33 kids' room ideas – fresh looks for a modern yet whimsical bedroom

Kids' room ideas are such a joy to scroll through, it's one of the only rooms in your home you can totally forget about trends or what color will look most sophisticated, what sofa will work best, what kitchen cabinet shade should you choose, and just get creative. Yep, these rooms are every bit as much about you having some fun with decor as there are about creating space your children will love. 

But be warned, children tend to change their minds easily, and whilst they may love their ice castle Frozen themed room one day, they will be onto rainbows and unicorns the next. For this reason, it does help to fairly neutral furniture and then just inject whatever the cartoon or theme du jour using decor. Let these children's bedroom ideas inspire you...

1. Get your kids involved

When starting designing a kid's bedroom, we thinking the best starting point is to get them involved. Let them be part of the process, helping you pick colors, patterns and themes. Of course, you can have a fair few vetos but it's important that the room reflects their personality as well as your style. 

'Children can help decorate their rooms by choosing the colors choosing fabrics for curtains and blinds or creating a piece of artwork that will become a masterpiece in their room. Choosing cushions and decorative items, such as wall hangings or garlands are a great way to encourage your little one to get involved in designing their bedroom. Younger children are unusually excited about painting or add in stickers to the walls. It would be ideal if they could use the roller or a paintbrush to paint a few strokes on the wall, or stick on a few wall decals.' recommends Medina King, Creative Director of MK Kids Interiors.

2. Start with the perfect color scheme 

If you are designing a kid's room totally from scratch, the best place to start is with the color scheme. This can be a tricky choice as you want it to reflect your child's taste but still have longevity so you aren't painting the whole room every few months. So we asked the experts:

'Personally, I was naturally drawn to pink, but now I am more open to softer neutral colors, such a duckegg, teal with hints of mustard and greys or tan.' says Medina. 'It also depends on who we are designing the room four and their preference. Recently we have been taken on a number of projects which have been gender-neutral rooms where parents have requested that we do not lean towards pinks or Blues. A design scheme is more enjoyable when there is no specific colour scheme required and the design team are able to experiment.'

'I’m drawn to greens and blues at the moment, and lots of natural materials, but also love neutral schemes with touches of pink, lilac, nudes, etc.'  says Ursula Wesseling owner of Room to Bloom. 

'Pastel shades!' advises Andreia Tavares of Circu Magical Furniture.  'We have done a lot of different projects, for neutral-gender bedrooms - and the shades of beige, light yellows and greens are a go-to choice. Besides creating a neutral space it also won't make anyone "tired" of the color which can happen with more bright shades such as orange or electric blue, for example'

3. Always be thinking about storage 

Storage is an essential in a kid's bedroom. You need plenty of different types too – storage that's accessible so kids can help themselves to toys, storage for clothes, bedding, books, and more toys. Go for a mix of storage furniture like drawers and wardrobes and add in some smaller accessories too like boxes, bins and baskets. 

'Kids usually have a lot of things they need and presents people offer them - either it's clothes or toys. And you can add storage to the room and still make it look elegant without it being too crowed inside it.' advises Andreia.

4. Add nostalgic charm with vintage finds

Not all kids room ideas need to be modern – there's something to be said for incorporating furniture, accessories or wall pattern that has a more nostalgic feel to it.

We love the elephant patterned wallpaper and vintage-style furniture in this bedroom design below by Katharine Pooley. It would work well for a nursery bedroom, a toddler, or even in a baby's room as the bed could be used as a daybed until they're old enough to sleep out of the cot. Under-bed trundle storage keeps toys and clutter out of sight.

5. Create a den-like space in an alcove

Got an alcove in your kid's bedroom? Why not make use of that dead space and turn into a den-like space with curtains that can be drawn over to add coziness and privacy. In this girl's bedroom, a practical desk and extra storage have been added to give a very grown-up dressing room that any child would love to play in and then use for homework when they get older. 

6. Pick a theme that kids dream of 

No matter how old your child, they are going to remember the bedroom they grew up in, so we think they should be the most magical spaces. Take a theme that your child loves, be it, princesses, pirates, Minions, rainbows, whatever and run with it. 

Andreia Tavares of Circu Magical Furniture, says that 'every kid dreams. Either is from the cartoon they watch or their favorite books. Try to bring it to reality. A kid's bedroom we usually say it's the most special division when designing a home or a project because it's the room where you can use your imagination and try to picture what could make them happy.'

'The use of color and fun elements such as wallpaper with patterns, geometrical shapes and always adds a character they are familiar with. The kid's bedroom is supposed to be both fun and safe at the same time. Every kid is different but they all just want to have fun and so try to bring their wildest dreams to reality.'

7. Play with oversized accessories

This one's just a bit of fun: we're all familiar with Miffy's uncomplicated design, but we recently spotted an oversized Miffy lamp in one of Gachot's projects and immediately fell in love. The design of the Miffy floor lamp is super playful, while still fitting in with a Scandi-inspired scheme in this boy's bedroom.

8. Transform cupboard doors into an art display

Interior designer Naomi Clarke made these bright yellow cupboards to hide away kids' clutter, but as well as handy storage they double up as display frames for children's artwork. We've never seen such a chic way to display all the... lovely pictures children bring home, definitely beats having them cluttering up the fridge door.

9. Paint (or commission) a mural

Murals are a lovely kid's bedroom idea, adding whimsy and personality. There are plenty of lovely designs available that you can hang just like wallpaper, but for a really unique look why not commission a design that's full of things your child loves. You could add in their pets, hobbies and favorite characters.

10. Or add a chalk wall

Fancy having a crack yourself but worried about making mistakes? Consider chalkboard paint as a backdrop, using chalk pens to create a mural over time. And the kid's can get involved too, it will feel like they are being given the freedom to draw all over the walls, but you will know better. 

11. Create a mini mezzanine

You don't need a huge amount of ceiling height to create a mini mezzanine that can be used as either a sleeping area or play space, and it doubles your floor space.

This tiny kid's room sits above the living room, on a mezzanine level that overlooks the dining space below through a glass wall. A raised mezzanine area with a built-in bed plays on the multi-level theme. 

12. Use alcoves for extra storage

Kid's rooms are often the smallest or most awkwardly shaped in the house, so trying to squeeze in extra storage can be tricky. But be inspired by this small boy's bedroom and make the most of an awkward corner by adding in shelving and make it fun with some whimsical wallpaper.

13. Swap an armchair for a swing seat

Because why have a bog-standard chair when you can have a more playful swing seat? They make for a lovely focal point and can be such a relaxing place for reading. Just be sure they are hung by a professional and your child is always supervised when using it. 

14. Get creative with your storage

Since storage is such an essential in a kid's room, make it fun and blend it in with the theme of the room. Who knows, maybe it will encourage them to tidy up. Pinch the idea from this room and hang cute labeled buckets from the wall that they can just grab for play times and them clean up and hang back up when done. These would be great for things like socks and underwear too.  

15. Invest in custom joinery to make the most of space

Going bespoke in your kid's room may sound a bit extra, but if it makes a small space more functional and has the potential to last until they move out then go for it.  We love the Moroccan-inspired look in this kids' room, with a daybed that's fitted into the wall, with built-in shelving and drawers for maximum toy storage.

16. Create an urban vibe with graffiti Art

There's something about graffiti that older kid's love, maybe it gives them a cool, grown up edgy feeling (we remember that feeling well), and it's a bonus that done it the right way it can look really stylish too. Hanging some graffiti inspired artwork is a really quick way to make a kid's room feel more grown up with out having to totally redecorate so can be a great addition as your child gets older.

17. Get toys on show 

Toys are an integral part of a kid's bedroom, so stop fighting to always get them put away and keep some on show. They can create cute and colorful displays that look both stylish and mean they are easily accessible for playtime. 

These funky bespoke shelves were designed by Katharine Pooley, who went for a fun twist on cubby holes by joining them all together. The pop of orange is the perfect contrast to all the blue going on too. 

18. Be inspired by their hobbies 

Any guesses what this kid's passion is? This room does actually prove how taking inspiration from your children's hobbies can create really stylish space if you just think creatively. This feature wall is inspired by a goal, but at a first glance, it just looks like a very cool, minimalistic design. Wonder how we can give Elsa's castle a more contemporary twist...?

19. Create displays of their favorite books

No matter what the room, we always say if you have got books, you have got decor. They just add so much color and texture and personality to a room and what's more fun and colorful than children's books? Rather than stash them out of sight or stack them spines facing outward, use picture ledges to face them outwards to the front covers double up as artwork. Plus this makes it so much easier to pick a book for bedtime. 

20. Add a pegboard wall 

Pegboard can be used for so many things and is super flexible as you can add on extras like shelves and hooks to build the perfect storage wall. As you can see with this kid's bedroom idea, it can also double up as some pretty cool decor.

21. Build in a window seat

If you have space for a window seat in your kid's bedroom they make for a lovely spot to sit and read together. Plus, they can double up as really handy extra storage if you add some deep drawers, ideal for spare bedding and more bulky clothes like coats and jumpers. 

22. Have fun with furniture 

Because why have a boring wardrobe when you can store your clothes in a dollhouse? This striking dollhouse-shaped wardrobe by Andrew Martin features a stunningly detailed facade, and hides a rail and drawers inside.

23. Create a sleeping nook

Give a bed a really cozy feel by creating a nook with shelving either side. Fill up the space with cushions and throws for a den-like look, you could even have drapes in front to ramp up the coziness. As well as looking lovely, built in beds like this one are a really practical choice too as you can squeeze in loads of extra storage under the bed. 

24. Display cool collections 

As your kid reaches the age they no longer want their toys out on display (despite still desperately wanting to play with them) switch toys to something more grown up and again be inspired by something they are interested in. In this bedroom skateboards adorn the walls adding loads of fun color to this otherwise quite neutral space. 

25. Go bold with a statement wallpaper

Rather than stick to a solid paint color on the wall, have some fun with kid's wallpaper ideas. We have seen tropical, palm print-inspired wallpaper being used a lot in both nurseries and children's rooms, and it works! It's fun and playful as it's reminiscent of the jungle but also stylish and adult-approved. Plus green is a great color for a gender-neutral space too. 

26. Get your DIY on with paint effects

Paint effects are a great way to add personality to a kids' room. And they’re surprisingly easy to do if you simplify your ideas down to their most basic graphic outline: think a line of jagged mountain tops or rolling hills, a seascape, cotton-wool clouds, or a star-spangled galaxy. 

Select your paint, pencil on your design and fill it in. It doesn’t have to be perfect to achieve the desired effect. One feature wall will help you theme the rest of the space. And remember: there is an array of brilliant wall stickers available that will help you create the effect without the worry of it going wrong. 

27. Create space for two

Designing a shared bedroom can be a tricky business especially if both children are old enough to express their opinions... loudly. Medina King advises, 'incorporating a little from each child’s taste and preference. Keep the color scheme neutral or engage the favorite colors of each child. Have versatile furniture where possible, such as a window storage bench, a bed with storage, and or a workstation. Ensure that each child has a designated space or area, that they can find comfort and relax.'

28. Opt for an oversized headboard for a princess-like space

See, princess-themed rooms can be subtle too! It's the huge headboard that's the focal point in this kid's bedroom, and the plush, button-back velvet does have a nod to something royal, but it's stylish and chic too. Plus, it's super comfy and adds a cocooning feel to the room, as well as having more longevity than a full on princess bed. 

29. Add extra coziness with a canopy bed

Four-poster beds aren't just reserved for grown-ups bedrooms. With the tree top backdrop and the playhouse shape of the bed, this kids room creates a playful treehouse effect.

30. Or hang a fabric canopy

Oh-so simple, yet oh-so-chic, the canopy is the must-have for all dreamy bedrooms. Use it to demarcate a den area, create a cozy reading corner, or simply up-cycle a bog-standard bed into a fairy tale-worthy dream space. Draped around the bed at night-time, it will help create a cozy sleeping space. An easy way to do it? Buy a lightweight, hanging mosquito net and dye it in the color of your child’s choice.

31. Personalise with pinboard headboards

Whether through filial bonding or simply lack of bedrooms, siblings are often likely to share a space. So how to make it chic as well as practical? Storage is key, but it’s also important to create areas where each child can express their personality. Pinboards are great, as are shelves. In this room, upholstered, super-tall headboards double up as pinboards. Choosing the same print and furniture unifies the space, while illuminated initial letters add a personal touch. 

32. Introduce a design classic

The Eames elephant is a classic piece of furniture. This playful children's chair is the perfect example of Charles and Ray Eames' fun side, and it's become one of the couple’s most famous pieces. You don’t need to be under five to enjoy its elegant lines, but unfortunately, they’ve yet to make a jumbo size for us adults…

33. Install a slide

This one is a bit more out there and harder to install – but if fun is at the forefront of your design you can't go wrong with an indoor slide. It's every child's dream!

The Carston Holler inspired metal chute pictured below starts upstairs and twists down the house to this kid's room; it’s safe for kids and big enough for young-at-heart parents.

How do you design a kid's room?

'In the same way you would another space, starting with space planning what the space will be used for: a place to sleep (sleepovers?), play, study, read, relax, make music, craft. etc.' says Ursula Wesselingh.

'I pay particular attention to storage in kids’ rooms, as I think you need lots to keep the room look tidy and restful, which helps sleep. Once you’ve decided what will go where, also think about how long the room will need to last and what your maximum budget is – this will influence the decor (more neutral or not) and furniture choices (convertible or not, investment pieces or easily replaced furniture). With a basic lay-out/zoning in place, look at the placement and type of lighting too – task lighting by beds and desks or in play corner, dimmable general light to soften the atmosphere at night, fun lighting to add style. My approach generally is to keep the room’s flooring & walls/ceiling neutral, which doesn’t mean bland or not having colour, though I’d avoid heavy themes. I love adding a wall or two of wallpaper to give the room more character and pull it together.'

What are good bedroom themes for kid's room?

The best themes for a kid's bedroom will come down to what they like and their hobbies, favourite colors, films and TV shows. So talk to them and decide on a theme together. The most popular themes for kid's room that could be a good starting point if they need a nudge are jungle, space, castles, pirate ships, forests, magic, dinosaurs. If they have the attention span have a look through Pinterest with them and see what catches their eye. 

As Medina King recommends; 'Children love experimenting and are versatile; and they often have many surprises up their sleeves. I love to get children involved in the design process of their spaces. This increases their engagement in the design project and helps them to enjoy and appreciate their space more. They will have great anticipation and ultimately take much pride in their surroundings.'

How do you make a kid's room cozy?

The easiest way to make a kid's room cozy is to treat it like a den. Make their sleep space feel extra cocooning with plenty of throws and cushions and consider either investing in a canopy bed or hanging a fabric canopy. Fairy lights hung at a safe height can add an instant magical feel too. 

Cherie Lee of Cherie Lee Interiors says, to make a kid's bedroom cozy, 'We like to incorporate a chill-out, seating area. Depending on room size, this can be as simple as a beanbag, lamp and a bookshelf. More elaborate designs can include built-in daybeds with storage and reading pods. Space for friends to stay is also very useful. If possible, we like to incorporate sofa beds or trundles to accommodate sleepovers.'