Kids Bedrooms

How to create a dream bedroom for your child

Store catalogs often display pastel, ruffled canopies and sports-themed bedding sets. But what if your little girl doesn't dream of being a princess or your little boy isn't into sports? Your child's personality is the most important consideration when you’re creating a dream bedroom.

Involve your child in the design plan. This does not mean giving your child free reign. Instead, talk to your child before you begin and keep his or her opinions in mind as you decide what changes you can afford. As you plan each element, narrow down the options to a few choices you will allow and consult your child for the final decision.

Keep in mind that a child's bedroom should grow with him or her. The Thomas the Tank Engine or My Little Pony wallpaper that your child loves at the age of four may become a sore point in a few years. Try sticking with a basic color scheme for walls and bedding. You can then add throw pillows, lamps and other accessories in your child's favorite theme and replace them as your child's interests mature.

The color scheme is a great place to begin. Talk to your child. Does he have a favorite color? Does she prefer bright hues to pastels? Select two or three colors to make up your basic color scheme. Choose wall colors and bedding that reflect your plan.

Painting the walls is an inexpensive and effective way to begin. If your child loves a bright color but you think it is too overpowering, consider painting one accent wall. The wall behind your child's bed can be a good choice because the bed is the primary focus of the room.

Once your wall color and bedding is chosen, consider accessories. This is where you can bring in your child's current favorite character or theme. You can add accessories like throw pillows and wall hangings. You can often find themed light-switch plates or drawer pulls to update furniture. Keep the original hardware, though.

Does your child's room need more storage? Under-the-bed bins are great for storing toys or extra clothes. A high shelf running the length of one wall can be a wonderful out-of-the-way place to display collectibles or trophies. Modular closet organizers work well in a child's room. Lower-hanging shelves put clothes in the child’s reach and add extra storage space.

Framed posters and pictures are another way to add personality. Consider framing your child's own artwork, or buy document frames and hang achievement certificates from school or activities. You can group the frames on one wall and rotate in new certificates or artwork each year. Let your child choose his or her favorite items to display.

Don't forget pictures of family, friends and pets. Cork boards, ribbon boards or photo holders (stands with wire stems to hold photos) are fun ways to let kids arrange and rearrange unframed photos.

With some consideration and creativity, you can make your child's dream bedroom a reality.

By Susan Quilty
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my son's closet has unuseable space inside on each end. almost 2 feet on each end. do you have suggestions??
Posted on 11/1/2009 7:31:00 PM by Anonymous
I have searched many sites that carry part of you line. I can not find one that would allow the purchase of sheets only in Zanzibar. I really want fabric which is in some of your lines, but i can make do with top sheets or a toddler sized (and above)fitted sheet. I want to use the fabric to make something special for my granddaughter. Can I order directly from you? Please reply posy@11@comcast.net thanks
Posted on 9/12/2009 8:11:00 AM by Anonymous
i desperately need to find kidsline construction zone twin bedding with accessories........ where can i get that
Posted on 9/12/2009 1:31:00 AM by Anonymous
My daugter wants her room in dolphins, where do i find that?
Posted on 9/6/2009 3:40:00 PM by Anonymous
im looking for a metal powder coted bed my son is 8 and he needs somthing strong!!!! forget wood and i know a few places that have seaperate pieces .. but the prices are to high i seen a set 4 pieces for 400.00 now just the metal back is 100.00
Posted on 8/23/2009 7:45:00 PM by Anonymous
I really need help with my room. I'm fifteen years old.
Posted on 8/16/2009 5:25:00 PM by Anonymous
I would like to do my sons room In a farm theme with tractors, cows, horses, ect.... Where can I find this?
Posted on 7/28/2009 12:01:00 PM by Anonymous
I am searching for a vintage wood childs school desk-need to either have free shipping or to be picked up in the delaware area--HELP_
Posted on 6/27/2009 7:37:00 AM by Anonymous
I need a child's alarm clock for my son's bedroom. The numbers have to be big and I reaaly am searching for a vehical theme clock (car, firetruck, plane or other). Does this exist somewhere?
Posted on 6/25/2009 8:03:00 AM by Anonymous
I'm looking for desk accessories for kids. I would like something like a desk mat, pencil holder and any other litte items. Something in a little girl pattern or something liscenced Thank You
Posted on 6/11/2009 12:14:00 AM by Anonymous
I really want my room to be all about me and my friends but still funky!!!!!! :}
Posted on 3/24/2009 12:52:00 PM by Anonymous
i want a room theme for my daughter some thing simple but i want everything 2 match at the same time :p
Posted on 3/23/2009 12:12:00 AM by Anonymous
this article really helped me understand that you have to let your kids choose their room themes, but also that you have a say in how you decorate your kid's room, too
Posted on 2/14/2009 2:54:00 PM by Anonymous
This is good, but you should put more information about tween/teen bedrooms.
Posted on 1/18/2009 10:32:00 AM by Anonymous
I want to make my spare room into a reading room for my son and daughter. I have know idea how to do this. However I am starting out withh two bean chairs. HELP!
Posted on 1/8/2009 5:07:00 PM by Anonymous
I'd view it but it seems to have a bad gateway.
Posted on 11/25/2008 8:12:00 PM by Anonymous
need help with my son rooms
Posted on 11/10/2008 8:56:00 PM by Anonymous
I wish you would show more pictures
Posted on 10/26/2008 6:52:00 PM by Anonymous
wow great ideas!
Posted on 8/21/2008 11:18:00 AM by Anonymous
there are lots of good ideas on this site they helped me a lot!!!
Posted on 7/18/2008 10:47:00 AM by Anonymous
thats all great and every thing, but i am a teen and i am about to re-paint my room! I think that you should do more things on what teens should do when they are ready to change their room. But great job! keep up the good work
Posted on 7/7/2008 10:40:00 AM by Anonymous
Thanks! My daughter is very happy about decorating her own room! Thanks for giving me a heads up on what the tweens like.... once again THANKS!
Posted on 6/6/2008 8:30:00 AM by Anonymous
To the person looking for ideas on the rec room for grandkids: Use a Twin size bed, and primary colors, or you could get boy colors and girl colors to make the bed with. I would definately go with a twin size bed though. Good luck!!!! ~Poeticalbane
Posted on 4/9/2008 2:20:00 AM by Anonymous
we're turning our attic into a rec room for our grandchildren. The room is 30 x 14. Having a really hard time with bedding. Everything is usually geared for specifically a girl or boy. We have both that will be using this room. Their ages range from 3 - 9 yrs. I have decided on olive greens, yellow golds, rust reds and cream /whte for the color scheme. I am just at my wits end to come up with an exciting and inviting room for the children. Please help!
Posted on 3/9/2008 5:49:00 PM by Anonymous
i think that these are great and really cccccccccooooooooooooollllllllllllllllllllllll for kids
Posted on 1/15/2008 4:38:00 PM by Anonymous
Coolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!
Posted on 1/9/2008 7:53:00 PM by Anonymous
This is awsome
Posted on 1/9/2008 7:52:00 PM by Anonymous