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8 Tips for Designing Better Kids' Rooms

Simple kids' room with toys spread throughout and rubber tree in corner

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Creating a space for your little one to play and grow can and should be a fun experience. That said, it can also be a challenging one. After all, a beautiful, functional room that your child will love both now and for years to come is a pretty tall order!

Need a little advice? We’ve got you covered. This useful round up of swoon-worthy kids’ rooms and pro decorating tips is designed to help you identify your child’s current wants and future needs, allowing you to strike that all-important balance between practical and downright adorable. Whether you’re starting from scratch or hoping to improve upon an existing space, you’re certain to find a healthy dose of inspiration here!

  • 01 of 08

    Keep It Simple

    Simple, Nordic kid's room

    Hope_and_Jade / Instagram

    When it comes to kids’ rooms, less is usually more. By keeping the decor simple and furnishings to a minimum, you’ll create more space to play and provide a neutral canvas that can be easily updated as your child grows.

    This simple yet adorable Instagram find puts playtime first, providing plenty of open floor space. A floor-level, house-frame bed doubles as a play zone, and open shelving allows well-loved toys to serve as charming accessories.

  • 02 of 08

    Focus on Play

    Pink and white girl's room with swing

    Kigik / Instagram

    To create a room your little one will love, try focusing on the thing they love to do most: play!

    Boasting an indoor swing, a ball pit, and a whimsical house-frame bed, this sweet Instagram gem puts an emphasis on fun without sacrificing style.

    Want to add an element of fun to your design? Consider a chalkboard wall or an easy-to-update art gallery where your kiddo can display their favorite creations. A built-in rock-climbing wall, bunk bed slide, or ceiling-suspended cargo net also make for great options, encouraging play while helping to burn up all that extra, pre-bedtime energy.

  • 03 of 08

    Make the Most of Your Child's Space

    Kids room with loft bed and under-bed play zone
    Cara Loren

    Whether you’re working with a small room or a big imagination, making the most of your child’s space is an absolute necessity.

    This simple loft bed, featured by Cara Loren, doubles the usable space in this clean-cut and modern kid’s room, creating an additional play zone that can easily be converted to a reading nook or lounge area for a future tween.

  • 04 of 08

    Double Up on Storage.

    Kid's closet with double rails
    The Pink Dream

    From their toys, games, and books to their ever-changing wardrobes in multiple sizes, kids come with a lot of stuff.

    Need help corralling the clutter? Hooks, wall-hugging book rails, under-the-bed storage crates, and furniture with built-in storage are great options and can double your storage space.

    Installing a second rail in your kiddo’s closet, as demonstrated by this little one's enviable double closet from The Pink Dream, is also an easy way to expand your storage potential.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below
  • 05 of 08

    Play With Color

    Modern, rainbow-themed nursery
    Studio DIY

    Kids love color, but choosing the right one can be tricky. Sure, your little one may adore all things hot pink now, but that doesn’t mean they will later, and the thought of repainting the entire room in just a few short years is enough to give anyone color commitment issues.

    Looking for a long-term solution?

    This bright and cheery kid’s room by Studio DIY offers a clever compromise by introducing a rainbow of colorful accessories into a clean, neutral setting that can be easily updated when your kiddo is ready for a new look.

  • 06 of 08

    Incorporate Pattern and Texture

    Gender-neutral, monochrome kids room
    Winter and Daisy

    Wondering what makes the kids’ rooms you see on Pinterest look so, well, Pin-worthy? Careful use of pattern and texture likely has a lot to do with it.

    The beautiful and yet often-neglected stepsisters of color, these important decorating tools are a professional designer’s secret weapon and can take a room from blah to breathtaking with just a few added elements.

    This beautiful black-and-white nursery from Winter and Daisy is a perfect example, using a power combo of rich, textural layers and bold, graphic pattern to create a well-balanced and visually interesting space without any color at all.

  • 07 of 08

    Keep Little Hands and Minds Busy

    Kid-friendly work space and arts and craft station

    RoomToBloom / Instagram

    If you have the space, a kid-friendly work area is a must. Providing your child with a place to color and create will not only keep them busy but may also help with their physical and mental development. When your child is older, a personal workspace can come in handy, offering a quiet place to study and do homework.

    Seen on Instagram, this comfortable workstation for two has plenty of space for doing arts and crafts and displaying creations. Playful yet stylish, it will easily transition into a homework station for an older child.

  • 08 of 08

    Give Them a Space to Get Away From It All

    Reading nook

    Linemerete / Instagram

    We all need to get away from time to time. A reading nook is an excellent place for some quality alone time and has the added benefit of encouraging your little one to curl up with a good book!

    This cozy corner, spotted on Instagram, has everything you need to spend a rainy day indoors. Catch a quiet moment by yourself or invite a friend. There’s even room for cuddles!