Practical Tips for Designing a Cozy and Functional Room for Kids

It’s in every parent’s interest to design a room their children will love spending time in. There’s no doubt that a kids’ room has to be comfortable and cozy, but there are also some other aspects to keep in mind, like your children’s safety and well-being. You also need to create a room that will grow with your kids and work for them whether they’re 5, 10, or 15.

In this article, we’ll be tackling all those different aspects of designing and decorating a kids’ room, and we’ll also be looking at some practical tips on how you can do it. Let’s start.

Choose a color palette

The room’s color scheme is something that needs to be considered right from the start because every purchase you make will be based on the room’s palette. Neutral colors are always a good pick – they have a great staying power because they’re flexible and can easily be mixed with other colors, neutrals, and patterns.

On the plus side, gray, black, white, and beige work for both genders, making them the perfect solution for shared rooms. It’s best to go with the 60-30-10 color rule and use no more than three colors in varying degrees. This will help you create a cohesive look and design a space that is appealing and balanced.

Go with a theme

Rooms that revolve around a certain theme are perfect for smaller children, and the theme can be easily implemented through various design elements. Wallpapers are the perfect addition to a themed kids’ room because they can easily be taken off when children outgrow them without any stress or hassle.

You don’t have to use wallpaper on every wall in the room, though – you can simplify your color palette and then spruce things up with a wallpaper that has a bold and busy pattern on it. Rugs, drapes, bedding, and accessories are also a great way to incorporate a certain theme into your children’s bedroom. Be it their favorite superhero or movie character, let them select a theme they like. Then, let your imagination guide you.

Functional, versatile furniture

When it comes to furnishings, you want to keep in mind their functionality and practicality. Sure, race car beds or princess castle beds may seem like a great idea when your children are 7. However, once they get into their teenage years, you’ll have to buy new furnishings all over again.

Therefore, it’s best to look for versatile and classic furniture that grows with them. Quality upholstered beds and bed frames are one of the examples of timeless furnishings you can’t go wrong with. A rule of thumb is to look for furnishings with clean lines and simple design as they are flexible and versatile. The same goes for changing tables that can function as dressers and nursery chairs that can easily merge with your living room furniture.

Safety first!

A kids’ room also has to be optimized for safety. Before you implement any design element into your kids’ room, think about how safe they are for your kids. Look for sturdy furniture that can’t be tipped over easily, and look for beds and bed frames made from soft materials (e.g. upholstered furnishings). That way, children will have lesser chances of getting hurt as opposed to wooden or metal frames.

Electrical outlets and radiators should be covered and blocked, drawers and cabinets locked, while sharp edges and corners should be padded. Also, make sure to keep any objects that may present a hazard out of their reach (chemicals, sharp objects, smaller items they can swallow, etc.).

Create areas for playing and hanging out

Your kids’ room should be visually separated into a couple of areas or ‘zones’. There should be a sleeping area, an area for playing and hanging out, and also an area where they’ll do their homework.

A teepee will encourage fun games but it can also be a place for daydreaming. A desk with a chair will serve for drawing, writing, and doing homework, while a bean bag chair will encourage conversation, reading, and hanging out with their friends. Make sure you introduce some cozy elements as well (e.g. rugs, drapes, and blankets) and add pops of color relying on art, decor, and toys to spruce it up a bit.

Let there be light

Every room can benefit from lots of natural light from your windows, but when the sun goes down, it’s great to have a couple of layers of lighting that will keep the room cozy and inviting.

Fairy lights aren’t just for holidays – they can be used year-round and are perfect for creating a warm and pleasant ambiance in kids’ rooms. Animal lamps are sure to bring a dose of comfort for little ones who are afraid of the dark, while task lighting will create a productive environment for tackling homework.

Designing and decorating their kids’ room is one of the joys all parents look forward to. This guide will help you do it properly and create a positive, friendly environment where your children can thrive.

About The Author: Derek Lotts is a Sydney based writer and researcher, a regular contributor at Smooth Decorator blog. He writes about décor, gardening, recycling, ecology and business. He thinks all of these topics fall under the self-improvement category. He believes in the power of sharing ideas and communicating via the internet to achieve betterment. Follow him on Twitter.

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