Style And Function: Our Guide To Designing Kids’ Bedrooms

A calm moment in the children's reading nook under the stairs in our Kingsbury project.

As the back-to-school season approaches, it's the perfect time to refresh your child’s bedroom and create a space that supports their growth, creativity, and relaxation. Whether they're starting their first year of kindergarten or heading into the teen years, a well-designed bedroom can make all the difference. We’re sharing some of our top tips to help you design a kid-friendly room that’s both practical and stylish, ensuring it grows with them through every stage.

ROOM TO GROW

When designing a bedroom for young kids, it’s best to start with the essentials: a bed, a rug, and clothing storage. You can always add a desk later on when your child needs it, but in the early years, you’ll appreciate having more floor space for play and toys.

If space allows, consider opting for a double or queen as your child’s first bed. This not only minimizes the need for a significant change down the road but also provides plenty of room for you to snuggle up together.

FUN BUT NOT CHEESY

Incorporate themes that reflect your child’s current interests in a way that’s easy to update as they grow. Opt for small, low-commitment items like a beanbag chair shaped like a soccer ball rather than committing to a full soccer-themed rug. Art is another flexible option—using simple neutral frames, you can easily swap out posters or prints to match your child’s evolving tastes, whether it’s cartoon characters now or sports memorabilia later on. Lastly, avoid themed bedding, as it will prevent the room from maturing. Themed bedding is often made with lower-quality materials that do not wash well over time, and nobody wants to look at Iron Man with a faded suit.

credit: www.nickandalicia.com

BUILT FOR KIDS’ NEEDS

When planning storage, it’s essential to consider your child’s height and accessibility. Wherever possible, opt for closet inserts specifically designed for children’s-sized clothing—these are often available through custom closet companies. With thoughtful design, shelves can be adjusted higher as your child grows and their clothing needs change.

Keep shelving units low and within easy reach, and choose lightweight storage solutions like large canvas totes or our favourite boxes from IKEA. This ensures that your child can independently access their belongings, making the space both functional and kid-friendly.

RUGGING IT RIGHT

Young kids spend a lot of time playing on the floor, so it’s wise to start with an affordable, low-priced rug—especially since they might see the carpet as a canvas for their colouring adventures! For children under age 5, this approach saves both money and stress.

As your kids grow into the middle years, I recommend choosing a rug made from natural wool and cotton fibres. Wool is particularly beneficial for its antimicrobial properties, which come in handy when dealing with stinky teenage feet! These rugs can be cleaned on-site or off-site, making them a practical choice.

Nylon is another excellent option, known for its durability. If you can find a nylon rug that still feels soft, it’s a great investment. A high-quality nylon rug can be easily cleaned with mild soap, making maintenance a breeze.

However, avoid rugs made with delicate fibers like viscose, bamboo, or silk. These materials are not only pricey but also notoriously difficult to clean if stained. Similarly, while polypropylene is a practical fibre for outdoor rugs, and often found in low-priced options from big-box stores, it won’t provide the cozy, comfortable feel you’re looking for in a child’s bedroom.

INVEST IN REST

When choosing a mattress, think long-term—you don’t want to have to replace it down the road. A quality mattress doesn’t have to break the bank. We’re big fans of organic latex and foam mattresses, which are often available locally from manufacturers in your city.

A solid wood bedframe with either a wooden or upholstered headboard is a great investment that will last through the childhood years. If you opt for a queen-sized bed, it can easily transition into a guest room later on. Be sure to avoid bedframes made with veneer or manufactured wood surfaces, as chips and scratches on these materials are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Upholstered headboards offer additional flexibility, as they can be recovered in the future, provided they’re built on a sturdy solid wood frame.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Looking to design a kid-friendly bedroom that blends functionality with style? Let’s bring your vision to life! Book a complimentary introductory call with us today and start creating a space that you and your kids will love for years to come.