Your child’s bedroom should be a place of magic and creativity – poised for plenty of playtimes. However, it’s also important to create a functional space with plenty of storage. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or upgrading an existing space, there are plenty of things to consider when designing a child’s bedroom to make it comfortable, practical and aesthetically pleasing.
We’ve made it simple with these 10 essential pieces that will help you create a space that is as beautiful as it is functional.
The bed
Let’s start with the basics – you can’t have a bedroom without a bed after all. But what kind of bed is best for your kid’s room? Single, double, loft or bunk – there are more options on today’s market than you can poke a pillow at.
If you’re working with limited space, a loft bed with built-in storage can really open the room up. Bunk beds are perfect for shared bedrooms, maximising the joint space available. For little ones just graduating from a cot, a floor-level a-frame is not only easily accessible, but can double as play space during the day.
The wardrobe
Built-in or freestanding, wardrobes offer tons of space just waiting to be customised with extra storage. Add a second rail to double your hanging space for all those little clothes. Modular drawers and shelves provide a home for folded clothes, shoes, accessories and toys. With everything neatly packed away behind closed doors, your child’s room can remain a clutter-free zone.
The dresser
Dressers are generally shorter and wider than tallboys, which is perfect for little ones who might otherwise struggle to reach the top drawers. Inside, you can hide away all their folded clothes, so kids can easily access and pick out their outfit for the day. Up top, you can display photos and décor, line up teddies, or even use a couple of cute bookends to create a mini library.
The desk
Kids are always busy with something. From craft to Lego, and sometimes even homework, a desk makes the perfect place to sit down and get to work. A loft bed with a pull-out desk is a great solution for small rooms, while larger rooms can make use of wall space to add hanging containers for stationery. The key to a functional desk is to keep it clear when not in use, so make sure there’s a place for everything to go when your child has finished up their activities.
The reading nook
Promote a love of reading by creating a cosy space to curl up with a good book. Start with a big, padded chair, beanbag or large floor cushion. Add in some comforting soft furnishings, a lamp and a small table or shelf to keep current books. You could even make a secluded den with a canopy hanging from the ceiling, or a freestanding teepee to crawl into.
The toy chest
The classic toy chest still has much to offer the modern family. There’s nothing easier at pack-up time than throwing all your toys into a big box and closing the lid – out of sight, out of mind! A solid toybox can also be used as a seat, which can be handy for sitting on to pull on socks. Some contemporary styles have a pull-out drawer, which leaves the top permanently free to use as a bench. Simply cover with cushions and you have a lovely place to sit and share a book.
The rug
Kids love playing on the floor. Rugs give them a soft surface to scoot around on, while also adding some style to the room. On wooden floorboards, rugs keep little feet warm and protect against accidental bumps. For carpeted rooms, they’re a great option to shelter the carpet underneath from spills, extra wear and grime, and those inevitable texta marks.
The peg board
You can’t beat a peg board for versatility and visual appeal. Natural wood, painted or metal; poster-sized or whole-wall width. While they look beautiful, they’re also great for additional storage. You can do them up with hooks, shelves and additional storage buckets to make the most of the vertical space in the room.
The decal
Did you know that ‘decal’ is short for ‘decalcomania’? Perhaps not! But you’re probably familiar with these removable vinyl wall stickers. While these aren’t a storage solution – they make the perfect functional decor. Whatever your child’s theme or aesthetic, you’re bound to find a pattern or picture to suit. The best part? If you want to update the room later, it couldn’t be easier to simply peel the decals off again.
The accessories
One of the very easiest ways to style a kid’s bedroom without making any radical changes to the room itself is with accessories. Don’t want to paint walls or buy a new bed? Build a new colour scheme or theme with garlands, bunting, lamps and light shades, framed wall art, soft furnishings and unique décor pieces that speak to your child’s personality. As your child grows older, it’s easy to update these items to suit their evolving needs and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a small update, or an entire refresh make sure your child’s bedroom is fun and functional! By investing in quality items, your kiddo’s decor will last them through all their hobbies and phases.
