36 kids' bedroom ideas and decor tips for a fun and creative space

Kids' bedroom ideas should be both practical and stylish, and you are in the right place to find the perfect inspiration.

After all, we get that you want to create a space that will look fabulous but will also be clutter-free and hide all the paraphernalia that comes with having offspring. 

When it comes to decorating any kid's room, we always say make sure they are involved too, get them to look through ideas with you, pick colors out and decorations.

Sure you might have to veto some things, a slide that takes you from your window into the garden might not be that realistic, but getting them to pick a paint color will at least make their space feel their own.

If you are not sure where to start, take some time out with your little one to have a look through these looks...

And, if you want bedroom ideas for grown-ups, then you can take look at our edit later!

1. Decide on what the space will be used for

Before we go getting into all the lovely ways you can decorate  a kid's bedroom, let's talk practicality first. Prior to picking paint colors, furniture decor, you need to decide on what the room is going to be used for. 

'First of all, make a list of what the room will be used for, essentials first and “would likes” next, as there may not be enough space for everything. A bedroom is for sleeping, but will it also be used to play in, study, relax and read, make music? What sort of storage will be needed? This will help you plan what furniture you will need and what goes where.  Also think about how long the room needs to last and what your budget is, as this will influence your furniture choices.' explains Ursula Wesselingh, interior designer and founder of Room to Bloom.

'Once you’ve decided on the layout, it’s time to look at colour and style. Gathering inspiration images on Pinterest for example will help you work out what style of room you and your child like, and making a moodboard will give you a framework for choosing colors, materials, furniture and accessories.'

2. Ask your child about their bedroom design

In the initial stages of planning a kid's bedroom get them involved too! We spoke with Joanna Landais, founder of Eklektik Studio who has designed many a gorgeous childs' bedroom for celeb clients, she recommended:

'Plan it like a professional. Noting down key elements such as storage, reading corner, sleeping area will give you a sense of direction.  If you are thinking of purchasing new furniture, look at size, plan the new layout and think how it will change dimensions and use of the room. Invest in pieces that will withstand the test of time such as built-in storage, which will never come out of fashion.'

'Lastly, have a conversation with your child (age permitting) and filter through what they would like in their room. Chances are, with some tweaking, you will be able to satisfy their brief and create space where they are happy to spend their time.'

3. Create a bright space for your ray of sunshine

If you want to liven up a pastel blue bedroom decor, then why not add a punchy pop of orange and yellow?

These lively colors add lots of energetic to a kids room idea, especially when used as part of an animal or safari scheme. Think T-Rex toys, animal masks displayed on a shelving idea and animal-inspired cushions!

The Disney/Pixar 'Bananas' poster adds a familiar and fun character for your  Minion.

4. Incorporate plenty of storage

It goes without saying that storage should be top of your list when designing and decorating a kid's bedroom. You are going to need plenty of it and lots of different options too. 

'When planning a bedroom for children you need to think of the various types of storage needed, who the space will be designed for and how the space will be used.' explains Medina King, Creative Director of MK Kids Interiors.

'The age of the child will play a major role in the types of storage and use. Children ages 0 - 2 will need clothes and book storage, you will also need to consider a changing area, comfortable seating and a side table for bottles, wipes etc. Ages 2 - 7, will need storage for toys, consider role-play toys, such as shops, trucks, and dolls. Primary school children are also keen on sleepovers and extra beds should be considered when designing. Older children will need more book storage, as well as a desk for studying, as well as more clothes storage.'

5. Add pegs to encourage a tidy bedroom space

The storage ideas we've mentioned are great for tidying away toys and small items that are seldom utilized. But what about everyday school bags and clothing that are regularly used? Surely there's not point in using a closet organization idea?

Perfect for easy access and encouraging a clean bedroom floor, wooden pegs can look great when incorporated as part of a Scandinavian bedroom idea.

Pair with light wood cabinetry and benches for a synchronized scheme. These animal-inspired wall art ideas are also framed in FSC certified oak.

Get the look by shopping the set of three prints from Abstract House.

6. Decide on a practical layout

And once you've decided on everything you would like to get into the space, it's time to start thinking layout.  

'As a starting point, I always consider what position will feel “safest” for the bed. This usually means a spot as far as possible away from the door but with a good view on it. Based on what other things the room will be used for, I zone the room accordingly and try keep a good amount of floor space free for play, especially for younger children.' says Ursula. 

7. Spend wisely when decorating a kid's bedroom

When decorating a kid's room it can be tricky to know what to invest in and where to save because you know they are likely to grow out of it. 'I advise families to spend wisely when designing children's rooms and to invest in quality furniture items that will last for a minimum of 5 years.' says Medina. 'Invest in storage, a good bed and mattress. You can spend less on accessories, such as bedding, curtains, cushions, lighting and art. Shop around, go to the home sections in supermarkets, as you can often get cute accessories for children's rooms on a reasonable budget.'

8. Embrace nature

'Try as much as possible to incorporate greenery, through plants; which provides oxygen. It is said that humans improve socially and psychologically when exposed to nature. Use natural bedding, such as organic cottons and linen's where possible and avoid, synthetic materials.' says Medina. 

When if comes to adding houseplants obviously make sure they non-toxic and keep them out of reach too. They lovely on window ledges, open shelving or in some cute hanging baskets. 

9. Add a tee pee to your kids' bedroom

If your child's bedroom is big enough, you'll want to include a play space. It might not be the starting point for the scheme, but it is the fun bit. Our top treat? A playhouse. They're an effortless way to create a fun play space, and actually provide ample toy storage (clear the floor into the teepee, close the doors, job done). Best of all, you can buy one to suit your color scheme (more on that later).

More play-centric inspiration needed? Don't miss our playroom ideas.

10. Create a night-time reading space

A teepee can also be transformed into a magical bedtime reading space, as demonstrated in this clever Ikea children's bedroom hack. Fill it will toys cushions and fairy lights to create a really cozy atmosphere and then you can both squeeze in before bedtime for your best rendition of their favorite book. 

11. If you have the space add a swing to a kid's bedroom

If you are after kids' bedroom ideas with a difference, adding a swing would be a fun addition. A swing would turn the room into a playroom in an instant... bearing in mind that younger children will need to be watched while they're on it, and it's sensible to take it down at night.

12. Roll out a play rug for instant fun

Another easy kids' bedroom idea is to our down a play rug. Stash the toys in boxes on wheels under the bed and everything's to hand for when your child wants to play (or put away). 

13. Get creative with paint colors

If you after kids' bedroom ideas that are quick and easy, paint is your best bet. With children's bedrooms, only your imagination is the limit to creating fun and unusual color combinations with paint. 

'Calming colors such as blues, greens, pinks, lilacs and neutrals work best in children’s bedrooms, as first and foremost it’s a place to rest.' advises Ursula. 'Yellow and red are energizing colors which are best avoided or used sparingly. Also, consider the light the room receives – which way is it facing, when does it receive its best light - as this will impact the colors you use'

Primary colors are always a popular choice in a kids bedroom idea. Full of vibrancy, yellow can add (even more) energy and excitement to your children's room design.

An all-round winner, yellow bedroom ideas can be as bold or as muted to suit an introvert or extrovert child. Go hard or go home with a wow-factor wall art idea or introduce it into a shared bedroom design for a scheme that'll suit both boys and girls bedroom ideas.

And, if you're not keen on a full-on kaleidoscope of color, pare it down with a grey and yellow bedroom idea with a contrasting duvet and throw combo. 

This'll particularly suit a boys bedroom idea as geometric shapes can be incorporated. OK, so it's not quite Minecraft or Roblox, but it's a design that'll see him through to his teens.

14. Extend this rainbow of color throughout the room

If you really want to make an impact in a kids bedroom idea - pick out all the colors of the rainbow!

Bright and light colors will make the space feel bigger. They will also reflect more sunlight around the room which is not only healthier than artificial light, but can save you a coin or two in electricity costs.

To create a smart-looking scheme, you'll want to start with white wall decor. Then, layer geometric shapes and pair with spots and dots.

Notice how the black bed frame, display board, waste basket, table and chairs are clean and minimal to allow the colors to really pop - especially on this 50-color, washable rug by Sonya Winner Rug Studio.

15. Choose one all over color for a more grown up look

If you are after kids' bedroom ideas that will last into their teens, opt for a bold all-over color in contrast to an otherwise neutrally furnished room.  We love this dark teal because it's still quite bold and playful but still has a nice classic feel that won't date as your child gets older.  

'Involving children who are old enough in the design of their room will ensure their rooms reflect their personality. If you would like to ensure longevity, or are keen for the room to fit a certain style, make a preselection of furniture or colors for them to choose from.' recommends Ursula. 

16. Pick a lovely pastel scheme

How lovely is this kid's bedroom idea? A soft pastel color scheme is always going to work in a young child's room and is an obvious choice for a soothing space. 

'Pastels work really well in children’s bedroom, whether that’s blush pink, mint or lavender, they are so versatile and pair well with so many undertones.  For smaller surfaces such as skirting and woodwork, I am a fan of adding a pop of color such as yellow.' says Joanna Landais.

'I also love injecting color onto the fifth wall, so often forgotten, ceiling. It can create an unexpected feature wall that’s so eye-catching. Most of all, a child’s bedroom should also work with the rest of the house and create a cohesive part of the overall ambiance.'

You can easily paint your nursery furniture in pastel hues too, check out our guide to how to paint furniture. Combine a few shades of pastels too, pinks, blues, greens and yellows all work well together to create a colorful room that's not going to be too overwhelming. 

17. Add a fun mural to a kids' bedroom

It's not just about paint and wallpaper, you can be playful with kids' bedroom design by factoring in a mural. You can go for a neutral colour scheme that can be switched up as your kids' grow up but keep the room fun and creative by adding a mural. We love this kids' bedroom idea – a simple white backdrop with pops of color and a striking mural.

18. Use stripes to add pops of color

Another kids' bedroom idea that will add a burst of color is by painting stripes on the walls. Stripes are fun and you don't have to have even ones, how about some wider than others? You can also tie them into the rest of the scheme – match one color to your drapes for example.

19. Create a bedroom full of pattern with wallpaper

Want to introduce a fun pattern to your kids' rooms' walls? A colorful kids' room wallpaper can bring added character to a plain, boxy room, making it the ideal choice for both modern and period homes. 

The soft muted, tones in this room are perfect for creating a calming sleep space, but if you are after something bolder find more wallpapers for children's rooms in our gallery. 

20. Go for a stylish botanical print

And for an effect that's both fun and bang on trend, why not give a botanical wallpaper a go? Choose a woodland or jungle motif, rather than an abstract botanical print, to conjure up a sense of adventure. 

21. Or classic spots will always work in a kids' bedroom

Want a wallpaper that they won't grow out of quickly? Choose a simple graphic design that you can redecorate around as your child's taste changes. These wallpaper designs are happily gender-neutral, too, useful if your kids want to swap rooms at some point.

22. Paint a rainbow in your kid's bedroom

We love this Ikea kid's bedroom idea, the colors are lovely but the pattern is fun and creative. You could definitely DIY this look too, just create the rainbow shape with masking tape and painting in between them with some lovely pastels. For more DIY ideas check out our Ikea hacks feature. 

23. Choose a multi-tasking bed

If your child is pining for a treehouse, but you don't have a garden with the space, why not copy this fun kids' bedroom idea and recreate treehouse fun in the bedroom? Choose a raised bed with a ladder and accessorize with plenty of plants for a full-on jungle effect. 

• Discover the best kids' beds in our buying guide.

24. Add personality with a gallery wall

Make the kids' rooms pretty as well as functional by creating a gallery wall, whether with wall-hung toys, pictures or family photos. Kids' rooms tend to be transitional, ever-changing spaces, so use decoration that is easy to put up and take down as their moods – and ages – change. Choose a simple color scheme as a backdrop for brighter, fun accessories.

25. Dress the windows with cute prints

Window treatments add the finishing touch to a room, pulling together a whole color scheme in one sweep. Choose one that is bright and colorful but works with the rest of the decor. See more window treatment for children's bedrooms in our guide.

26. Or choose window films for pattern and privacy

Window film can instantly cheer up a room and is quick and easy to install. It also can be easily removed if you rent, or you want to try a new design after a while. Window film can be a great option if a bedroom faces a busy road, too and your child needs privacy.

Have a browse through our window film ideas for more inspiration. 

27. Choose furniture that stands the test of time

Whether that means really well-made pieces that will take a good hammering/climbing upon or furniture that will look as fabulous and work as well in their nursery as it does in their teenage pit, think hard before you buy. 

Tons of nursery-specific furniture is all well and good, but it's a short-term investment (in other words, not the best way to spend a tight budget). Older children will need a proper computer desk, too. Think one that will need to last for quite a few years and will be used for everything from homework to reading and gaming. 

28. Invest in plenty of storage (and we mean loads)

One thing is guaranteed with kids – their rooms tend to gather messy clutter. Make it easier for them to keep things tidy with toy storage ideas and plenty of stash space for their clothes, too. By the way, did you know there are even Lego storage ideas, too? Tell your friends...

29. Maximize under bed storage

Exploiting under-bed space for storage is a no-brainer in a kid's room, so why not super-size yours by going for a raised bed with plenty of storage space beneath? The floor space used is the same, but the storage gain is maximized. 

30. DIY a wall mural in a kid's bedroom

We are loving the soft color scheme in this kid's bedroom! And that wall mural is perfect for adding in even more of those rosy hues. You can DIY this look so easily too, all you need is some masking tape and some paint. Just create your mountain shapes with masking tape and paint in between the lines – easy peasy and you can go with whatever colors you and your childlike. To add some stars, just pick up a really cheap stencil if you don't trust your freehand skills. 

31. Incorporate a workspace into your kid's room

Looking for kids' bedroom ideas for once they start school? As kids get older they are going to need a space to get homework done, or at least pretend to get homework done. Finding space to squeeze in a desk can be tricky in a smaller bedroom so look for neglected spaces that could be put to good use – alcoves are perfect for this – then install a small desk or even a shelf and you've got a workspace. Check out our guide to the best small printers for compact options.

No alcove? No problem. A wall-mounted drop-down desk with a few wall shelves will create a mini workstation and won’t take up too much precious square footage. 

32. Incorporate sensory into a kids bedroom idea

Love it or hate it, tinsel isn't just for Christmas! And contrary to what you've been told, these thin strips of shiny metal foil can look chic and stylish, especially when used as part of a kids bedroom idea.

To make this idea work, use similar shades to the rest of the bedroom decor. Here, gold, pink, silver and bronze have been used to compliment the unicorn and cloud printed duvet set from Next. A rainbow rug perfectly compliments this idea too.

33. Consider comfortable bedding options

When it comes to moving a little one from the master bedroom to their own kids bedroom idea, you may expect a few tears and tantrums. So you'll need a few tricks up your sleeve to encourage good sleep hygiene.

A hug in blanket form, this weighted blanket from Cuckooland will allow your child to drift off to sleep in no time.

Including individual pockets filled with glass beads, the weight is evenly distributed over the body to give your little one the perfect night's sleep.

Used to aid anxiety, the gentle pressure across the body is designed to give a feeling of safety, relaxation and comfort.

Ideal for a gender neutral scheme, this grey bedroom idea with velvet on one side and a fun star design on the other. Your youngster will love climbing under this blanket when bedtime rolls around.

34. Incorporate a wall light idea for night time

Introduce a dreamy slogan into your kids bedroom idea with this feature wall idea. Fun and playful, this indoor light by Lights4Fun is a child-friendly tool to illuminate their space and provide a navigation tool for a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom.

Stylish and sustainable, the neon glow is created by energy-efficient LEDs within the neon flex, meaning this light will always stay cool to the touch.

Mounted on a clear acrylic backing, style it on the wall or lean it against shelves. And unlike traditional glass neon, it wont smash! 

The 5 meter lead wire to the light also allows plenty of length to get from the light to a plug socket for fuss-free installation. There is also a handy  switch on the lead wire to enable you to switch the light on and off with ease.

But as always, be sure to tuck the wires out of reach of children to reduce a strangulation risk.

35. Introduce comfortable seating with bean bags

Soft and squishy, bean bags are the ultimate seating idea for lazying about. They provide a halfway house solution for kids who prefer playing on the floor, with a bit of posture support for little boy's and girl's backs.

This pastel pink idea by Ella James, is made from natural organic cotton and printed with a pretty gold design. It will make a lovely inclusion in a modern bedroom idea or playroom design idea.

Great for any age, why not shop this design for use in a teenage girls bedroom idea or women's bedroom design?

36. Aid independent dressing with a mirror idea

Not just for selfies or checking your make-up, a mirror idea serves a purpose in a kids bedroom idea too.

From learning to dress themselves to employing better self-confidence, mirrors can allow your child to be more independent and self-sufficient during the school week and on weekends.

But bohemian decor isn't just for adults. This Sass & Belle butterfly mirror is an adorable way to incorporate rattan into your children's bedroom.

Featuring a handy hook hole, this lovely accessory would be perfect for adding to a gallery wall idea, affixed to a wall or leaning on a chest of drawers.