How to Decorate a Small Child's Bedroom

If your child's bedroom is not the biggest bedroom in the world, to put it mildly, you can consider purchasing a loft bed, so that the desk and chair sit underneath. However, if the child is young or you are not yet ready for the loft bed purchase, there are other ways to make use of a fairly tight space, and to keep it playful and cheery for a young child. Read on to learn how to decorate a small child's bedroom.

Things You'll Need

• Closet shelves
• Bright organizers
• Bright artwork or calendar
• Attractive quilt or duvet cover
• One to two shams
• Paint (optional)

Instructions

1. Consider clothing organization. If a dresser would leave the child with significantly less play space, consider installing shelves in the closet that could hold all clothing. Baskets on the closet floor may contain socks and underwear, while low shelves (all located in one half of the closet) feature stacks of shirts, pants and shorts. This would allow a small child's button-down shirts or small dresses to still hang above on the closet rod.

2. Organize and hide board games. Shelves in the other half of the closet can hold board games and puzzles, as well as organizers to contain some of the small stuff that accumulates. A high shelf may hold less-used toy items, seasonal sports items or even sheets.

3. Try baskets under the bed to organize and put away categories of cars or dolls or construction toys...whatever fits well.

4. For younger kids, give a small old-fashioned wooden toy box a try. It has a lid and can be used to hide bigger items and/or dress-up clothes. Try not to let things accumulate on top, however.

5. Make sure the bed is neat and attractive. A new duvet cover or quilt design can change the whole room. Aim for a design a bit older than the child, so it will last a few years. One or two shams can lift the look as well.

6. Brighten the high edges of walls or corners by hanging mesh cylindrical containers that can hold stuffed animals. Or opt for a decorative kite in, for example, a mermaid or dragon shape. A fairy or even pterodactyl can dangle from a hook and a bit of fishing line as well, depending on the child's interests.

7. Touch up one wall with bright paint, or look for somewhat more neutral paint for an older child. Alternatively, plant some cheerful wall touches by hanging well-chosen artwork or posters, even a vintage or classic calendar.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't hesitate to add some greenery. Plants on any stable surface can help clean the air and add a cozy touch to a child's room, as long as he is responsible enough to leave it alone.

• If the child's room holds a nightstand next to the bed, keep it as uncluttered as possible with just a few items: a small lamp or reading lamp and maybe a jewelry box or piggy bank. A shelf below may hold a few books.

• A set of bookshelves can add coziness to a child's room, especially if the books are neatly arranged.