pink wallpaper girls bedroom — *This Shells Wallpaper Scallop by* *Abigail Edwards* *suits both a young kids bedroom and a teen one.*

Designing a kid's bedroom isn't just about decorating a space for that exact point in time; it's about creating a room that can adapt with them from toddlerhood to teenage life. Kids grow fast and their tastes change rapidly, so it’s important to evaluate what can be updated easily in the future (like paint colours) and what needs to stand the test of time as they get older (such as bedroom furniture).

Here are eight things to consider before you start designing a kid-friendly bedroom.

modern colourful kids bedroom — *This modern pastel room works well from a young age to late teens. Image credit:* *YesColours.*

Start with a Flexible Layout

Avoid building the room around just one phase of childhood and think ahead. Leave open floor space that can be used in different ways, from early years playmats to homework stations.

A room featuring freestanding furniture with movable parts will work hard over time. Keep the centre of the room open and use storage furniture and units that can be moved around or swapped out easily to make space for other activities.

green kids nursery — *This slimline freestanding bookcase takes up little space, with the soft sage green colour working at any age. Image credit:* *Poster Store.*

Invest in Furniture That Grows With Them

Avoid splashing out on a small wardrobe that only accommodates babies’ clothes, as it will need to be replaced after only a few years. Instead, invest in a larger wardrobe right away that won’t require being removed once they hit school age. A great way to get a good kids' wardrobe on a budget is to go thrifting and source a well-made vintage option made from wood. You can then paint this in a ‘kids colour’ and repaint it as required over the years to fit into your child's bedroom decor scheme.

Alternatively, invest in a fitted wardrobe to make the most of the floor and wall space available to maximise organisation and storage space. These are especially great if you have difficult areas like sloping ceilings or boxed-in beams to take into consideration.

mustard made locker — *These locker-style cabinets are great for storage and grow with your child. Locker via* *Rose & Grey*.

The bed is the anchor of any bedroom. As kids grow, their sleep needs change, and so does their space. High sleeper beds are a smart long-term solution - once they leave a toddler bed, the bed can be lifted off the ground, creating usable space underneath. When they're little, that space can be used for toy storage or a reading corner. As they get older, you can swap a desk in for homework or crafting.

Keep the Colour Scheme Simple if you don’t like repainting

Warm neutrals, sage greens and earth tones are great colours to use in kids’ bedrooms that grow with them and won’t need updating regularly. When painting a child’s bedroom, use a hardwearing, wipeable paint finish like a durable eggshell, as it is more forgiving of fingerprints, scuffs, and scribbles. You can let personality show through via artwork, colourful bedding or removable wall decals that are easier to swap out as your child's tastes change. Alternatively, to add ‘quick-to-update’ pops of colour, try painting the window frames or doors in a bold hue, or upcycle a stool or chair in a vivid shade.

sage green windows — *Adding colour via the woodwork creates a big imact that can be updated easily. Image credit: Benjamin Moore.*

Prioritise Smart Storage

Children’s rooms can get cluttered quickly with toys, books and collectable figures. Good storage makes it easier to keep things tidy, so consider adding under-bed drawers for clothes or bedding, wall shelves for boxes or small toys and make sure that any seating doubles up as storage space. Wicker baskets are stylish and allow for quick clean-ups, accommodating larger items (like soft toys) easily.

Labelling craft boxes and folders makes it easier to find items and keep on top of your home organisation. A label maker is a brilliant solution to categorise pen pots, art supplies and colouring in books.

Leave Room for Hobbies and Interests

As kids get older, their interests will change. Make space for what they love now, but design with change in mind. If they're into dinosaurs, let them pick dinosaur bedding, removable wall decals or posters. Skip the wallpaper - you don't want to have to strip it again in two years! Use display boards, create a cork wall or use picture ledges to display their favourite items. They can then switch these up as they like without the need for the room to be redecorated.

curved bed kids bedroom — *Image credit: YesColours*

Choose Durable Materials

Kids can be rough on furniture and walls, so look for materials that are able to handle spills and accidents. Choose solid wood over chipboard, washable fabrics and rug pads to protect floors, while soft-close drawers avoid the trapping of small fingers.

Light it Right

A good mix of lighting makes the room more functional. You’ll want overhead lighting for general use, a bedside lamp for reading, a nightlight for younger kids, as well as a desk lamp for doing homework. Go for warm, soft bulbs to make the space feel calm or colourful LED strip lights for fun or sensory time.

Think About Long-Term Use

Try to picture the room five years from now - is the furniture still going to work in this space? You should be avoiding any theme-heavy designs or fixed furniture pieces that only suit a small age window. One simple test is to think about whether what you are thinking or purchasing would also work in a teen room.

A child's bedroom should be able to grow with them, so focus on choosing flexible furniture with simplicity and function. A little planning now means you'll make fewer changes later, resulting in a room that your child will love for many years to come.

Featured