Jaxen Jennings
We all want our kids to have a bright, uncluttered place to sleep, play and do schoolwork, but if space means you feel you have to choose function over form, these clever children's small bedroom ideas will offer you some easy inspiration. 'Often, the solution to children's small bedroom layout problems is built-in furniture that can maximize every inch of space,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief of Homes & Gardens and mum of two. Below, we offer you a ton of ideas and advice so you can tune your kids' bedrooms to suit your child's needs and taste. Good storage, multi-functional furniture that serves a child’s changing needs, and imaginative décor are all key.
A balance between form and function will result in a hard-working small bedroom layout that stands the test of time. 'By planning at the earliest stages, you'll be able to future-proof your child's bedroom with a strong foundation, only updating paintwork and general decor as your child grows and their interests change over time,' advises Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs (opens in new tab), who designed the room above.
The first step for a shared space, or one that can cater to regular sleepovers, is to consider loft bed ideas. If, however, you look for pale kids' room paint ideas, not only will they keep the feel light, but will give the illusion of space too. A clever paint trick that gives an illusion of space is ombre, as shown on the closet doors.
Look out for rugs that have multiple colors for extra interest,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens. 'We worked with a number of upcoming artists to create a natural collection of pieces in various mediums that integrate additional color and interest to the space, playing with a clever and purposeful contrast between the angular and linear design and rounded and circular shapes within the art pieces,' says Laura Hammett, founder of Laura Hammett Interiors (opens in new tab). 'Flooring is an important consideration for a child’s bedroom as it should help create a versatile room that is comfortable whilst also being a characterful space they love to spend time in.
Carpet adds comfort, natural insulation and is an excellent choice, being warmer than hard flooring and softer on the soles of feet. It also adds a little cushioning to soften any little trips from those learning to take their first steps,' says Punam Chada at Carpetright (opens in new tab). 'White is the best option for a small dark room, it will instantly brighten and lift a space and you can then add color with accessories.
Use a mid-toned wood for warmth and you can be contemporary with your choices – both the side table and book ladder have a modern feel,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens
Rooms in the attic are often the template for children's small bedroom ideas, and the key to getting them right is to use color to make them feel cozy and welcoming. Katie Lion, senior interior designer at Kitesgrove (opens in new tab) says: 'These attic rooms feel cocooning, so we wanted to highlight the subtle mustard tone in the headboard with pops of mustard in the cushions and blinds and punctuate these for added depth against the all green room.'
More specifically, including a creatively designed piece that includes two beds, storage, shelving and a desk area streamlines the design process, so much so that almost no additional furniture is needed in the room,' says Sarah Jefferys, Founder of Sarah Jefferys Architecture + Interiors (opens in new tab). 'Kids grow so fast so it pays to invest in classic furniture that will see you through growth spurts and still hit the style stakes.
Furniture you can paint, repaint and reinvent will give you flexibility as your child's tastes change,' says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief, Homes & Gardens. Decorating with yellow and other uplifting colors helps to make the space feel perfectly suited to its young occupants.
'This small kid's bedroom in Toronto is tiny and I wanted to find a way to add some much needed storage and color to the space. With plenty of drawer space below the beds, there is room for clothing and toys, while the headboard area has been given over to what might normally sit within bedside tables.
If you are looking for clever twin bedroom ideas that don't rely on bunks – perhaps you are decorating a space for visiting grandchildren – you will want to keep the scheme warm, classic and practical. 'Wooden floors look beautiful and are easy to clean but the diagonal in the chequered pattern is what tricks the eye to see the room as longer and wider. If you are considering children's bedroom wallpaper ideas, our advice would be to limit the pattern to a feature wall or area of the space.
'The design above, enhanced with the wallpaper, also zone the room cleverly, with one area clearly for sleep, the other for study,' says Lucy Searle. 'They need a combination of storage solutions: low, open shelves work really well for little ones who want to access their favorite toys regularly; higher shelves can be used for the display of treasured gifts, while anything that isn't so visually pleasing can be hidden behind closed doors.' They provide the darkness and peace you need to encourage them to sleep through, while being visually minimal, help the room feel larger than it is.
Teens will especially love this idea, as it provides them with a space for friends to sit when they come over, or a quiet nook for reading. In children's small bedrooms, raising the bed up provides the perfect solution for maximizing storage, play and study space. This room feels calm despite its small size with light and simple cabinetry and plenty of space for everything a growing child might need in a bedroom. So it makes sense to ensure that big-ticket items such as beds, closets and chests of drawers will stand the test of time. Add color, pattern and magical touches through fabric, bedroom lighting ideas, artwork and quirky accessories, or invest in some surprisingly grown-up touches such as a wooden canopy bed – a fun take on a traditional four-poster – and a pretty coronet with cascading fabric. These beds are statement pieces and work beautifully against mustard yellows, grays and midnight blues.
But fairylights, tactile fabrics and easy access furniture add an informal note, perfect for early years. ‘The zeitgeist is to avoid trends – instead embrace your children’s passions and interests,’ advises Ashlyn Gibson of Olive Loves Alfie. Installing a blackout blind and investing in a dimmer switch or night light will also make bedtimes easier. The best way to create successful small bedroom ideas for kids is talking to them about their ideal room – after all they are the ones that will be living in it.
The key is to introduce flexible and accessible storage, colorful accents, and one or two striking elements for a look that can evolve as your child grows. From here, there is plenty of opportunity to indulge in charming decoration and that crucial bit of extra aesthetic effort.
Although the possibility of your child growing out of a design should be considered, there’s nothing to stop you from making sure they have their own lovely space for both rest and creativity. If space is tight, try adding shelves above a desk, which can be used for storing homework as well as for display,' says Blanca Sanchez of Halo Design Interiors (opens in new tab).
