Room for Style: How to Decorate a Kid's Room

When decorating a child's bedroom throw all the rules out the window and have fun, this is your child's space, a place they can retreat to and grow.

When they're infants its all up to you, but you can decorate so their room can grow with them, at least until they are 5 years old. The only piece of furniture you should have to change out is the crib to a bed. Wall color and carpet can last. You don't have to buy children size furniture. A chest can be used as a changing table and it will have larger drawers that will come in handy when they get older. Invest in good quality window shades or blinds and a rug. You can have some fun with decorative window covering and a fun colorful throw rugs both of which can be changed out.

As your child gets older you will see their interest in change, from experience this usually happens around the age of 8 years old. Wall color is one of the biggest change and the most economical way to add color to a room. Be open minded to what they like, they usually want a bold/dark color, if you're not open to all 4 walls then make one focal wall. This is usually the wall the bed in on, or why not use wallpaper, there are a lot of choices to choose from.

Additional furniture is sometimes needed, such as a desk, that can be easily changed into a makeup vanity for a young girl. Or maybe an oversized chair so they have somewhere to read or relax. bedding can be changed out, remember a bed in a bag can be the basic starting point, then shop for additional bedding to make it their own, such as pillows and a throw blanket.

*Wallpaper by York Wallcovering*


Let them be creative! By using a simple rod and sheet your child can express themselves!

*Hunter Douglas Vignette Modern Roman Shades paired with custom drapes*

Then there is the tween/teen/young adult. This is when you want to think about long term. It's time to paint again, the rug may need to be changed out, try a low pile or berber. The shades/blinds if you bought good quality should still be in good condition if not you may want to consider room darkening. Decorative window treat drapery panels work nicely for girls, a cornice is a nice option for boys. It may be time for a new mattress so think about a larger size bed. Bedding, stick with separates, a down comforter is an investment and you can slip that into a cover or maybe a coverlet. For sheets you can mix pattern and solid. Have fun with accessories - lamps, ceilings fixtures, frames, bookshelves, etc.

*Idea Board: Fabric by Stout, available to purchase at Wallauer's Decorating Center. Contact WendyH@Wallauer.com*

Sometimes you need a little help! Here is a child's bedroom I worked on. We created a custom daybed in the corner and dressed it with a custom cushion and an array of pillows, then pulled the fabric onto the bed with custom bedding!