Kids bedroom design ideas that grow with your child

Key points: What to consider when designing a kids bedroom

Keep these priorities in mind as you plan the room:

• Choose a flexible foundation that can adapt as your child grows.
• Secure tippable furniture and keep window-furnishing cords out of reach.
• Use age-appropriate storage that children can access without climbing.
• Choose stable lighting and manage electrical cords carefully.
• Leave clear floor space for safe play, reading and quiet time.

Choose a design that grows with them

Kids typically grow out of things pretty quickly, so designing a bedroom for a particular age or phase can often be a false economy.

Instead, create a flexible foundation that can evolve with them. Kids bedroom ideas that grow with your child include neutral walls and flooring, multipurpose furniture such as beds with drawers underneath, and modular items that can be reconfigured as required. A good example is a convertible bed frame that can transition from a cot to a single bed.

Age-specific touches can then come through less permanent items, such as kids bedroom rugs, cushions, artwork, wall decals and bedding.

Before choosing furniture, check the manufacturer’s instructions and consider how the room will be used as your child becomes more mobile. Secure furniture that could tip if climbed on or pulled, using fixings suitable for the furniture and wall type.

Start with a versatile colour palette

It’s tempting to go for bold colours such as bright green or hot pink throughout the room, but if you’re hoping to achieve a more timeless look, you may be better off with something softer.

Neutral shades such as off-white, greige and taupe provide a versatile backdrop, as do lighter colours such as pastel pink, pale green and baby blue. Use them across the walls, furniture and soft furnishings to create a cohesive base, then introduce brighter colour through accessories and styling.

If you are keen to make a stronger statement, consider using colour strategically on one wall rather than across the entire room. A kids bedroom feature wall, created with paint or kids bedroom wallpaper, is a great way to inject character into the space. Alternatively, removable, renter-friendly decals could be enough to bring the walls to life.

If the room has curtains or blinds, secure any cords using the supplied safety device and keep them out of children’s reach. Check that windows can be secured as appropriate for the room.

Choose safe and accessible kids bedroom storage

Kids rooms come with their fair share of clutter: books, toys, clothes and random knick-knacks that somehow make their way into your home. Storage can be an absolute lifesaver here, but it helps to prioritise options that create a tidier, safer and more functional room.

Open shelves can hold books and toys you’d like to keep on display. Baskets, tubs, toy boxes and storage containers are also useful for keeping larger items off the floor. Consider hooks for bags, hats, dressing gowns and costumes, provided they’re securely installed and positioned safely.

Make frequently used storage easy for your child to reach without climbing. Keep heavier items lower down and place fragile, heavy or unsuitable objects out of reach.

Secure bookcases, shelving units, chests of drawers and other tippable furniture to the wall or another suitable surface. Use the manufacturer’s recommended anchoring method and fixings suitable for the wall type. If you’re unsure which fixing to use, seek professional advice.

Storage doesn’t need to be hidden. It can be fun and colourful while still working with the overall design. The key is to choose storage that suits your child’s age, abilities and changing needs.

Use kids bedroom lighting safely

Lighting can dramatically improve the look and feel of a kids bedroom without requiring major work.

There are plenty of options depending on your needs. A ceiling light can provide general illumination, while a table lamp or rechargeable light can support bedtime stories. Night lights and small task lights can create a more relaxed ambience.

Choose lighting that’s stable and suitable for its intended location. Position lamps where they’re unlikely to be pulled or knocked over and keep electrical cords and accessible power points away from young children. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, charging and use.

There are lots of playful lamps and night lights in different shapes and colours, giving your child a chance to show off their personality. Just make safety and practical placement part of the decision.

Make room for fun

A timeless kids bedroom doesn’t necessarily mean boring, and it shouldn’t just be a place to sleep.

Get your child’s input and let them pick a few fun details that are easy to replace as they get older, such as lamps, decorative items and removable decals.

Display some of their artwork or favourite books and toys so the room feels like a reflection of them and their interests. Keep small, fragile or heavy decorative objects out of reach where they could present a hazard.

Leave plenty of clear floor space for playing and hanging out. You could also create smaller zones for reading, crafts, device use or quiet time, depending on your child’s age and how they use the room.

The best kids bedroom design is true to the child themselves without being tied to a particular trend or passing fad. With a flexible foundation, colourful accessories, personal touches and thoughtful safety choices, you’ll have a space that’s practical and playful as they grow.

Create their new space

Browse our range of kids bedroom accessories online or visit your local store to find storage, lighting and decorating ideas for their space.

Frequently asked questions

Should kids bedroom furniture be anchored to the wall?

Secure bookcases, shelving units, chests of drawers and other furniture that could tip if climbed on or pulled. Follow the manufacturer’s anchoring instructions and use fixings suitable for the wall and furniture.

Where should toys and books be stored?

Keep frequently used toys and books within safe reach so children don’t need to climb. Place heavier items lower down and keep fragile or unsuitable objects out of reach.

Are floor lamps suitable for a kids bedroom?

A floor lamp may suit some rooms, but it should be stable, positioned away from active play areas and arranged so the cord can’t be pulled. Consider your child’s age and follow the product instructions.

How can I make curtains and blinds safer for children?

Use the supplied cord-safety device, keep cords tensioned and out of reach, and check that the device remains secure. Also consider whether the window itself can be safely secured.

How can I design a kids bedroom that won’t date quickly?

Start with adaptable furniture and versatile walls or flooring. Add personality through bedding, rugs, artwork, lights and removable decorations that can be updated more easily.