10 space saving ways to decorate your children’s bedroom

10 Space-Saving Ways to Decorate your children’s bedroom

Children may be the smallest members of the family, but there’s no denying that they do have a whole assortment of games, toys and other titbits to stow away. Indeed, every parent is undoubtedly familiar with the dilemma of having to find an allocated area for homework and crafts while minimizing mess. And as the child grows up, you also have to make sure the bedroom can accommodate extra friends, study groups, sleepovers and the likes- a feat which can initially feel somewhat problematic if you live in an apartment or only have a small space to work with. The good news is that it is entirely possible to decorate small bedrooms by adopting just a few tips. Strategically arranging your children’s bedroom furniture, for example, can immediately create an illusion of space, making the room appear much wider than it really is.

Here are 10 space-saving ways to decorate your children’s bedroom:

1. Buy the right bed
If you’re working with a small space, your children’s bedroom furniture can eventually determine the overall look and feel of the room. Of course, it goes without saying that- in most cases at least- the bed is the focal point of any bedroom. When working with small spaces, it does pay off to skip traditional styles in favor of space-saving options that can look just as stylish. Other than the standard bunk beds, you can also try trundle daybeds, especially if your children are sharing a bedroom. To save space, some parents opt for narrower and smaller beds, based on the child’s height. While this can be an excellent space-saver, do bear in mind that you’ll need to periodically buy new beds to accommodate your children as they grow. The main thing to keep in mind when choosing your children’s bedroom furniture for smaller spaces is to keep the bed off the floor or pushed against the wall. Bunk-study beds are excellent options since they offer a desk on ground level and a comfortable bed in the top bunk.

2. Don’t neglect the colors
We all know the mantra: lighter colors widen a room; darker colors will make it appear smaller. However, we also know that kids and pristine white walls are a recipe for disaster. Rest assured that it is entirely possible to go for a colorful and fun look without having to resort to pale hues. The rule of the thumb here is to mix-and-match as you play around with shades and contrasts. By all means, do start on a white or beige canvas, but you can also use stencils to spray paint various prints and patterns. White and lemon yellow, pale pink and pastel blue, yellow and apple green are all combinations that contrast beautifully with each other without making a small room appear too cramped. Just remember to keep the patterns small and limit the murals to one wall if possible. Another option would be to go for all-beige walls and then opt for colorful children’s bedroom furniture to liven things up.

3. Invest in smart accents
Mirrors can go a long way into creating an illusion of space in a small bedroom. Instead of a conventional vertical mirror, think about getting a large horizonal mirror fixed a bit higher up the wall than usual: not only will this dramatically widen the room but it will also reduce any risk of your child accidentally breaking the mirror and getting hurt in the process. Other accents that work well in smaller bedrooms for kids include neutral-colored Roman blinds, acoustic ceiling panels or even fun decorating items such as mirrored wind chimes: these will catch the light and automatically create an illusion of space.

4. Smart storage units
A standard shelf is undoubtedly an excellent storage option for adults. When it comes to the kids, however, you can be sure that not a single toy will be neatly lined up on the shelf at the end of the day. And since clutter tends to make spaces appear smaller than they really are, it does pay off to invest in smarter storage units that will keep the mess tucked away without claiming additional floor space. Bunk beds, for example, are excellent options to free up space in your kid’s room, especially if the child isn’t sharing the bed with a sibling. Most modern beds- bunks or otherwise- do come with discreet built-in storage units underneath.

5. Use lighting to widen a room
If the children’s bedroom is dotted with a large window, give those heavy drapes a toss in favor of pale colored gauzy curtains that will let in plenty of natural sunlight to trick the eye by giving off an illusion of space. If you only have small windows, however, fret not: all you have to do is invest in a few inexpensive lamps which you can strategically place around the room instead of relying on one single light source. Spreading the light across the room will automatically open up the space and make it appear much bigger and cozier. 

6. Move the bedroom to the attic
If you’ve got an unused and warm attic, don’t hesitate to turn it into a dream bedroom for your kids. Not only does it add an undeniable element of fun, but attics offer plenty of space-saving opportunities. For example, skylights can be used to open up the space and make the attic appear much bigger than it really is. When working with an attic bedroom, remember to use the slant in the ceiling as a built-in divider: one side of the slant can be for the bed, while the other side can accommodate the study desk and wardrobe. If you’re sleeping two kids in the same bedroom, you can put a twin bed on either side of the slant.

7. Create a homogenous look
A child’s bedroom should certainly have colorful accents to liven things up a bit. If you’re focusing on saving space, however, your colors and accents should be as homogenous as possible. For example, if you’re opting for a hideaway bed that can be tucked away when not in use, you can opt for pale pastels colors throughout the room and a very colorful bed frame that will pop into focus at night, without taking away from the homogenous feel of the room. Another option would be to make sure that all the accents match in color while the walls and furniture are decked out in the same hues.

8. Make sure the bedroom has a focal point
In most cases, the focal point of a bedroom is the bed. But when working with narrow spaces, it’s entirely possible to shift the focal point to something else altogether. When shopping for your children’s bedroom furniture, keep an eye out for hideaway beds that double as desks. Some models feature a fold-down desk with a fold-up bed. In such cases, the desk becomes the focal point of the bedroom during the day and you can arrange it in such a way so as to save space and make the room appear bigger. Alternatively, instead of a standard work desk, you could also opt for an L-shape table that across the center of the room, creating a divider while helping you save up on space. 

9. Comfortable seating areas
Now just because you’re focused on saving space doesn’t mean that your kid can’t have a comfortable seating space other than the bed or the desk! Sofa daybeds with roll-out trundles are excellent choices for smaller bedrooms: not only do they provide a sofa during the day and a bed at night, but the roll-out trundles are perfect for comfortable reading or study time. This is also an excellent option for when your children want to have friends over. If you have a large windowsill, don’t hesitate to add a thin mattress or some large fluffy cushions that will automatically turn it into a comfortable window seat. For safety reasons, however, this option is only recommended to pre-teens and teens. A hammock strung above the bed is another unconventional albeit fun space-saving seating options that your kids will love.

10. Unconventional play and study areas
Now, if you don’t want to opt for the classic hideaway beds that can be flipped to form a desk, rest assured that there are other ways to create a play or study area for your kid, without having to sacrifice precious floor space. A teepee tent tucked in the far-end corner of the bedroom, for example, can double as a makeshift study that will actually make your kids eager to start on their homework. Just don’t forget to add a couple of lamps inside. Another great option would be to go for a loft bed: the empty space underneath can very easily double as a quaint study area or mini play-pen. Don’t hesitate to make this space even cozier by adding giant beanbags or cushions.