How to Create a Timeless Children’s Bedroom

Decorating your children's rooms can sometimes be a stressful experience, but with a little planning and some inspiration, you can take away the weight of it and start to have some fun! It's okay to break all sorts of décor rules when it comes to kids—be as playful as you please and don't shy away from mixing colours, prints and styles. We know however that our little ones grow up fast, so check out our Editors' top tips covering every age from toddler to teen and beyond…

Nursery 0-2 Years

You can decorate your kids' rooms however you like when they are really little, so take the opportunity to create a solid base of decoration that you can easily build on as they grow. Paint the walls a light colour such as lemon yellow, sky blue or mint green which suits most children's décor. If you want to add more playful elements, opt for easily removable elements such as wall stickers, rugs and funky lamp shades. Invest in storage which will suit for years to come, such as a classic white chest of drawers. If possible, opt for furniture which is designed to adapt for different ages such as a cot bed where the sides can be removed for toddlers.

Toddler 2-6 Years

It's time to have some fun with your child's décor at this age, but the important thing is to not give over to their every whim—they might be obsessed with Peppa Pig now, but will they still be in four years' time? Go for something non-permanent and inexpensive such as a poster or cuddly toy if you can't resist. As your children grow, they will inevitably start to accumulate more stuff, so now is the time to invest in a wardrobe or bookcase to help keep their space tidy.

Big Kid 7-10 Years

Your little ones won't be thinking of themselves as so little anymore at this age, so it's time to think about making a haven where they can have some space for themselves. The key here is to create an area where you can still keep an eye on them, while affording some privacy. Room dividers or sheer curtains are perfect for creating a little den—fill it with bean bags, cushions and throws. More storage boxes for toys and clothes will come in handy at this stage. Put clear labels on everything so that the kids can help with the tidying up!

Image: Little Big Bell

Tween 10-13 Years

Tweens are sure to be glad of the private space you've already made for them, but this is the age when they are most likely to start to rebel against a room which seems too childish in their eyes. Now is the perfect time to do a big room revamp, but just bear in mind that you want it to last so try to avoid a style which will only need to be re-done in a couple of years' time. Paint the walls a neutral shade and then utilise wall art, wall stickers and textiles such as curtains and duvet sets to refresh the room. Tidy away toys using under-bed storage bags or boxes on the top of the wardrobe.

Teenager 13-18 Years

Teenagers are notoriously emotional, sensitive and moody but also have a great deal of stress put on them from every angle (anyone else get cold sweats when they remember revising for exams?), so try to make your teen's room a space where they can not only relax, but work in peace too. Clutter and mess are not conducive to either of these things, so invest in plenty of boxes and baskets to keep the room tidy. Desks can be both practical and stylish, and if you opt for wood then they can be painted whatever colour your teen likes best. If their room is big enough, create a space where they can hang out with friends using a small sofa or pair of armchairs. Finally, think about black-out curtains, because one the most important things at this age is a good night's sleep!

Boomerang Kids 18+ Years

It's not true these days that you say goodbye to the kids at 18 and that they never return home again—many move back in after university or prefer to live at home to save some money. It can be difficult to co-exist with children once they are an adult in their own right, but giving them a private space can only help. Decorate as if you would a guest room (unless you really do want them to stay forever!) with a palette of calming neutrals and blues. Arrange plenty of storage, including extra clothes rails and wall shelves and encourage them to detox—anything they haven't used since they were a teenager must go!