Photo c.2003 Glenna Morton, About.com    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version Interior Decorating FAQs • Index • Bathrooms • Bedrooms Decorating FAQs • Budget Decor • Color and Paint • Decorating Decorating FAQs • Designers • Kitchens • Lighting About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

The sweetest decorating projects

t's a special joy to decorate a child's room. From plain to fancy and everything in between, these rooms hold promises and dreams.

Rooms for babies and toddlers can be done in any way the parents choose. However, older children generally love being part of the decorating process.

Give the room some longevity by choosing background elements that are long lasting. Then use accessories, bedding, and inexpensive area rugs to create easily changeable themes.

KIDS DECOR FAQs

Q. Where on your site can I find decorating ideas for a child's room?

These pages have all of the pertinent links --

• Baby Rooms
• Childrens Rooms
• Articles on Decorating for Kids

Q. I'm decorating a nursery for our new baby but I'd like to make it something that will look good for several years.

This is a wise choice. Congratulations for thinking ahead! See this article on "Versatile Furnishings in a Child's Room" for some furniture and decorating ideas.

Q. Do you have any tips on creating a really fun room for a child?

Browse our kids theme room photo gallery, then choose a decorating theme and get creative!

See what interesting things you can create with simple paint, faux techniques, or stencils. Browse these Paint Projects for Kids Rooms for ideas on whimsical furniture and accessories. Get some tips on "Window Treatments in a Child's Room" too. Look in home decorating fabric stores for curtain and bedding fabrics that will enhance the room's theme.

Get more Kids Room Advice from About's Fashion Guide, Cynthia Nellis.

Q. I have no idea how to childproof my home for a visiting toddler. He will be here for 2 weeks while his parents complete a move to a new city.

You can ask your friends what they specifically recommend as well as look over the links on the Childproofing and Home Safety page.

Q. We're building a home so I'm using this opportunity to start fresh when decorating the rooms for my three toddlers. Where can I get ideas?

You'll find lots of inspiration in books and magazines as well as on the internet. These pages are a place to start for theme ideas and photos --

• Decorating a Boy's Room
• Decorating a Girl's Room
• Kids Bathrooms

Q. Storage is a huge issue in my small house. Any tips on finding a place for the endless toys, clothes, books, and games?

Most rooms can spare 10" or so off of one wall. Decide on the wall in your room then buy enough inexpensive white laminate bookshelves to cover that entire wall. Securely bolt these both to the wall studs and to each other. (Tip: Buying bookshelves that come with doors is even better since you'll be able to hide some of the stuff.) If you are really handy you can trim out the joints, top, and sides of the bookcases with pieces of white decorative molding. Now fill the top shelves with neat displays of books, toys, and stuffed animals. Then find lined baskets or plastic bins that fit into lower shelves and fill those with smaller items. Learn more here about the Four Types of Storage or browse these links for Shelving Ideas.

Q. I need more closet space in my daughter's room. All of her clothes are won't fit into the closet and there's no place to keep games.

First take everything out of the closet and pack up or give away things that are no longer used. Next, measure the closet space and go to a home center to purchase fittings for a closet system. Increase storage space by installing double closet rods, shelves, and drawers from ceiling to floor and wall-to-wall. Using every inch of space will help keep everything organized. (If you don't want to tackle this project yourself you can call in a professional closet design company.) See this page for links on closet design.

Q. Help! Our adopted sons (ages 5 and 11) will be arriving next month and I need advice on decorating their rooms.

This article on "Room Decor for an Adopted Child" will give you some tips and ideas as well as Kids Room Advice from Cynthia Nellis. The links on Rooms for Twins may also help you if the boys will be sharing a room.

Q. We just found out we're having triplets! Are there any sites with info and tips on decorating a room for multiples?

Browse these pages for ideas --

• Bedrooms for Twins and Triplets
• "Storage in a Child's Room"
• Bunk and Loft Beds -- for older children

More FAQs on Page 2