When planning decor for a child’s room, your goals should be safety, comfort and functionality, but you can have fun in the process. Whether you choose a far-out theme or some funky accessories, you should also get your child involved in decorating her bedroom. The more involved she is, the more likely her bedroom will be well-used and loved.
Themes
Wall Decor
Be adventurous in decorating the walls. Paint a faux headboard on the wall near the bed, or use wall decals to create lively designs. Accent walls can go brighter and bolder, so try a cheerful periwinkle blue or a vivid poppy orange. Use stencils to paint a trim of birds, flowers or groovy paisley. Simple faux finishes such as sponge-painting, antique washes or rag painting add texture to the wall. You can open up an entire wall by decorating it with a packaged mural of a nature scene or a fantasy landscape. Little artists and their parents can also try a freehand mural of the ocean, forest or a cloudy sky.
Accessories
Accessories can be useful and fun. Use pom poms, fringe or sequin trim on pillows, blankets, curtains or shelves. Look flea markets or thrift shops for old frames, spray paint them gold, and use them around art projects, family photographs and mirrors. Textiles can add a playful note. Try vintage swatches as appliques on cushions or as covers for shelves. Fluffy throw rugs in faux fur or in the shapes of animals or aliens liven up the floor. Toss cushions around a low ottoman by the window for an impromptu reading corner, and fill open shelves near a desk with containers that your child decoupages with bright images, and then fills with school and art supplies. Turn a toy box into a treasure chest by painting it gold and gluing on large plastic gems. Make a simple shadowbox pout of an old desk drawer. Line the drawer with velvet or paint it and then nail it to the wall.
