Blog>Expert Advice>Smart and stylish children's bedroom storage and decor ideas
Last updated: 29 January 2025
Smart and stylish children's bedroom storage and decor ideas
Discover children's bedroom storage ideas and stylish decorating tips to create a fun and functional space your kids will love.
Children's bedrooms are often the smallest spaces in the home, but they must work the hardest. They house ever-growing collections of toys, clothes, and books while serving as a haven for sleep, play, and study.
The House with the Blue Shutters inspo
In our tour of the House with the Blue Shutters, interior designer, Claire Duncan, showed us some beautiful children's bedroom storage ideas.
Through clever design choices, the homeowner made the best use of a small space to create a fun and functional children's bedroom, including:
A bespoke, raised platform bed to free up floor space
Deep, built-in drawers under the bed for plenty of storage
Wall-mounted bookshelves to store and display favourite books and treasured trinkets
Wall lights to create a cosy reading zone at bedtime
In this guide, you'll find a range of kids' bedroom storage ideas and decorating inspiration to transform any space - big or small - into a haven for rest and play.
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Top children's bedroom storage ideas
Struggling with storage for a child's room? These clever solutions will transform even the smallest spaces into inspiring and functional areas.
1. Built-in storage for small spaces
Built-in storage is stylish, space-saving, and can add value to your home. From bespoke platform beds to custom cabinetry, these solutions maximise every inch of small bedrooms:
Three great ways to incorporate built-in storage in a child's bedroom:
Under bed storage: Raised platform beds can house deep drawers or cupboards beneath
Vertical storage: Wall-mounted shelves and fitted cupboards utilise otherwise unused wall space
Fitted wardrobes: Tailored designs combine clothing rails, drawers, and shelves to grow with your child
2. Under-bed storage solutions
The space underneath your child's bed is prime real estate for built-in storage. Popular options include:
Cabin beds with ready-made storage solutions underneath
Trundle drawers for toys, clothes, or an extra mattress
Custom carpentry to create a raised bed with ample storage beneath, as seen in the House with the Blue Shutters
A bespoke, raised platform bed sits atop a series of deep storage drawers in this child's room
3. Vertical storage: Children's bedroom shelving ideas
When floor space is limited, think vertical. Some of our favourite children's bedroom shelving ideas include:
Wall-mounted, open shelves to display books, toys, and collectibles
A freestanding bookcase with storage boxes at the base
Pegboards for artwork, photos, and mementos
4. Multipurpose furniture
Investing in dual-purpose furniture is one of the best ways to maximise storage space in a child's bedroom:
Ottomans with under-seat storage are great for housing toys, games, or blankets
Cabin beds with a den area underneath ticks the box for both rest and play
Fitted wardrobes with built-in shelving and a fold-out desk for play or study
5. Clever cupboard organisation
Optimise wardrobe storage with a mix of rails, shelves, and baskets to keep items organised. Floor-to-ceiling fitted cupboards can adapt as your child grows.
A skilled carpenter will listen to your needs, provide expert recommendations, and create a customisable storage solution that'll last from toddler to teen.
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Children's bedroom decorating ideas
Storage keeps a child’s bedroom functional, but thoughtful decor creates a sense of fun and personality. Follow these tips to design a welcoming and inspiring space.
6. Decor that grows with your child
A neutral base for walls and furniture allows you to easily update decor as your child's tastes change.
Colours: White walls with colourful accents, soft greys with pastels, or earthy tones with natural wood
Durable finishes: Satin or eggshell paints are durable and easy to clean
7. Themed zones for play and study
Even in a smaller space, it's possible to employ some clever children's bedroom decor ideas to create defined areas for different activities.
Use wall paint, rugs, or furniture placement to help define areas for sleep, study, and play
Add a reading nook with a beanbag and wall-mounted bookcase
Place a desk by the window for homework or creative projects
8. Personalised wall art for kids
Whether your child is into Bluey, Hey Duggee, Dinosaurs, or Star Wars, themed bedroom decor ideas for children will give them a unique space they'll never forget.
Take things up a level with a hand-painted mural. As a guide, mural painting costsaround £190per day. This is an average cost - rates will vary from artist to artist.
9. Textures and layers in a child's room
Whatever space you're decorating, the textures and soft furnishings you incorporate add a warm and cosy feel to the room.
Fabrics: Choose washable, durable options for cushions, bedspreads, and rugs
Windows: Blackout blinds for a restful night's sleep
Patterns: Playful prints add interest to soft furnishings
10. Lighting to spark their imagination
Layered lighting isn't just for adult spaces. In the House with the Blue Shutters, a wall-mounted lamp above the bed helps to create a cosy reading nook - the perfect place to snuggle up at bedtime.
Wall-mounted lamps: Ideal for night-time reading
Table lamps: Perfect for study or play areas
Fairy lights: Add a touch of whimsical charm
Ceiling lights: Provide overall, general lighting
For any lighting or electrical work, hire a qualified electrician
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Ideas for children's bedroom decoration on a budget
Decorating a child's bedroom doesn't have to cost a small fortune.
To save money on your children's bedroom decor and storage:
Take a DIY approach: Upcycle old furniture with paint or add a chalkboard wall to encourage creativity
Look for thrifty finds: Seek out vintage-inspired furniture or quirky decor pieces on marketplaces such as eBay or in local charity shops
Think outside the box: Frame your child's artwork to add colour and personality to the walls, or repurpose everyday items into decorative pieces or storage solutions
Find quality tradespeople near you
With the right mix of clever storage solutions and thoughtful decor, you can transform your child's bedroom into a fun and functional space.
Whether you need help with built-in storage, shelving, or decorating, we've got you covered.
Every Checkatrade tradesperson must pass up to 12 checks and commit to a high quality of work, safety standards, and honest communication.
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FAQs
How do I organise a small children's bedroom?
Use multifunctional furniture and vertical storage to maximise wall space. Keep items stored by category using designated boxes or baskets, and regularly declutter to maintain order.
What are the best shelving ideas for kids' rooms?
Floating shelves, modular systems, or corner units are great for displaying and storing items. Ensure shelves are securely anchored and at a height your child can easily reach.
How can I make my child's room more fun?
Add whimsical touches with themed bedding, wall decals, or interactive elements like a playful hopscotch rug, a climbing wall, or a teepee tent.
How do I choose a theme for a child's room?
Pick a theme that reflects your child's current interests but is flexible enough to adapt as they grow. Nature, space, or adventure-inspired themes are popular and versatile.
What colours are best for children's rooms?
Light, neutral tones work well as a base for many types of children's decor, whether you opt for pops of colour and themed accents, or a room inspired by natural, organic elements.
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