The Most Fun Room in the House (That Won’t Age Overnight)

Smart Decorating Tips for Children’s Bedrooms

Designing a child’s room should feel like a joy, not a chore. It’s a rare opportunity to create a space that feels imaginative and playful, while still sitting beautifully within the rest of your home.

But as any parent knows, children grow (and change their minds) fast. That safari-themed wallpaper you spent ages picking out, might be old news by the end of the year. Instead of leaning into overly ‘childish’ designs, it’s worth choosing colours, patterns and furniture that can evolve with them, something that still feels fresh as they move from toddlerhood to school years and beyond.

So how do you create a room that feels exciting for them now, but still works in a few years’ time? The secret lies in building a timeless foundation. You might not need it to last from nursery to university, but with a little thought, you can create a space that grows with them, practically, beautifully, and without too many redesigns along the way.

Here’s our guide to designing the most fun (and flexible) room in the house…

Start with longevity in mind

Consider investing in quality foundational pieces, such as a neutral wardrobe, chest of drawers, or armchair, that will last beyond the baby years. Picking natural wood pieces that will look better with age, are a great way to do this. You can sand them down and stain or paint them in the future meaning they can adapt to the room and your little one grows and their tastes change. That’s not to say Lego can’t have its place, just maybe they stay stored away when not in use!

Bonus Tip - Also consider cot beds that convert into toddler beds to add one less furniture to the switch list.

Think soft, soothing and supportive

For babies especially, the nursery is a space for sleep, feeding and quiet time. Soft textures, dimmable lighting and gentle colour palettes help create a cocooning feel.

We suggest picking a wall colour that feels southing and has longevity. Think calming neutrals that can act as the perfect backdrop to pops of colour that will be added through prints and accessories.

Must haves:

• Blackout blinds or curtains for better sleep

• A comfortable chair for night-time feeds

• Wall-mounted nightlights or low glow lamps for calm transitions

Creating Zones for Rest, Play and Imagination

Zoning a child’s room helps bring structure to their space while encouraging independent play and calm routines. A cosy corner with soft lighting and layered bedding signals sleep, while a dedicated area with a rug and toy storage invites play and creativity. Even in smaller rooms, thoughtful placement of furniture, like a reading nook under a bunk or a desk by the window, can create distinct spaces that support your child’s daily rhythm.

 Make the most of every inch

In a child’s room, storage needs to be both practical and playful and inbuilt joinery is a brilliant way to achieve that balance. From window seats with hidden compartments to floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with adjustable shelves, built-in storage makes the most of every inch while keeping clutter at bay. It also helps future-proof the room, offering flexible solutions that can evolve as your child’s needs (and toy collections) grow.

Add Personality with Playful Details

Once the foundations are in place, it’s the little touches that bring a child’s room to life. Small playful accents go a long way in making the space feel joyful and personal, whilst not investing huge amounts of money in items that will date quickly. These details are easy to update as their tastes change but help make the room feel truly theirs.  

Ideas include:

• Framed prints with bright colours, their favourite characters or a gorgeous wallpaper you just couldn’t justify covering the whole space with

• Patterned/character bedding

• Brightly coloured lower cost bookcase for extra storage and a fun pop of colour

• A statement lampshade or lamps

• A peg rail to display their favourite things or a themed shelf for their latest obsession

• Use locker frames to proudly house your children’s artwork, giving you the ability to swap out when a new masterpiece needs to take centre stage!

Don’t Forget about you!

This room is for your child, but you’ll be spending plenty of time there too, especially in the early years. Create a corner for yourself: a soft seat, side table, and perhaps a soft throw or reading light to make those late night moments feel a little easier. These will also be great for when kids get a little older as a comfy reading area.

Mostly have fun and create a space that feels true to you, whilst inspiring and fun for your little ones.