What to Think About When Designing Your Kids’ Bedrooms

Coming up with ideas for a child’s bedroom should be a whole lot of fun yet somehow the job can become quite stressful quite quickly. For one thing kids outgrow things so quickly. Within months their bed might be too small, their toy storage may no longer be suitable and that pink unicorn wallpaper they so desperately wanted? Ew! So lame!

We’ve helped to overhaul a fair few kids’ bedrooms in our time so we think we’re pretty well placed to help guide you through the minefield of meeting the very specific needs of your miniature client. We know plenty about kids’ bedroom furniture and have picked up a thing or two when it comes to decorating for the ever-changing tastes of children. We’re also well versed in kids’ bedroom storage ideas because, as anyone with little ones knows to their cost, children almost always end up with more belongings than you can ever have imagined (thanks doting grandparents!).

Whether there’s a new arrival on the way or it’s just time for an upgrade from toddler-friendly haven to tween-approved hang out, following our guide to designing your kid’s bedroom could help to make the job just a little simpler.

Children’s Bedrooms: The Essentials

Before you pick up a paintbrush, there are a few vital things to consider when it comes to designing a room that’ll work for your child, whatever their age.

Decorating children’s bedrooms

When choosing décor for your kids’ bedroom you may be swayed by their current tastes but keep in mind that children are faddy. They might be all about Ninja Turtles this week but mark our words, they’ll move on to trucks or superheroes or Star Wars soon enough. With this in mind, opting for a neutral decorative scheme is a smart move, allowing you to accessorise with bits and bobs that reflect your son’s or daughter’s passing whims. If they – or you – have strong feelings towards a specific scheme consider removeable wallpaper. This is easier to apply than traditional wallpaper and easy to whip off when tastes change, ready to be replaced with a completely different colour or pattern.

Space for work and play

A child’s bedroom really needs to be multifunctional, perhaps more so than any other room in the house. A place to play with toys, a place to do homework, a place to hang out with friends and, of course, a place to sleep, a kids’ bedroom is their schoolroom, their sanctuary, and their playground all at once. This makes thinking about the layout and functionality of the space an absolute must, even in a small room. Wherever possible creating zones can help, leaving floor space for playing with dolls and cars while also creating a restful area around the bed and a distraction-free spot for reading, creating, and doing homework.

A room that grows with them

Children grow and change in the blink of an eye, which means that you can easily find yourself in a situation in which you’re constantly redecorating and buying new pieces of furniture. Being smart with a children’s bedroom designs means opting for items that will grow as they do and choosing a decorative scheme that they won’t outgrow or which can be easily adapted and refreshed without the need for a complete overhaul. For example, a dark or bright wall colour such as blue or pink can be tough to paint over when your not-so-little one has outgrown it. And that cute mini desk might be perfect for the reception years but you’ll soon find yourself forking out for a new, bigger one when the real homework starts pouring in.

Kids Bedroom Furniture: What to Consider

We all know that buying any kind of furniture is an investment, even when purchasing for small people in small rooms. So choosing well from the outset is an absolute must. Of course you should choose children’s furniture from a reputable outlet where quality is guaranteed, but there are some other things to think about too:

Choose a kids bed that suits their body and their lifestyle

When it comes to beds you’ll be truly spoiled for choice. From simple kids single bed styles to bunk beds for kids who share (or sleepover), beds with built-in desks and children’s beds with storage included, there are lots of options to consider. Think about the space you have and how your child is likely to use their room. Teens stacked with homework might appreciate the Rory high sleeper with its spacious desk and plush armchair that folds out into a guest bed. Little ones who love to make believe will love the Skye mid-sleeper playhouse bed frame. In addition to choosing just the right bed it’s important to pick a mattress that will suit your child’s growing frame too.

Storage, storage, storage!

If there’s one thing that a kid’s bedroom can’t do without it’s storage and plenty of it. With books, toys, clothes, craft supplies, schoolwork and collections of weird and wonderful bits and bobs to keep organised, a child’s room needs to make the most of every nook and cranny with smart solutions that make clearing up as easy as possible (because what eight year old has time for tidying?). Underbed storage is particularly useful, making it easy for even the shortest member of the family to pack their belongings away. Ottoman storage boxes are also a great choice, doubling as seating in rooms where space is limited. Well designed kids bedrooms will maximise every inch of space with smart storage solutions such as wall-hung baskets, moveable book shelves or beds that blend with other storage essentials, like the Nyla high sleeper bed, incorporating not just a desk but a pull out wardrobe too, or the Saturn mid-sleeper, complete with bookshelves and toy storage.

Kids furniture essentials

What, then, are the musts for children’s bedroom furniture?

• Practical storage: opt for a desk with drawers, a children’s bedside table with internal storage or wardrobes with additional shelving or drawers above and below hanging space
• Durability: even the calmest kid will find a way to knock the heck out of their furniture so look for solid wood-built pieces that will stand up to their tough love
• Timeless style: simple white or bare wood are the ideal choices for children that will grow and change
• Gimmicks: kids love a special feature, like the LED lighting on the Konnect high sleeper

Small Kids Bedroom Ideas: What to Do When You’re Short on Space

You’ve probably noticed that bedrooms are getting smaller and smaller, which means we have to be smarter than ever when it comes to designing a bedroom, especially a kids’ room, often the smallest and most used spot in the whole house.

Make a small kids’ bedroom modular and moveable

Moveable furnishings can help to make the most of a small space, giving your child the option to configure their bedroom in a number of ways. For example, a small bookshelf on wheels can be trundled off to sit against a wall when more space is required for playing and then wheeled back out later to create a cosy reading nook. Floor cushions or beanbags are easy to pick up and move away and can be configured a number of different ways for story time, for a soft landing or for den building.

Maximise vertical space

When you’re all out of floor space, look up! High shelves and the space above the wardrobe might be ideal for storing items you won’t need regularly. Pegs can hold jackets, school bags or laundry bags as well as storage baskets for toys and small knick knacks. A blackboard wall might give your little one space for creativity while a climbing wall is a fun addition for active kids. Hanging seats, as well as being way cool, leave floor space clear while giving your child a fun, swinging spot to snuggle into. As well as choosing smart solutions, look for designs that maximise the feeling of space – open floating shelves for example.

Choose furniture that does double duty

As well as beds with inbuilt storage or bunks that include a desk or seating area, there are smart ways to use other furniture pieces too. A smart desk can double as a dressing table with the addition of a mirror and a comfortable chair can be both desk seating and somewhere to curl up with a good book. Likewise occasional furnishings like a teepee are great for playtime but can also conceal toys when the time comes to tidy up.

Designing Children’s Bedrooms: Our Top Tips

Designing a bedroom for a young person, whether a toddler or a teen, can be a tall order but, with some clever solutions and a bit of a imagination, coming up with a scheme that they’ll love is possible! And as a bonus, if you get it right your design could just last for years. Read on for some final tips for kids’ bedrooms that put the fun in functional…

• Plan ahead: make a plan before you start to avoid expensive and time consuming mistakes. Make sure to measure up before you buy furniture and test paints before buying and opening large tins.
• Choose timeless: opt for neutral schemes and patterns that will stand the test of time, suiting your child at every stage of his or her life. Avoid trends that are likely to go out of fashion and nod to fads with cheaper accessories like cushions and artworks.
• Keep it clean: cleanability is an absolute must for children’s rooms. Pick soft furnishings that can be machine-washed and furniture that can be wiped down with a cloth. Protect mattresses with covers and investigate insurance options like our Bed Guard policy.
• Opt for children’s bedroom sets: matching furniture helps to streamline a room, keeping it looking good for longer. It also means that there’s no need to shop around to find the ideal wardrobe or bedside table to suit the rest of your room.
• Make room for homework: we’re sorry to say that over the years the homework load will only increase! Building in a good study space means that your child is able to work in the peace and quiet of their own room without the distractions that come with dining table working. Take care to put a desk in an area with minimal distractions – in an alcove or under a loft bed is ideal - and choose colours that promote positivity and concentration when decorating that spot.
• Don’t forget fun: a child’s room needs to be sensibly put together with plentiful storage and a space for working but it should also be fun! Build in room for play and look for quirky ideas that will make a room a joy to be in.
• Look for furniture that grows: modular furniture that can be adapted or added to as your child grows up helps to save on money and embarrassment. A desk and chair that can be raised over time or a cot that converts into a small single bed are great examples of this, as is the Slumberland Flip mattress with two sides to support different body weights