners and angles. If you can stretch to the initial outlay, it will pay off in the log run, as it won't be necessary to replace small freestanding pieces with larger ones down the line.

Make sure drawers and cupboard space are divided up, so each child knows which is his or her section and they can find their own stuff. Some shared areas may be necessary for toy storage ideas, so ensure they are aware of this, with labels if necessary.

7. Choose a calming colour scheme

Colour affects our mood and how we feel, so to keep kids feeling calm, avoid a sensory overload of garish primary colours in their bedroom. Toys, books and games will keep them stimulated, so it's good to temper this with a backdrop of serene neutrals and gentle pastels in their space.

'Personality can be added without altering the décor through photographs and other items being hung on the wall,' says Georgia Metcalfe, founder of The French Bedroom Company. 'Remember, plain walls and furniture don’t go out of style and make a room feel bright and airy.'

This is a smart solution in a girl's bedroom idea if you're dealing with two very distinct personalities. The calming neutral scheme will be the perfect backdrop for both to express themselves.

8. Be inventive with a bunk bed layout

Of course, the traditional bunk bed layout is a well designed way to accommodate two kids in a small bedroom. However, it may not work so well for kids of different ages, where their needs vary.

If you have a younger one who still likes bedtime stories and you want to be able to pull up a chair next to the bed, consider an alternative bunk bed layout. This can either be done by an choosing L-shaped model like the Horizon Bunk Bed Frame from Dunelm or with a platform bed and a single bed at a 90 degree angle beneath, instead of a desk setup.

9. Make learning fun with a double desk

Provide kids with a smart and stimulating shared place to do homework and they'll be more likely to knuckle down and do it. This is particularly essential for teenage bedroom ideas if they have exams coming up.

Creating an alcove beneath built-in storage is an ideal spot for a double desk. Ensure there's enough space for both kids to sit and write, draw or do their homework at the same time. And make it fun, with quirky wallpaper that can be coloured in to encourage their creativity when they study alone too.

10. Go for a theme they'll both love

Accommodating colours, patterns and themes each kid loves can lead to a messy mishmash of a shared bedroom scheme that suits neither them nor you.

Instead, go for a theme, such as a movie, book, topic or character that they both enjoy and make that the focal point. Setting this within a neutral background will allow each child the space to personalise their section of the bedroom with favourite toys and teddies.

11. Make bedtime appealing with modern design

If bedtime in a shared bedroom turns too easily into bickering or play time, make it more appealing with a cocooning modern bunk bed design.

With shelves that can be personalised and its cosy rounded shape, this bunk bed feels more like a den or a place to hang out, where each kid gets their own space to read and relax before lights out.

12. Pick furniture that will last

Vintage pieces by their nature have weathered the years and various design trends. These make a good choice if you want what the furniture you choose to see your little ones through from toddlers to teenagers. Home furnishing discount codes is another thing to bear in mind to help you pick up the pieces you want without breaking the budgets.

'To prevent frequent furniture replacing, purchase durable pieces that will stand the test of time,' says Georgia from The French Bedroom Company. 'Wardrobes, tables and chests of drawers are key choices. Solid craftsmanship in the design and natural materials are generally a good indicator that the furniture will last.'

13. Include space for soft play areas

Kids love to play on the floor, so whether you've gone for carpet, timber flooring or a fun rug like this transport-print one from Habitat, ensure you include a section of floor space for them to play. Ample storage nearby and extra rugs underfoot for their comfort will encourage this.

'Children's rooms can be short on space, so it's vital to get smart with the layout to maximise what's available,' says Christopher Lusty, founder of Little Folks Furniture.

'Having simple ways to declutter and create floorspace is fundamental to maintaining a harmonious bedroom. Raised bed frames give the option to tuck storage underneath.'

14. Paint the walls with multiple colours

If one child is begging for pink walls and the other wants a contrasting colour why not blend both their choices together, creating a colour scheme that keeps them both happy. Rather than painting each wall a different colour why not create a funky geometric design on the walls with the two colours?

Create this diagonal design by running masking tape down the wall to create a sharp line between the different coloured bedroom paint ideas. Finish off the room with room decorations that will appeal to both kids.

15. Break up the conventional layout

Don't feel like you have to conform with the traditions of having symmetry when it comes to how to divide a kids room bedroom. In fact, mixing up how to arrange furniture in a bedroom can make a big impact on the rooms layout. Rather than seeking symmetry to zone the room for each child the beds are placed almost back to back to dominate one corner – freeing up the rest of the space for their individual needs.

Having the beds facing away from each other helps to give each child a different persecutive, a wall to call their own.

16. Mix and match individual styles

Your kids may have to share a room, but that's as far as it has to go. If you have one messy, one tidy, one boy, one girl, one explorer and one ballerina then fill the room with different room accessories and bedding.

Although it's within shared bedroom ideas you can even go as far as giving them completely different beds and desks, don't deny them their own style just because they share the same room.

17. Welcome a feature wall for storage

Balance a twin set up with a feature wall for toy storage ideas and bookshelves. The curated wall provides plenty of space for double everything, from baby toys through to artwork and more grown-up accessories.

If you've had baby twins then why not keep them together? At a young age, it doesn't matter if they're different sexes they can happily stay in shared bedroom ideas. Keep everything multicoloured in animal and alphabet designs which can be updated with pops of pink and blue if you wish.

18. Add one harmonious accent colour

Inject a hit of colour that both children like, to add a harmonious accent colour. A colour such as brilliant yellow will prove timeless as they grow, meaning you won't need to refresh every year as they grow out of baby pink or baby blue.

Paint window shutter ideas in a striking shade to invigorate the room and highlight the view beyond – encouraging them to look out to a world beyond those four walls.

19. Personalise everything

So you don't get into ‘but that's mine' arguments, personalise everything where possible. Fun bedroom wall decor, bedding embroidery and even painted name signs like this Etsy one placed above each of their beds are all great ways to show the divide in the room, whilst keeping everything else the same.

In shared bedroom ideas, you do run the risk of siblings feeling like they're unable to express themselves, but with personalisation they can literally stamp there name on everything.

20. Add extra privacy with a tent

Every child loves a den but it is a clever addition to a shared bedroom. They can choose to play in the tent together or use it as a space to get away from each other. You can buy indoor children's tents online, or make one yourself that will fit perfectly into the corner of the room like this one.

This bedroom tent is as simple to create as hanging a sheet over a pole attached to the ceiling and securing it to two point son the wall. All that's left is to fill it with a cosy rugs and cushions.

21. Create storage for both bunk bed levels

The storage for traditional bunk beds is usually found on the bottom level under the bottom bunk. However, shared bedroom storage, even if your two kids are best friends, can be a recipe for disaster. Insert a peg rail next to the top and bottom bunk and hang storage baskets or bags over them like in this room.

This will help keep your kids belongs separate and within easy reach from their bed, just be sure they are within easy reach for you to take down incase you're called in for any lost plimsoll emergencies.

FAQs

How do I arrange a shared bedroom?

The most important element is to make it fair. Each child should have a similar amount of personal space and storage, as well as shared areas.

'Depending on their age, involve your children in the styling of their room by asking what they would like and listening to their ideas,' says Christopher at Little Folks Furniture. 'Help them think about what they use their room for and how best you can put that into action.'

How do you make a shared room fun?

A shared bedroom is generally fun for most young children; you've always got company and you get double the toys to play with.

To make the decor fun, consider a theme that they both love, for example a character from a book or film. If the age difference means their interests are too varied, pick something general and easy to achieve, such as a painting a mountain mural on a wall.

How do you split a small shared room?

The best way to divide a shared kids room that's on the small side is to seek smart furniture choices, such as bunk beds and stacked storage to utilise space.

When space is at a premium, it is key to make your furniture work harder. Choose multifunctional pieces to offer more potential. Single beds with drawer storage below, bunk beds with shelving incorporated, seating with space beneath to stash toys will all help keep chaos to a minimum.

Which one of these kids’ shared bedroom ideas are you looking to put to the test and incorporate in your little ones’ space?

Nurseries can be colourful places, with bright toys, clothes and furnishings all competing for our attention. Yet with a little planning and design, you can create a colourful yet coherent space that will work for years to come.

Start by collating nursery ideas you love, then do an edit to see what’s the common colour – is it a punchy bright or a soothing pastel? Use this as the starting point for your moodboard – how much depends on the effect you want to create – will it be the hero colour or an accent? 

Interior designer Ursula Wesseling at Room to Bloom starts with a beautiful wallpaper used just on one wall. ‘I then take the colours from the design to decorate the rest of the room for an instantly coherent look. Keep furniture simple and timeless, then add a few decorative touches and you’re done!’

Colourful nursery ideas

Add fun colour to your nursery with our simple-yet-so-effective ideas.

‘We recommend calming colours for nurseries and bedrooms to create a relaxing space for both baby and parent. The current trend is toward more gender-neutral warmer colours,’ says Laura Williams, founder of The Modern Nursery.

1. Add a colour pop to white

An all-white or grey nursery idea can still be colourful – just go heavy on one accent colour. Try a blush or coral pink, for a look that’s Scandi cool and not too feminine. An upholstered chair and footstool are ideal for nursing, or you could introduce your accent colour easily with a simple rug. 

Use colourful stencilled designs or wall stickers for a quick and easy way to add a splash of colour to a plain wall.

2. Go wild with wallpaper

Make use of the fifth wall in a room – the ceiling – to be brave with a colourful wallpaper, keeping the other walls white. Little ones will love looking up at the colours and shapes. A botanical inspired design is a winner when it comes to gender neutral nursery ideas. Again, a canopy provides colour, but this time in a lovely warm mustard shade. 

Make use of your little one’s wardrobe to add pops of colour around a nursery, displaying colourful knits on cute hangers – it’s a great way to boost an accent shade without buying anything new.

3. Paint an alcove

Try a deep blue in an alcove or nook, creating a night sky area, which can be decorated with some stick-on stars. Keep to the blue scheme, bringing in different shades – this will help keep the room fresh and not too dark. If you’re looking for baby boy nursery ideas, then we’ve plenty here. 

Painted furniture is a great way of making an older piece of furniture work in a new nursery. Try a chalk paint for a quick makeover, adding new handles (there are some lovely children’s themed designs around). 

4. Section an activity corner

Use colour to divide up areas of a nursery, with a fun colour use to create a reading nook. Paint a feature wall and use two bookcases end-on to provide easy-accessible storage. This can be draped with a colourful canopy (lightweight fabric works best), adding to that ‘secret nook’ sense of space.

Terracotta, coral and burnt orange work brilliantly with shades of blue (they are opposite each other on the colour wheel) and are idea for a shared sister-brother space.

5. Give furniture a colourful makeover

Paint your own fun designs on simple wooden stools, adding pops of colour around a calm, neutral nursery. Choose a gloss or eggshell, adding a shine to the painted areas. Section off with masking tape, working a fun geometric look. ‘Painting inexpensive or second-hand furniture like cupboards and chest of drawers makes them colourful and unique,’ says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘Rub down, then use a wood primer before adding a topcoat of satin or gloss.’

A colourful rug is an easy way to boost a nursery’s colour credentials and bring the look together. Try a colour-with-white stripe to keep within the light yet bright scheme.

6. Go green

Sage green nursery ideas are a hit, and green is a great colour choice for a nursery, especially if you want to decorate before you know baby’s gender. It’s a colour taken from nature, so is soothing and relaxing. Try a pale-to-mid green, which works well with white and natural wood furniture and accessories.

Add layers of texture, with a cosy rug – one will help protect your carpet from any accidents in the early years too.

7. Use leftover paint

Turn storage crates into a colourful wall display for a nursery or bedroom – it's a great solution for what to do with leftover paint. Don’t be too neat with the painting, lending a vintage feel. The same colour can also be used to upcycle a set of drawers too.

For an extra hit of colour, line each crate with comic pages, vintage wallpaper, or patterned gift wrap.

8. Fill a corner with colour

Paper decorations are a speedy way to inject colour into a nursery. Try grouping a selection of honeycomb and pompoms in varying shades and fixing to a discreet hook secured into the corner between walls and ceiling.

Personalised bunting is another no-decorating way of adding colour to a nursery. If baby’s name is short, then add birthdate or a few plain flags at either end – that way you can used to decorate a whole wall.

9. Showcase collections

In a vintage-inspired nursery, let the collections of bed linen and toys provide the colour, thanks to open shelving and a cabinet with glass doors. Books, toys and collectables can really bring colour to a space – you can choose to randomise colours or create colour-coded sections, which can help with tidying up as children grow.

Choose a fun wallpaper that brings the vintage look together – a design inspired by a storybook you’ve loved as a child will always create a special space.

10.Choose a soft backdrop

Powder or the softest of blush pinks makes a lovely, calming backdrop to toys and books. Paint alcoves, floating shelves, and the walls the same shade, making the storage recede and the colourful accessories pop. 

Such a soft shade of pink is the ideal choice if you aren’t a fan of those sugarier shades. If you’re looking for baby girl nursery ideas, then it’s not all about pink as these ideas show, you can choose something more neutral that can be styled to suit.

What colours are best for a nursery?

‘Although pink, blue and of course grey continue to be popular paint choices amongst expecting parents, over the past few years there has been a surge in yellow nurseries,’ shares Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘It’s commonly thought of as a gender-neutral shade and considered a stimulating and happy colour.’

How can I make my nursery brighter?

‘For smaller nurseries that lack natural light, we recommend light base colours and avoiding heavier feeling colours and textures,’ says Laura Williams, founder of The Modern Nursery. ‘If you are looking to add brighter colours, then do so with colourful soft furnishings, such as cushions, wall decor and bean bags. Wall stickers and feature wallpapers not only add colour in a playful way but also spark imagination and encourage children to learn.’

Don’t forget lighting either, as Ursula Wesselingh, interior designer at Room to Bloom explains, ‘Use multiple light sources rather than one central pendant to layer light, with directional light sources illuminating light-coloured surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, to reflect light back into the room.’

Babies come with lots of stuff, lots of colours, and even a style that’s often far from the one you’ve carefully curated over the years ‘BC’ (before child). But with careful planning and some clever design ideas, you can create a modern nursery that works for all.

There are so many nursery ideas for inspiration, but in a modern nursery, keeping things clean and simple is often the best.

Interior designer Ursula Wesseling at Room to Bloom would always include a practical, beautiful cot bed, a generous-sized chest of drawers and flexible lighting when designing a modern nursery. ‘I love adding bright colours to a modern nursery with accents, such as wall art, decorative lighting, cushions, bedding,’ she shares.

‘We’d advise starting with a neutral colour base and then layer colour on top with decor and furniture,’ says Laura Williams, founder of The Modern Nursery.  ‘This creates longevity in the design as your child grows and means you don't have to paint again. Simply switch out the accessories and update the furniture.’ 

Modern nursery ideas

Dealing with a small children's room idea? ‘Clever storage and avoiding bulky furniture are key to maximising space,’ continues Laura. ‘Simple tricks include wall storage to save floor space and multifunctional storage furniture, while try a changing table that can convert into a chest of drawers as your child grows.’

Contemporary can be child-friendly in a modern nursery – just keep it simple, add character with colour, pattern or something a little quirky – like a oversized cuddly animal friend. Above all, have fun!

1. Keep it monochrome

With babies seeing black, white and shades of grey up until around four months, a monochrome nursery is sure to appeal to both of you. Plus it's a surefire gender neutral nursery idea if you want to decorate before your baby arrives. Bring in plenty of interesting shapes, like a dotty wallpaper, zigzag bedlinen and mobile. A snug rug underfoot helps balance the monochrome palette and add cosy texture.

If looking to add an accent colour to a monochrome nursery, try a zingy yellow – it’s the perfect bright partner. You don’t need to go crazy with yellow either; try just a flash on bedlinen, a yellow toy, nightlight, or even something as simple as a yellow picture frame.

2. Create zones within a nursery

Just as a modern home is flexible, so can a modern nursery. Think about how a corner for a child can be a place to sit and be read to, read by themselves or even a gaming station. Storage, a chair or bench and a rug can be used for all three variations. 

Look for furniture on wheels, such as an art station with room underneath for supplies, while pegboard keeps wall space adaptable. A modern nursery is about creating a space that grows.

3. Go for a mural

Inspire dreams with a large modern mural – a map is a great way of teaching about the wider world. Choose a fun nursery mural idea with facts or even animals on and team with crisp white furniture, such as a simple cot bed and a rocker.

Teepees are a fun addition to a modern nursery, providing an instant den (plus they are a speed way of tidying up toys off the floor!). Add a few cushions and one makes a great reading spot.

4. Add a pale grey to crisp white

If you’re an all-white lover but finding it too harsh for baby’s room, then introduce a pale dove grey. Try a non-gender specific white-on-grey star wallpaper on a feature wall – the crisp design against the warm grey will add that softness you’ve been looking for. Hang up a few favourite prints above the cot (just make sure they are out of reach), while mini shelves break up the star design with minimum fuss. 

Bring in a few zigzags to your grey and white nursery idea – it’s a modern patten motif that works with the stars without making the scheme look busy.

5. Bring in a friend

In a modern nursery you can go crazy with a statement piece – like a huge animal head (or even head with body!). This zebra sets the mood, one of fun and friends. Echo the black-and-white stripes with plenty of monochrome, while splashes of accent mustard take this nursery to the African plains. 

If your nursery is in a period home blessed with high ceilings, use colour to bring the ceiling lower, making the space feel warm and cosy.

6. Plan in plenty of storage

Keep the minimum number of toys out, with the rest stashed in a painted armoire or dresser. Large toy bags and boxes will also help the space not become overwhelmed, while wall shelves allow you to create pockets of display. And be smart when thinking about how to organise baby clothes - ensuring plenty of hidden storage, too.

Choose a play kitchen that echoes your own modern design – and if you can’t find one, then the basic wooden ones are easy to adapt, with chalk paint, stick on marble-effect vinyl and even metallic paint for the taps and handles.

7. Wallpaper all walls

Use a modern zigzag pattern in a soft shade to create a cosy yet contemporary nursery. Bring in plenty of softer shapes, such as a curved cot and round rug, avoiding too many straight lines. Soft grey nursery ideas works as an accent colour to this scheme, while the rose pink could easily be swapped for a denim blue shade if decorating for a baby boy. 

Don’t shy away from hanging art on wallpaper; the trick is to keep frames white or black, with a large mount.

8. Paint your own feature

One for budding climbers and explorers! A mountain peak design is easy to paint yourself. Start by painting the wall in the palest section, then mask off peaks once dry and paint a darker shade above. 

Bring in an extra dimension with an animal head hung directly to the wall. Choose a character that can be echoed in bedlinen for a coherent touch.

9. Keep it Scandi calm

Plenty of textures, neutral colours and natural wood make for a modern Scandi nursery. Spice racks double up as book and small toy wall storage, while a photograph, simply framed, makes a simple yet striking statement. The lack of colour makes this a calming space that can be grown into by baby. ‘Soft, muted colours create a calm atmosphere, which is ideal for a nursery as the room will initially be used primarily for sleep and restful activities,’ says Ursula Wesselingh, Interior Designer at Room to Bloom. 

Choose natural linen for sheets and soft furnishings, the relaxed ‘creased’ look is very Scandi, and who has time to iron when there’s baby cuddles to be enjoyed? Bring in a few boho nursery ideas to soften the edges if you prefer a more eclectic look. 

10. Choose retro lines

In a modern nursery, introduce retro styling to add character – here a curved cot bed in white and walnut looks great with a crisp mountain scape that’s been edged with an outline. A favourite blanket in a retro weave adds a touch of softness, as does a lovely wool pebble rug – just thing for baby to sink its toes into for those first steps.

A freestanding book tub makes story time easy – and because it stands on legs, enhances the sense of space in this small nursery bedroom.

What’s the best way to decorate a nursery?

‘Features and personalised designs are great when it comes to nursery design,’ says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘To add some fun use masking tape to create simple stripes or checks, or for a more complicated pattern go for a stencil. Kids’ rooms have a license to be fun. The beauty of paint is that the scheme can be easily and inexpensively updated as the child grows.’ 

How can I fill an empty corner in a nursery? 

‘When we design, we love to split a room into zones,’ says Laura Williams, founder of The Modern Nursery. ‘A spare corner can become a play area with modern puzzle playmats, toys and toy storage or a cosy reading nook with a teepee, bean bag and bookshelves.’

‘I love using plants to dress a nursery – hanging plants from the ceiling or placing a large plant on the floor. You can also fill a corner with a tall stuffed animal – giraffes are very popular,’ says Ursula Wesselingh, interior designer at Room to Bloom.

How do I make my nursery feel cosier?

‘Experiment with textures,’ says Laura. ‘We use textures, accessories, and soft layers to create cosier rooms. Window treatments are also a simple way of making a nursery cosier. If you use blackout blinds, then still use curtains to frame the window and add texture.’  

Creating a nursery mural can be as involved or straightforward as you'd like it to be. But however you do it, it's a wonderful way to add charm and character to a little one's room. And, before they become obsessed with Hello Kitty or Pokemon, the Marvel Universe or Disney princesses, you get to put your unique stamp on their space, in a way they'll appreciate – and even maybe add to – as they grow. 

'You don't need to be an artist to be able to create great mural feature walls for your kids,' says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. 'There are many easy ways to do it. Work out a design on paper then scale up for the walls, using good masking tape to create crisp lines. Kids’ rooms have a license to be fun. Therefore, why not add a bit of playfulness by painting furniture to match or contrast with the walls.'

Cost needn't be a factor either. You could choose to splash out on a full-scale wallpaper mural that covers one or more walls, or you could pick a smaller peel-and-stick design that you can remove without causing damage. 

Or why not pick up a few pots of leftover paint and have a go at designing your own mural? You can paint freehand or grab some tape and mask out a geometric design. It really is a nursery decorating idea that anyone can try. Just don't be afraid to make mistakes – you can always paint over them! 

10 nursery wall mural ideas to try

1. Calm the mood with delicate pastels

You may be tempted to channel your local soft play centre and go big and bold with primary colours in your nursery mural. However, that could prove counterproductive, particularly when you are trying to get baby settled for the night.  

'Paler colours work well in a children’s room as they tend to be more relaxing and soothing – both for the child and parents,' says Justyna Korczynska. 'A background of soft blues and greens or warm pinky greys can be a good basis from which to add more colour.'

2. Create a magical backdrop for play

A full-scale wallpaper mural is more of an investment, but pick the right design and it can continue to spark the imagination long after your little one is out of nappies. 

An enchanted forest has fairytale charm - the mural above can add atmosphere to bedtime stories from The Gruffalo to Goldilocks. 

Alternatively, consider a space theme, a jungle, or boats on the high seas. 

3. Mirror your mural theme with artwork

This is a great idea if you think a mural might otherwise appear too 'random'. Take a simple motif such as triangular 'mountains' above, trees or scalloped waves, and paint your mural. Then either buy or create bedroom wall art that features the same motif and hang it around the room to consolidate the theme. 

You could do the same with curtains, a rug or your choice of bedding. 

4. Set the tone for sleep

Who needs lullabies when you can get in the mood for sleep with your nursery mural? This Goodnight Moon inspired wallpaper design by Dunelm will have everyone yawning and is a quick and affordable way to add character to an entire wall.

It would work really well with grey or white walls – so if you're reinventing a neutral guest bedroom as a nursery, it's. great pick. 

Shop now: Floating Clouds mural, from £50, Dunelm

5. Get big into nature

Be inspired by the new life you've brought into the world with a mural of spring flowers growing tall on your wall. This large-format design by Rebel Walls will cover a large area quickly, so if you've left decorating to the last minute, it's a quick and super stylish option. 

It's also not too 'babyish', so if you aren't a fan of cutesy designs, are toying with switching bedrooms around, or don't plan to stay in the house for years to come, choosing this design means you won't need to redecorate. 

Shop now: Bumblebee wall mural in Sand, £38 per sq m, Rebel Walls

6. Pick a peel and stick for rentals

If you're decorating a rental property, it's unlikely you'll be able to daub your own hand-painted mural on the walls without risking the wrath of your landlord. That's where peel-and-stick designs come to the rescue.

This design is made of self-adhesive wall fabric, which is more eco-friendly and resilient than vinyl, and it's printed with non-toxic, kid-safe inks. Best of all, it can be removed and repositioned easily, so you can move it to another wall or room, and it won't leave a single mark behind. 

We love the idea of this relaxing view, which might take the edge off those early morning feeds. 

Shop now: Large Boho Nursery Arch, from £55.58, Sir Face Graphics at Etsy

7. Stick with simplicity

A mural doesn't have to be complicated – it can be as simple as a few diagonal lines. You could use these to zone a twin nursery or shared bedroom (yellow side for one sibling, pink for the other) or to demarcate different areas for sleep and play. 

To create a sharp and neat line, we like to use Frog tape for masking.

Shop now: FrogTape Green Multi Surface Masking Tape, £6.99, Amazon

8. Frame a piece of furniture

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple shape or series of shapes to create the basis of a mural. A semi circle behind a cot or bed, or a series of triangular 'peaks' can form the basis of a mural that you can have fun embellishing over time.  

‘One of my favourite murals for a client was a mountain around the bottom half of her son's bedroom walls,' says Aaron Markwell, COAT’s Colour Curator. 'This made for a great gender-neutral mural that can be complemented with stickers or stencils of your child's favourite things when they are younger and "grows-up" with them.'

It's also a good way to highlight a piece of furniture, such as a changing station, cot, or nursing chair. 

9. Introduce cute characters with stickers

Sure you could go for one big peel-and-stick mural. But you can have just as much fun with a series of smaller stickers. Play with scale and cleverly position your stickers around furniture – an empty wall can host a larger tree, while a cot or shelf can double as a perch for animal friends. 

10. Dare to embrace a dark backdrop

A black wall can provide the backdrop for a truly fantastical nursery mural. Artist and interior designer Lucy Tiffney created this design using Annie Sloan paints. You could have a go at hand-painting your own masterpiece, or simply dare to paint your walls dark and embellish them with adhesive mofits. 

'Children respond to colour,' says Annie. 'Their instinctive attraction towards brighter shades isn’t hampered by a learned fear of standing out, and we should capitalise on that! Bright shades inspire, build future confidence with experimentation, and activate fertile imaginations.' 

Annie goes on to explain that 'as with white, all colours go with black; but they pop against black rather than sitting more gently alongside a blank canvas of white'.

Lucy has used Annie's Athenian Black here, but Farrow & Ball's Railings is another equally dark and dramatic option.

Shop now: Athenian Black wall paint, £55.95, Annie Sloan
Shop now: Railings Modern emulsion, £56 for 2.5ltrs, Farrow & Ball at B&Q  

What paint should I use to create a nursery mural

Our tips on how to paint a wall will help you apply your chosen colours with a professional finish. But before you start, take care to pick the right paint for your project. 

If there's one place not to skimp on cheap paint, it's the nursery. It could start to flake, and it could contain a higher level of VOCs – volatile organic compounds that are given off by the paint. These pollute the air and are known to be harmful to the environment and can trigger asthma and allergies. 

Look for paint low in VOCs, such as Crown Breatheasy, or Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, which is made entirely from raw plant and mineral materials. Graphenstone makes paint that goes one stage further – not only does it not emit harmful VOCs but it actually cleans your air by absorbing CO2 as it dries. 

Another important consideration when choosing paint for a nursery paint is wipe-ability – whether you're dealing with sticky fingerprints or crayon marks. Again, most paint brands offer paints robust enough to deal with multiple clean downs. Crown has its stain- and scrub-resistant Easyclean, while Dulux offers an Easycare range on similar lines. 

Aaron Markwell, COAT’s Colour Curator recommends COAT's soft sheen finish in bedrooms for young children. 'Any crayon can easily be washed off,' he explains.

Having a small space or box room doesn’t mean you can’t have an adorable and practical nursery. What it does mean is that you need clever small nursery ideas to get the most out of your space. It’s time to get creative and make the most of every inch.

When it comes to achieving the most from your nursery ideas, the first job is to measure up - around radiators, alcoves and windowsills there is often dead space which you might be able to fill with some clever nursery decor or storage solutions.

Next, prioritise which items have to go in there and if any could go in another room. The cot and essentials will need to be in the nursery, but think outside the box for the rest. Could toys be stored in the living room and towels and bedding in the bathroom?

And lastly, storage is the most important consideration when it comes to planning a small nursery. Keeping things organised and close to hand when you’re sleep-deprived and exhausted is essential for a well-functioning room. 

Small nursery ideas

With these simple small nursery ideas, you can set up a functional nursery, even if you’re tight on space.

1. Keep everything close to hand with open shelving

Babies usually come with a lot of stuff, from nappies to baby wipes. Keep everything in its place with designated storage in your new nursery. Cubby holes or shelving is perfect for this and a great solution is to do away with doors on furniture - they just take up valuable floor space. In this girls nursery idea, pink accents have been used to add a pop of colour to the white room, which are easy to update as your child gets older.

2. Make the most of wall space

Storage that doubles as a display is a winning small nursery idea. Installing shelves, picture rails or hooks on walls is not only visually appealing, but means you have all the essentials on hand when it’s time to get baby ready. ‘A clothes organiser is ideal to display cute newborn clothing - it’s not only functional but stylish too,' says Kris Tolofson, Director and Co-Founder of Nöa & Nani. 'Hang clothes together in ‘outfits’ so that these can be easily accessed and put back if needed without too much effort or force’. 

Doubling up on your shelving ideas is a great idea for a twin nursery idea – show off special items for each child on each shelf. 

3. Choose furniture with a dual purpose

When there’s not much space in a nursery, each piece of furniture needs to be as functional as possible - look for smart options that can do double duty without cluttering it up. “I would suggest using a chest of drawers with a changing mat on top, instead of a changing table,’ says celebrity Mummy Concierge Tiffany Norris, www.themummyconcierge.com. ‘This means the drawers below can be used for nappies, wipes and creams and then once your baby doesn’t need a changing table anymore it can double up as somewhere for their clothes”. 

4. Try a monochrome colour palette

All-white walls will make a small room feel bigger, and adding modern monochrome prints and patterns allows you to give definition and interest to the small space, without overwhelming with colour. It makes the perfect gender neutral nursery idea. Finish with a striped rug to make the floor space appear wider.

5. Look out for clever furniture

When it comes to nursery ideas for a small room, super smart furniture has to be top of your shopping list. This flap down changing table folds away to the size of a small bookcase and provides stacks of storage - perfect for a box room or your own bedroom in the early newborn days.

6. Zone your room for an eye catching result

Clever small nursery ideas aren’t just limited to furniture choices. Use a pattern or colour to create a feature wall that zones the space. In this tonal blue scheme, a patterned wallpaper acts as a backdrop for the cot, to clearly define the sleeping area of the nursery without overwhelming the space.

7. Choose a roller blind

A fuss-free window dressing is a must when it comes to small nursery ideas. They come in a wide array of designs, so it’s easy to create a focal point in even the smallest of spaces. Plus, being able to turn daylight into darkness for naps will encourage a great sleep schedule. 

8. Opt for simple Scandi shapes

Choose a pared-back colour palette and simple, Scandinavian-inspired furniture with slim legs and a modern profile for a streamlined result in a small nursery. Add geometric art work or a wall mural to complete the look.

A mural is a great way to introduce colour if you love green but don't want to go wall-to-wall with sage green nursery ideas. 

9. Employ a clever decorating trick (or two!)

Think ahead when putting your nursery ideas for a small room together. As little ones get older, walls can easily be marked, so a hard-wearing wall treatment is a smart investment. Wooden wall panelling will cope with scuffs and can be wiped clean in a flash. 

Paint above the wall in white to maximise the feeling of space, whilst a warm, neutral tone at the bottom will create a cosy result around a cot. ‘Using neutral paint colours will make small rooms look bigger’ says celebrity Mummy Concierge Tiffany Norris.

10. Divide up storage spaces

Rather than one hanging rail in a large wardrobe, a much smarter small nursery idea is to have a combination of shelves, rail and storage boxes. Labelling areas or containers help to make sure everything has its place and stays tidy.

This will mean you have space when you're deciding how to organise baby clothes, as well as a spot to store all the other stuff that comes with a growing baby!  

What furniture should be in a nursery?

Nursery furniture is typically made up from a cot, changing table and a small wardrobe. 'I would always suggest getting a cot that can converts into a toddler bed as your child gets bigger,' advises celebrity Mummy Concierge Tiffany Norris. 'Toddler beds are much smaller than your average single bed so can save a lot of space in a small nursery.'

‘A comfy chair with a small chest of drawers is all that is needed,’ says Rachel FitzD, baby and parenting expert and author of “Your Baby Skin To Skin”.  ‘Because baby can be changed on your lap whilst you sit down for a well-earned rest and you have clean nappies and cotton wool in the chest.’

How do you organise a small nursery?

‘Keep it clutter-free and don’t overfill the space,’ says Kris Tolofson, Director and Co-Founder of Nöa & Nani. ‘A drawer at the bottom of main kids’ wardrobes is also useful for storing jumpers, as this is ground level it can be easily be accessed by smaller children.'

‘A fold-up changing table, a hanging organiser and a collapsible deck chair would make even the teeniest room usable.’ says Rachel FitzD.  

How can I make my small nursery look bigger?

‘Keep it as bright and airy as possible -no bold colours or patterns’ advises celebrity Mummy Concierge Tiffany Norris. ‘You can also add mirrors to one wall to make the proportions of the room look much larger.’

‘Lighter coloured walls and blinds instead of curtains, and wood floors rather than carpets can also increase the sense of space’ says Rachel FitzD, baby and parenting expert and author of “Your Baby Skin To Skin”.  

Create a nursery scheme your little one will love, from their early days to toddler years and beyond. Baby boy nursery ideas are no longer constricted by notions of traditional blue colour schemes only. 

We live in a day and age when any colour and pattern goes – meaning there's even more choice, which can make settling on nursery ideas all the harder to choose.

We have looked for imaginative ways to decorate nursery ideas for baby boys, to inspire your decorating journey.

Baby boy nursery ideas

Colour is a key design aspect when preparing a nursery for your new arrival. Different colours can have differing effects on the feel of the space, and therefore can affect how content baby feels in the surroundings.

'When designing a child’s bedroom, keep things simple' advises Arlene McIntyre MD at Ventura Design 'Go for timeless colours – blues, greys or neutrals – which will enable you to be more playful with soft furnishings and artwork, whilst ensuring the room won’t have to be repainted as the child grows.'

1. Captivate with a bold wall mural

'Wall murals are a clever way of bringing the room to life' enthuses Arlene McIntyre MD at Ventura Design. 'One-wall murals create a welcome focal point to the space. Capturing the child’s imagination or celebrating their passions. '

A statement nursery wall mural idea, whether you opt for a papered design or feel brave enough to do a DIY job, is a brilliant way of injecting fun into the decor, firing up young imaginations. Theme the rest of the room around your chosen design, so in this case the safari vibes are enhanced by the menagerie of stuffed toy animals.

2. Turn to wall stickers

If a hand painted wall mural in your nursery is a tad too pricey, or wallpapering one is beyond your DIY skills, turn to colourful wall stickers instead. 

Choose stickers that will suit the size and scale of the room. Too small and they'll look lost. Too big and they'll dominate the space. So measure up first so you can work out where to stick them to create a charming scene full of colourful characters. 

3. Have fun with animal antics

It's entirely possible to create a nursery scheme that will suit a tiny tot and appeal to you, the parents.

Against the plain white walls, the mustard yellow on the ceiling, fireplace and curtains in this baby boy's nursery look smart and sophisticated, while the running zebra wall decoration adds a fun touch. 

The running zebra wall hanging is a pricey piece but it's possible to find similar cheaper animal decorations.

4. Choose timeless timber tones

Timber furniture tends to be timeless, so pieces like a wooden chest and wooden cot can be used again as each child comes along, or passed through the family. It's a far more sustainable way to live and is a lovely partner to trendy boho nursery ideas. Timber also gives you the freedom to decorate in a variety of colour palettes.

These grey nursery walls have been enlivened with a charming tree wall mural and colourful rug and curtains.

5. Add a play corner canopy

Create a soft play area with a lovely cotton canopy and wool rug, so your tot can have somewhere comfortable to crawl around or play. 

Choose a canopy with light-blocking properties, and add an extra hook to hang it from above where they sleep. Then you can also use it around the cot or bed to help them go off to sleep during the day or on light evenings. 

However, do take any safety concerns into account when hanging it, you don't want to be within grabbing distance of your little one if it could come down easily. 

6. Introduce a gallery wall

Gallery walls aren't just for grown ups. Choose a set of prints that will inspire and amuse your little one. 

'Plan your gallery wall by laying your works out on the floor first,' says Helen Armon-Jones, Founder, The Art Buyer. 'Once you've found a grouping that works well together, measure up your wall and use decorators tape to plot your arrangement out on the wall before you start making holes. 

'This will also allow you to make any tweaks necessary and ensure you create a gallery wall that is balanced and works well.'

7. Combine seating and storage

If you've gone for a gorgeous wall mural you'll want to be able to see it, without cluttering the nursery with too much furniture. So opt for clever toy storage ideas and other storage solutions, such as a seating and storage unit that's combined. 

A sturdy piece, like the one above, gives you somewhere to sit and nurse your baby, with space to store blankets, and other bits you need in drawers or shelves below. 

8. Choose a charming theme

Choosing a theme, whether animal, stars or clouds will give your nursery design a starting point.

'Focus on one item and build your nursery theme around this – this could be a piece of furniture, a toy or the window aspect,' says interiors stylist Aaron Markwell at COAT Paints. 'Having this central ‘hook’ will ensure the room doesn’t become too fussy and the colour palette you choose is kept simple.

'When choosing a colour you want to ensure the space is fun but not over stimulating. In our colour consultations we see more and more parents-to-be opting for neutrals rather than the stereotype of pink and blue.'

9. Go for glorious green

Colour influences our mood and there is research to suggest it may affect a baby's mood too. So choose a soothing shade, such as sage green nursery ideas.

'Green has a powerful calming effect, and it signifies growth,' says interiors stylist Aaron Markwell at COAT Paints. 'The obvious link with the outdoors and nature connection brings balance to the feel of a nursery.'

10. Whitewash floors and walls

White walls and floors never fail to have a calming effect, so it makes a good choice for a nursery. 

To soften the space, wallpaper a wall with a cute print in a delicate tone and hang a fabric blind. Prevent the room from looking cold by introducing timber and textured furniture, along with warm toned neutrals and pastel accessories.  

11. Make a nursery colourful and characterful

Decorate a little one's room with a riot of colour to enliven their senses and make the small room feel uplifted and vibrant. Add a feature wall of accent colour, one which is echoed throughout your chosen wallpaper design. Here the punchy turquoise wall reflects the bold colours in the playful zoo print wallpaper on the opposite wall.

Choosing a wallpaper with characters is both educational and fun, surrounding them with familiar faces.

12. Create a timeless appeal with white and grey

A neutral colour scheme will always be a winning choice, for boys or girls, because it won't date quickly. This colour combo is super easy to live with and easy to add accents of colour to, if and when the mood takes you.

A white and grey nursery idea is best executed with white walls and furniture choices to act as the more dominate colour, with grey being picked up through the carpet and soft furnishings.

13. Give baby a view by wallpapering the ceiling

Look to decorate the ceiling to give your little one a view as they lay on their back in a cot or on the changing mat. The ceiling, also known as the fifth wall, is so often forgotten when it comes to decorating – given a simple splash of white paint and that's it. 

But as this fine example shows, it's a great way to have fun with a bedroom wallpaper idea. it's especially great for a nursery idea because babies spend so much time on their backs, with only the ceiling as a view.

Use a decorative wallpaper to create a real point of interest, for their eyes to focus on as they develop. As they grow you can evolve the decor by changing the colour on the walls, keeping the ceiling paper.

14. Add wooden touches for warmth

If you're looking to add subtle tones to a white nursery idea without having to add an accent colour look to wooden furniture to do the job. Natural wooden finishes help to add warmth to the look without the need for adding colour. 

This fine example shows how a wooden cot and wall shelving made in wood can instantly inject interest to an all white room. This beautifully styled scheme is ideal for a gender neutral nursery idea.

15. Pair a sophisticated colour combination

Create a more grown up scheme for your little one by picking warm neutrals form a more sophisticated colour palette. This light taupe colour on the walls and the built-in furniture creates a timeless appeal, one that feels familiar to a more formal neutral living room idea. 

To enhance the decor choose richer shades for furniture choices, such as mahogany and walnut to echo a more classic scheme. Adopt this darker wooden tone for floors  to create a cohesive look that doesn't jar.

As this is a nursery, albeit a grown up one inject a fun and fabulous wallpaper such as this Fox design by Scion. The ground colour on the wallpaper design matches the scheme perfectly, to make it feel well polished.

16. Mix and match pattern and colour

Break up a safe white base with an injection of pattern on one wall and through soft furnishings. Add hints of colour with painted furniture to add another dimension to the overall colour scheme. Keeping the main baby furniture pieces in white, such as the cot means it's easier to sell on once you need to upgrade to a toddler baby.

17. Make more of a monochrome scheme

Stick to a minimal colour palette to make a subtle yet stylish statement, using it well to make the most of the space. Here a monochrome colour scheme is jazzed up by the introduction of a light grey and textural neutrals. 

Because the look is muted and simple it doesn't feel too far removed from a monochrome palette, but the grey goes a long way to make it feel less stark than brilliant white – perfect to soften the look for a baby's room.

Texture is key to making a monochrome room feel cosy so look for materials such as jute and boucle to add an extra dimension to the space.

18. Zone the room

Give your little one a clear indication on how to use the room, once they are big enough to navigate for themselves. Paint a feature wall at half height to draw attention to the bed to create a sleep zone, keeping the paint line at their level makes it more beneficial for them to feel inclusive within the room. 

Place toy storage ideas in one area and create a study/learning area with a small desk and bookshelves to create zones for learning, resting and playing.

19. Create a simple mountainscape

'You don't need to be an artist to be able to create great mural feature walls for your kids,' says Justyna Korczynska, senior graphic designer at Crown Paints. 'One of the simplest ideas is a mountain-scape. 

'All you need is two paint colours and some masking tape. Create simple triangular mountain shapes for the bottom half of the wall and paint it in a contrasting shade. To add some more layers just paint more triangle shapes in another colour. 

'The mountain-scape could then be kept simple as a main wall feature or as a background for some more painted details or stencils.'

20. Create a blank canvas with all-white

From the best white paint on the walls and simple white furniture to all-white bedding, create a gender neutral look with this timeless colour scheme. The blank canvas needn't feel clinical, add touches of black to punctuate the blank white canvas to give the look a monochrome edge. 

Keep the flooring light to match the paired-back scheme, but avoid anything too unpractical. A white-washed grey is perfect to strike the right balance of practical but pretty.

21. Stick to blue

Don't shy away from using blue for your little boy's room if you love the colour. Mix different shades of blue to add depth to the tonal look. Use a punchier shade for a feature wall, adding lighter tones throughout – adding a patterned wallpaper to have fun with the colour.  Stick to punch white furniture choices to make the blue stand out.

22. Seek plentiful storage

Ensure their room has enough storage, to make the most of the space – which more often than not is a smaller room. 'With any kids room, plentiful storage is paramount' Alice explains.

'To give as much room for running around and being creative, opt for built-in shelving, under-bed baskets or classic toy boxes to allow for all toys, books and other objects to be played with and stored with ease.'

What is the best colour for a baby boy room?

When it comes to choosing a colour for a baby boy's nursery you can do so much more than simply opting for blue. While there is nothing wrong with painting the nursery blue, in fact a light sky blue will look beautiful and soothing in both a boy and girl nursery, there are a huge range of colours to choose from for a fresh nursery look. 

If you prefer to keep things neutral, grey looks lovely in a nursery as long as it is softened with plenty of texture. Alternatively, sage green or a sunny yellow are excellent options. 

While the world is your oyster with the colours you choose since the nursery is intended to be soothing, peaceful space we'd suggest steering clear of vibrant and bright colours that stimulate rather than calm. 

Boys’ bedroom ideas might not be known for being the most stylish but that doesn’t mean they can’t be, while also being whimsical and engaging for your little one. So if you want to create a bedroom for your son that both you and he will love, this is the place to be.

There is a lot of fun to be had when coming up with children’s room ideas and designing and decorating your little boy’s bedroom. As it’s a space that he’ll be using for everything from sleeping to playing, reading and doing homework, it needs to have a balance between fun and calm.

‘The best decorating approach is to balance calm and interest,’ says Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House. ‘A child’s room is an opportunity to be colourful and playful, but the space still needs to support sleep and a sense of security. A bold, fun bedroom doesn’t mean it has to be overly colourful or loud in its approach. You can combine colour, texture and interesting details without a room being overstimulating.’

Here at Ideal Home, we get to tour and feature some of the most incredible family homes around the country, many of which come with a boy’s room. And they make for some great inspiration when creating your own little boy’s space.

1. Opt for a nature-inspired colour scheme

Much like girls’ bedroom ideas don’t have to be all pink, a boy’s room doesn’t have to be covered in blue. Instead, a nature-inspired colour scheme is what experts recommend.

‘Some of the most successful children's rooms use colours inspired by nature,’ says Cathryn Sanders, head of creative at Earthborn. ‘Greens are another popular choice because of their versatility. From gentle shades such as Gregory's Den and Sapling to deeper colours like Hobby Wood or Secret Room, green works equally well in bedrooms and playrooms, creating spaces that feel connected to nature while allowing brighter accessories and toys to stand out.’

That’s what Natalie Benes and her husband, Anthony opted for in their son Leo’s room in their Hertfordshire house. ‘The rich colour palette was inspired by the playful rug. The walls are in different shades of greeny-blues with pops of rusty reds, including the vintage bookcase that I painted myself,’ Natalie says.

2. Create different areas with paint

As already mentioned, a child’s bedroom needs to serve several purposes. But this can be playfully addressed by zoning the space with the use of paint ideas.

‘Colour can help define different areas within the room for sleeping, reading, learning and play. Paint is one of the easiest ways to bring personality into a space, whether through colour-blocking, painted furniture or simply choosing shades that reflect your child's interests,’ Cathryn at Earthborn says.

3. Go for natural materials

‘Natural materials such as wood, wicker and linen also work beautifully in children's spaces, helping create rooms that feel comfortable,’ Cathryn at Earthborn advises.

For her children’s room in her Stafford family home, Emily May opted for lots of wooden furniture, as well as rattan finishes seen on accessories, storage baskets and even a wall shelf.

4. Build a loft bed

If you’re after a small children’s bedroom idea, then utilising a loft bed is one of the best to go for just as Louise and Peter, owners of a family home in Oxfordshire, have done.

'The boys’ room used to feel small and cramped,’ Louise says. ‘So, Peter decided to build a loft bed himself from reclaimed wood left over from other projects, and we designed storage built along one side for toys and books. This way, we were able to squeeze two beds in without covering over the lovely original fireplace. And with the bed up above, there’s still plenty of space to play in.’

5. Give them a den to hang out in

Creating a cosy spot where your little one can hide and play or read is something he’s sure to love. So incorporating a play tent in his bedroom is the best thing you can give him. Jess and Mat opted for the Costway kids play tent, available at Amazon, in their sons’ bedroom in their York semi-detached family home.

‘Our boys love having somewhere to hide, and this wooden tent gets used every single day,’ Jess says.

6. Do two-tone walls

Incorporating fun paint ideas and techniques is one of the easiest ways to inject some playful whimsy into your little one’s rooms. And it can be as simple as painting two-toned walls like Jo and Chris, owners of a coastal Essex home, have decided to do in their son’s bedroom.

‘Blue is our son's favourite colour and we painted the upper walls white to keep the space light and bright. I wanted this room to be somewhere he could relax but also enjoy playing with his toys,’ Jo says.

7. Go for a vintage look

If you want real old-world charm and the whimsy of a fully analogue childhood in your kid’s room, then why not go for a vintage look with real vintage pieces?

That’s exactly the path that Olive and Hugo, owners of an east Devon home built inside former stables, have gone down in their children’s room. From a patchwork cottagecore-style bedspread to a vintage rocking horse in the window, it all adds to the overall charm and whimsy.

8. Create character with wall panelling

Combining different textures in a room is one of the most important things you can do to make the space interesting and add depth to it. And a kids’ bedroom is no exception. Starting with wall panelling ideas is a great way to go about it.

And that’s exactly what the owner of this ex rental house has done in her son’s room, going for a classic wall panelling style and painting it in a Parma Gray blue shade from Farrow & Ball.

9. Don’t shy away from upcycling

A child’s bedroom is a great opportunity for a furniture upcycling project. Whether you give an old piece of furniture a new lease of life with the use of paint or even wallpaper, you can let your imagination and creativity run wild. And even your little one can help with ideas.

The owner of this Victorian family home brought the scheme of her son’s bedroom together by using the wallpaper on the walls on an upcycled wardrobe, too. ‘When our first son was born in Crystal Palace, I found this wallpaper featuring the iconic Crystal Palace dinosaurs, which I knew had to be the main feature of his room. I also upcycled some furniture using off-cuts of the wallpaper, which tie the whole scheme together,’ she says.

10. Make a creative corner

Create a colourful corner with plenty of space for your child to draw, paint, make collages or play with LEGO, alone or with a friend, much like this one from a pastel-coloured Dorset family home.

'Young minds benefit hugely from the use of colour, invention and playfulness in their bedrooms to stimulate their imaginations and their playtime,' comments Annie Sloan, founder of Annie Sloan. 'Unexpected side effects can include instilling in your child a strong sense of pride in their own environment.'

11. Set sail with a coastal scheme

Create a beautiful seaside theme in boys bedroom ideas by seeking out patterned wallpaper and bedding with coastal details, from anchors and seagulls to lighthouses and beach huts. Off whites and pale blues create a really calming bedroom colour scheme, and wooden boats bring natural texture.

'Paler colours work well in a child’s room,' agrees Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown, 'as they tend to be more calming and soothing – both for the child and parents. A background of soft blues or aqua can be a good basis from which to add more colour.'

12. Go for a superhero theme

Choose a fun and empowering superhero theme for both girls bedroom ideas and boy room ideas that inspire confidence.

'Superhero motifs will help your kids feel like they can conquer the world, even if they’re having a tough time,' says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor at Wayfair. 'When it comes to colours, opt for bold poppy tones like monochrome with kicks of yellow for a mood-boosting space.'

13. Chalk it up

If your child's been known to doodle on furniture, chalkboard paint, like this one from Amazon, could be a perfect solution for a boy's bedroom.

Bedroom wall decor or piece of furniture that doubles up as a chalkboard will mean always they have somewhere to draw and write, and friends can leave messages.

14. Hang graphic prints

Graphic prints bring loads of visual interest and personality to boy room ideas, whether you go for bold typography, Andy Warhol-inspired pop art prints. Use brightly coloured washi tape to tape prints directly onto the wall.

Or frame them up and use Command Strips, at Amazon, so that you can move things around easily.

15. Celebrate their hobbies

For a boy's bedroom idea that feels sophisticated but still full of character, why not hang framed artwork with nods to your child's favourite hobbies?

Hanging skateboards or creating a shelf for trophies, rugby balls and favourite baseball caps will give the room personality while maintaining a more grown-up look for when teenage bedroom ideas are needed.

'When decorating a boy's bedroom, you want to create a space that reflects his personality rather than playing to stereotypes,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs.

16. Put up a magnetic wall

Attach a sheet of mild steel to the wall to turn it into an inexpensive floor-to-ceiling memo board.

Fun magnets are perfect for younger kids but once the space migrates into teenage boys bedroom ideas they could also use it as a place to store things that have inspired them, their homework schedule or photos of their mates.

17. Bring out their wild sides

A jungle theme works well for any kids' bedroom including for boys' bedroom ideas and will certainly spark their imagination. Choose bedding that is bright and fun with lots of animal characters, but opt for a more grown-up bedroom wallpaper.

This means you can easily change the whimsical bedding as they get older to something a little more pared-back or muted, but the wallpaper won't need to be replaced as it still has a sophisticated feel.

18. Encourage tidiness with a toy cupboard

By customising a basic pine unit (here we've used an IKEA IVAR), with a tester pot or two, it becomes a colourful addition to your boys bedroom ideas, and perhaps, a great way to encourage them to put away their toys inside.

It's wall-mounted design will maximise floor space for play too, and means less chance of toys getting lost under furniture. Alternatively you could paint the doors of these bedroom storage ideas with chalkpaint to double up as a space for chalk drawing too!

19. Make a feature of storage

Turn a piece of storage furniture into a feature. This turns something practical in boy's room into something much more fun and banishes the boring.

In their Hove family home, Jess and Oliver injected plenty of colour into the space, including their son's room. 'We added plenty of easy-to-reach toy storage ideas for our son to keep his things organised. The chaise longue used to be Oliver’s mum’s, and I painted it in navy fabric paint. It’s a lovely spot for us to curl up with a book together before bedtime,' Jess says.

20. Create a mountain-scape feature wall

Bedroom paint ideas and effects are a popular way of adding fun to a kids room. You literally have a blank canvas to work with so the more adventurous the design the better. We love this zig-zag mountain range with acid yellow snowcaps that also highlights the bed.

'Work out a design on paper then scale up for the walls, using good masking tape to create crisp lines,' says Judy Smith, Colour Consultant, Crown. 'Kids’ rooms have a license to be fun. Therefore, why not add a bit of playfulness by painting furniture to match or contrast with the walls.'

21. Set up a stylish study station

You can achieve fun boys bedroom ideas even on a budget. You don’t need an actual desk to create a dedicated homework area, this clever DIY desk is made using two pieces of wood attached to a booshelf.

Complete the look with a clip-on task lamp, some colourful wall prints and plenty of stationery supplies.

22. Introduce a theme with soft-furnishings

There is no doubt your child will go through many hobbies as they grow so keeping boys bedroom ideas up-to-date with their interests could get expensive.

Make change easy and affordable by swapping out bedl inen and accessories. 'Starting with a blank canvas is not only manageable but encourages creativity,' says Debbie Leigh, ILIV's design manager.

'Keep it simple by painting the walls a neutral tone and experiment using a selection of colourful bunting and wall art. Adding co-ordinating pillows will liven the room whilst keeping costs at bay, an achievable makeover which can be frequently mixed up.'

23. Make it feel like a treehouse

This is a great boy bedroom idea as wouldn't every young child love to live in a treehouse? Create the vibe by using wooden finishes liberally throughout the decorating scheme and a fun feature wall using plenty of green.

A bed canopy like this one from Amazon over the raised bed is the final stroke of genius.

24. Seek smart storage solutions

Use the walls to utilise maximum storage potential for boys bedroom ideas. Securely attach attractive baskets to the walls to elevate storage. they out of reach baskets are ideal for everyday essentials, that you wish to keep out of little hands.

By lifting storage you are not taking up valuable floor space – making your space better suited to play.

To match the rustic aesthetic try using smart wicker baskets under the bed for additional storage. Decorate with warming rustic tones of coral to accentuate the natural materials.

25. Hang wall art at child height

Whether they're a toddler or nine going on 17, hang wall art at the right height. That way, they can enjoy the pictures just as much as you. Floating shelves are also a great way to make a feature of your child's books and make sure they're easy to hand come story time.

String up some decorative fairy light ideas to cast a soft glow over the room as it gets closer to bedtime.

26. Add a bunk bed