How to Design a Themed Room for Kids: Inspiration and Tips

Designing a themed room for kids can be one of the most fun projects you can do around the house. There is a problem though. Where to begin? There are so many ideas floating around that it’s hard to choose. And here’s one more important consideration: kids change their minds. Often. One day they’re obsessed with dinosaurs and the next, it’s astronauts. In short, flexibility is key. That being said, some themes can be more adaptable than others. Keep this in mind.

Choose the Theme

Themes. Let’s tackle those. Popular options include the aforementioned dinosaurs, space, and pirates. Or, more niche interests, like underwater kingdoms, enchanted forests, or even a medieval castle. Because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to wake up every morning as a miniature monarch?

Of course, not every theme needs to be so fantastical. Perhaps your child is an old soul who would appreciate a vintage travel theme, complete with maps, globes, and old-timey suitcases stacked in the corner.

Colours

Once you choose the theme, you can decide on the colour palettes. Colours can be tricky, so choose wisely. Colours not only depend on the theme, but also on your child’s age. Ideally, you would choose something that is more long-term. While electric blue or neon green might work when your child is really young, soft pastels or neutrals might be a better choice long-term.

Here’s where wallpapers and decals come into play as well. Why not even a mural, if the budget allows it? Something organic that feels like it’s part of the room’s soul. Walls can transform a space from four confining surfaces into an open expanse of creativity. Don’t forget ceilings either. A starry sky, a sky full of birds, or clouds can be the cherry on top.

Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked. A mistake. Themed rooms need good lighting, something that complements the story you’re telling. Twinkling fairy lights for a forest or underwater theme, or a lamp shaped like the moon for a space room. Lamps are storytellers in disguise.

They whisper at night, casting shadows that deepen the narrative. Harsh overhead lights, on the other hand, they shout. And no one likes a shouting lamp. Choose warmth, and let the theme bask in the glow of imagination.

Accessories

Accessories matter. Pillows shaped like planets, blankets that look like ocean waves, stuffed animals that double as magical forest creatures. These little details breathe life into a themed room. But don’t go overboard. Too much stuff, and the room becomes cluttered. Beyond just the visual accessories, think about functional accessories as well. Add themed holders or cases for glasses for kids and desk organizers to match the style for example.

Furniture

Here’s where practicality meets fantasy in ways you might not expect. A bed could be a pirate ship, true, but what about a treehouse bed? And while we’re at it, why not consider a desk shaped like an explorer’s map table? Now, before you panic, themed furniture doesn’t always have to be custom-built or extravagantly expensive. You can repurpose old pieces with a splash of paint or some well-placed decals.

A dresser can quickly become a treasure chest or an ancient artifact, you just need a little creative eye. And a good deal of patience. Speaking of patience, one thing to remember is that children rarely understand the long, arduous process of design. Expect them to demand the room be ready yesterday.

So, how do you pull it all together? Don’t overthink. Themed rooms don’t have to be polished and perfect. Who says you have to finish all at once? The room can evolve with time, just like the child. The idea is not about creating a static display of Pinterest-worthy photos. Make a project your child is part of. That’s the whole idea. Besides, children tend to be more forgiving of design inconsistencies than we are.

In conclusion, or rather, as a parting thought, don’t stress too much about the details. Design with love and a dash of whimsy, and it’ll all come together, even if it’s in a completely unexpected way. And if you’re lucky, your child won’t change their mind about dinosaurs the very day you finish hanging the pterodactyl lamp.