Given their petite stature, children often get the smaller rooms in the house as their bedroom. But even though they’re small themselves, they come with a lot of stuff that they need – as you’ll know – not to mention all the toys that need to be accounted for. It’s nothing that a few clever small children’s bedroom ideas can’t solve.
Here at Ideal Home, we have the privilege to tour and feature some of the most stylish homes around the country. And many of these happen to be family homes with great children’s room ideas worth taking inspiration from. And that applies to kids’ rooms that are on the smaller side as many of these come with great space-saving solutions without sacrificing on style and whimsy at the same time.
A lot of this comes down to the right children’s bedroom furniture ideas but also the correct decorating choices. So without further ado, let’s see how you can make your little one’s room look and feel more organised, functional and lovely to spend time in.
1. Opt for a storage bed
No kids’ room can ever have too much storage, especially if the room in question is quite small to begin with. And if you’re in the market for a bed for your little one, then you can kill two birds with one stone by investing in a bed with built-in storage, just like Kat Collins and Toby Sealey have done for their daughter’s room in their Scandi-style family home.
‘The drawers under the bed are huge and hold so many toys, which is handy for tidying up at the end of the day,’ Kat says.
Habitat
Kids Ronnie Single Day Bed & Drawer
2. Build a loft bed
If you’re looking for small shared bedroom ideas where you need to be able to squeeze more than one child into an already small space, then a loft bed is the ideal solution as realised by Louise and Peter for their sons’ room in their Oxfordshire family home.
‘The boys’ room used to feel small and cramped. So, Peter decided to build a loft bed himself from reclaimed wood left over from other projects, and we designed storage built along one side for toys and books. This way, we were able to squeeze two beds in without covering over the lovely original fireplace. And with the bed up above, there’s still plenty of space to play in,’ Louise says.
3. Accentuate vertical space
With small spaces, it’s as much about visual clutter and how large the room appears to the eye as it is about how much space there actually is (and other practicalities). So if you want to make your little one’s room look bigger than it is then draw the eye upwards – and vertically striped wallpaper like this one from I Love Wallpaper is the perfect way to do this.
When it came to their son’s bedroom, this is exactly what Jess and Mat did in their York family home, also taking advantage of the high ceilings of their 1930s home.
4. Incorporate multipurpose pieces
When space is lacking, you need to make the most of every inch and every piece in the room needs to earn its right to be there. The most effective way to do this is by opting for pieces of furniture that have more than one purpose, are versatile and can grow with your child.
‘In smaller spaces, smart, space-saving solutions make all the difference, especially when they grow with your child,’ says Lynn Tjoeng, product manager for home at Stokke. ‘Compact, foldable items can also be incredibly helpful. For playtime, the Stokke MuTable blends fun and functionality. It features integrated storage and a modular design that supports creativity while encouraging independence. Perfect for keeping things organised without sacrificing play.’
She adds, ‘The key is choosing products that are both versatile and thoughtfully designed to adapt to your family’s evolving needs.’
Hulala Home
Modory Tessa Modular Storage System
Modular furniture which can be reconfigured or added to is another great addition to a small space, including your child’s small bedroom. And that’s exactly what this clever modular storage system from Hulala Home does.
5. Move some of the toys to the living room
Remember that not everything needs to be squeezed into your children’s bedroom. It’s likely that they also play in other areas of the house like the family living room so it’s best to set up a toy storage system for their things there.
‘Think about how many of their toys you need in a bedroom and if space is limited, separate them out so that the majority sits in your living space,’ says Heidi Skudder, parenting expert and expert speaker at The Baby Show. ‘Less pretty to the eye but also means if the room is small, it feels less cramped.’
6. Focus on the essentials
When it comes to small kids’ bedrooms, it’s best to keep their furnishing to a minimum as putting too many pieces of furniture, decor, toys etc. can result in a space that looks cluttered and doesn’t feel pleasant for your children to be in.
‘We advise to focus on essentials: a safe place to sleep, room to play, and practical storage,’ Lynn at Stokke says.
7. Opt for fun colours
‘If you want to add a unique touch of personality, why not try something a little surprising? Kids’ tastes can be as vivid and vivacious as they are, so creating their dream space is all about balancing fun and functionality,’ says Becca Stern, creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made. ‘Lilac brings a sense of calm, playfulness, or sophistication to any room, depending on how you style it, making it perfect for brightening up a kids’ space.’
Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours, continues, ‘Although it has been known that greens and blues can create a calming environment for children, some children may feel the opposite. So, the importance of colour towards a child’s mental health or cognitive development is based entirely on that individual child. It’s very much about self-discovery and there’s a real learning journey for all involved when it comes to the right colours for your child.’
8. Declutter regularly and rotate toys
When it comes to any type of small space, clutter is your number one enemy because it takes up unnecessary space that can be dedicated to more useful things, and makes the room look messy and even smaller than it already is. So learning how to declutter your children’s toys, clothes and other things is invaluable.
‘Something I do a lot with three small children is decluttering. Regularly sorting through toys and clothes ensures that only what is needed at the time remains, freeing up more space,’ Heidi Skudder says.
She continues on the importance of toy rotation – having only a select number of toys out at any given time for your little one to reach for and regularly rotating them. ‘We also know that spaces with too many toys can make the room feel cramped and overwhelmed which can have a direct impact on a little one’s ability to focus and engage in creative play. In fact, Montessori theory suggests that children should have minimal toys around and that toys should be switched regularly to minimise clutter and avoid creating too much choice.’
9. Go for light-coloured but practical flooring
It’s no secret that light colours make things and spaces look bigger, while darker shades can do the opposite. And the same applies to flooring. So to visually open up your kids’ room, opt for light-coloured flooring. But have easy upkeep in mind when selecting the material and finish – wooden flooring works, as do certain types of carpet.
‘An engineered wood floor provides a light and airy feel to a room, while the natural grain seen in the wood brings texture and warmth,’ says Natalie Mudd, co-founder of Knot & Grain. ‘To recreate this in a children’s room especially if it’s on the small side, opt for light wooden tones, we’d recommend wide planks in a light tone such as oak. It’s best to avoid herringbone here to keep with the clean lines and to create a feeling of space.’
But don’t be afraid of a subtle, timeless pattern either, as Kirsty Barton, storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring, suggests. ‘A lighter-coloured carpet can keep the room bright and playful, making a smaller space feel larger, whilst darker shades can create a cosy atmosphere. For the best of both worlds, incorporate a subtle pattern that introduces colour practically and timelessly, creating a space that is both functional and delightful for little ones. When selecting colours and patterns, choose designs that won’t clash with their ever-changing tastes and will stand the test of time,’ she says.
10. Add hooks on the wall
Walls provide a large surface that can be utilised for anything from storage to decor – so utilise them to their full potential. One of the easiest ways is to attach a series of hooks on the wall to lift things off the floor as much as possible.
‘Look upwards to find extra space. Install hooks and hanging organisers to take advantage of vertical space,’ says Ashley Hainsworth of kids’ bedroom specialists, Cuckooland. ‘Anything you can do to keep the floor clear will make a room feel bigger. Add a few hooks to keep items such as bags and dressings gowns off the floor and you have gone a fair way towards maximising the space available.’
11. Think vertically
If you’re working with less floorspace, it’s always a good idea to incorporate some bedroom wall decor ideas into your small kids room. Especially if you tie it together with a theme.
‘Themed bedrooms are a fun way to create a space that reflects your child’s interests and personality,’ says Sally Jackson, founder of Soren’s House.
‘There are options available to suit every decor style, from wildlife to dinosaurs and outer space. To create a room that will last, avoid going overboard on one theme. Instead, decorate the room in a neutral tone and use accessories, wall hangings, and bedding to add the theme.’
Sally adds that these items (like the paper insects above) can be easily swapped out as your child’s interests change and can be handed down, recycled, or donated when your little one is ready for a bedroom makeover’.
12. Paint a mural
Bedroom accent wall ideas are worth their weight in gold when it comes to adding some oomph to your small kids bedroom ideas.
‘Go wild and create a place for them to explore their adventurous side,’ advises Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux . ‘A nature-themed room can be perfect for kids and is not too difficult to create using three shades of green on a background of pale blue.’
She suggests you try use a light teal like Atmosphere as main wall colour, and create a layered jungle horizon line with three steadily deeper tones – Willow Tree from B&Q, Putting Green, and Enchanted Eden from Dulux.
‘Using a bit of torn paper to separate the colours will create a tropical rainforest background,’ she adds, noting that you can check out the how-to video on Dulux’s YouTube.
Dulux Easycare Willow Tree Emulsion Paint 2.5L
Being one of the most trendy colours of the year, you can’t go wrong with a pistachio green shade like this one from Dulux, whether you paint the whole of your child’s room with it or use it in a mural. It’s fresh yet calming and just delicious.
13. Try a cabin bed
One of our favourite bedroom design tips from storage expert Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps, is to invest or build in a cabin bed and weave it into your kids small bedroom ideas.
‘Cabin beds are classic pieces that never fail to delight children of most ages,’ she says. ‘With bases made up of deep drawers and cupboards, overhead shelves are also ideal for keeping the floor tidy and reserved only for playing.’
That’s exactly what the owners of a colourful Surrey family home have done in the children’s room (pictured above). ‘When it came to the front bedroom I saw a space for a cabin bed and seeing my little sketch come to life still blows my mind,’ one of the owners says.
14. Incorporate bunk beds
Of course, if you’re trying to suss out how to divide a shared kids room (and maximise space), then bunk beds are probably the answer.
‘Whether you’re short on space, or your children prefer sleeping in the same room, creating a bedroom for two or more children doesn’t need to be challenging,’ says Sally of Soren’s House reassuringly.
‘The key is to opt for durable, high-quality furniture that can withstand the energy of active bedtimes, coupled with a theme that appeals to the children.’
Or you can go down the bespoke road as interior designer Kelly Howlett and her husband Rob have opted for in their son’s room in their Norfolk family home. ‘I found the design I wanted, Rob drew it up on the computer, and our carpenter made it for us. The top bunk is for when his friends sleep over,’ Kelly says.
15. Bag some baskets for storage
You need a bevy of toy storage ideas if you are working with a small kids bedroom, trust us!
‘Rooms that are organised evoke feelings of calm that have benefits, not only for adults, but children, too,’ says Rachal at Sharps.
‘The “less is more” mantra can be applied just as easily to kids bedrooms, despite the regular mass of toys, books, games and treasures that collect over the years.’
Sally agrees, adding that ‘colourful baskets that are in keeping with the space or solutions that double up as toys, such as wagons, will help to keep the bedroom feeling warm and welcoming’.
Dunelm
Toadstool Natural Storage Basket
Our favourite thing about kids’ storage baskets is the playfulness of their designs, whether it’s shaped like a castle or in this case a toadstool. It’s perfect for a woodland-themed room!
16. Conceal clutter with a curtain
‘Not only are bedrooms a space for sleep and relaxation, but they are also a place for kids to play and be creative, so they often have lots of toys and games,’ comments Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design.
‘Storage plays a key role, so ensure that functional storage is smartly incorporated into small kids bedroom ideas, without it feeling overcrowded.’
One way to make your small kids room ideas transition more easily from playtime to bedtime is by having a curtain that can be drawn over shelves of toys and books.
This means kids can proudly display their favourite toys and have them within reach for playing, but when it’s time to settle down for bed, the room won’t feel cluttered or overstimulating. While they might be very busy during the day, kids need a calm environment to get a good night’s sleep just like we do.
17. Throw down a colourful rug
A big rug is a no-brainer for small kids room ideas. It’ll anchor the space, add soft texture for tiny toes and, if you go for something patterned, it’ll be forgiving of felt-tip pen marks and any other stains (although watch out for the LEGO/race cars underfoot).
‘Those looking to add a sense of comfort into the room should consider a high-pile rug for extra cosiness. The benefit of rugs is that they can be easily swapped out when tastes change, or for a seasonal refresh,’ Natalie at Knot & Grain says.
Rugs can instantly make any room feel more welcoming and give a bit of cushioning on knees and elbows for kids playing on the floor. They also have the added bonus of softening the acoustics so not every single thud of an indoor football can be heard downstairs.
18. Build a space-savvy window seat
Incorporate a compact window seat to create a cosy area for reading and chilling out that won’t encroach too much on the rest of the small kids bedroom ideas. Add storage boxes beneath so your little one has lots of space to put their toys and games, and layer up with lots of cushions.
Ann Marie says you can have fun with storage boxes and bins by using different colours for different items in boys and girls’ bedroom ideas. ‘This will also help encourage your children to store their items correctly, as I find they react really well to colour,’ she says.
19. Create a magnetic feature wall
Why not make a fun magnetic wall for your small kids’ room ideas? This might help you carve out a mini ‘play zone’ with other toys and some comfy seating. You could make yours with magnetic paint or install a magnetic memo board available at places like IKEA.
A magnetic wall provides a lovely place to show off paintings, or for playing with solar system magnets, animal magnets, or spelling out their name with classic letters of the alphabet.
‘Kids are forever growing, and their bedrooms need to evolve with them from nursery ideas to pre-teen spaces – creating different zones helps with this and zones the room for learning, playing and relaxing,’ comments Rona Olds, director of product at Habitat.
As they get older, the magnet wall can become a place for pinning useful reminders and revision cards.
20. Distract with an accent colour
Upcycle furniture you already own with a bright paint shade of your child’s choice for clever small kids bedroom ideas. Going for something bold on bedframes, wardrobes and chests of drawers will create a big impact and draw attention away from the room’s petite proportions.
Here, yellow and grey complement each other in a stylish and functional kids’ room. The curved wooden shapes of the bunk bed design score extra design points.
‘In a small space, keep the colour palette light and neutral to create the illusion of more space, then add pops of colour through accessories like cushions and wall art,’ advises Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist. ‘Wall decals, fairy lights, or colourful rugs can bring personality without overcrowding the room, while keeping the overall design functional and uncluttered.’
21. Make a reading corner with floor cushions
Lay down floor cushions near your child’s bookshelves, hang artwork related to their favourite stories and put up fairy lights to make a cosy atmosphere in girls and boys bedroom ideas for reading stories together.
Stack floor cushions up and store them on top of wardrobes when not in use to give you more space for playing games.
22. Keep tiny furniture as long as possible
Don’t upgrade your child’s toddler bed until you really have to. Most cots convert into toddler beds and you’ll be amazed at the difference in size they are compared to a standard single.
Lynn at Stokke uses the brand’s Sleepi crib as an example, ‘Sleepi, our iconic crib, is built with that mindset – the crib that grows with the child. It can be used from newborn up to 5 years old. The fact that the side (mid section) can be fully opened allows the little ones to step into their bed by themselves and be independent from their caretakers.’
Depending on individual size and growth, your child shouldn’t need a full-size bed until they are around primary school age. The same goes for bedroom wardrobes and chests of drawers; tiny clothes take up less room, so stick to small proportioned furniture for as long as possible to leave more floor space for play.
23. Make sure everything is easily accessible
Working with small kids bedroom ideas doesn’t mean a child will accumulate fewer belongings. In fact, younger children’s toys are notoriously larger than big kid versions, so it’s time to get savvy with storage. Encourage tidiness in a small space by ensuring storage is easily accessible and within reach for little ones.
Create a library for oversized books displayed front ways. Remove fitted wardrobe doors for an airy look and replace them with shelves for baskets and bins. Labelled wire storage will keep clothes off the floor.
24. Include underbed storage
‘Under-bed is the unsung hero of storage spaces. It’s simply one of the smartest and easiest ways to add masses of storage without it cluttering your room. Although many beds are now designed with built-in drawers, there are ways to create something similar if you’re looking to utilise the “dead” space,’ says Rachal at Sharps.
Under-bed storage is a godsend in children’s bedrooms as toys can be organised and out of sight and the low level means little ones can access what they need (and hopefully tidy away, too).
Mel and Greg Sinclair chose the bedframe for their daughter’s room in their Scotland family home specially so that plenty of storage can fit underneath. ‘’Mila’s is the smallest room in the house, but she has the most stuff. We opted for a secondhand mid-riser bed to give her storage space underneath,’ Mel says.
Dunelm
Stripe Underbed Storage Bag
This Dunelm underbed storage bag is not only super practical, but it’s also pretty and fun thanks to the colourful striped pattern, available in three different colourways.
25. Invest in a toy chest
There’s a reason sturdy wooden toy chests have been around for centuries – they are super useful! And, if you can make yours multi-functional, even better. This wooden ottoman works as storage, a colour co-ordinating bench with a soft seat pad and triples as a nightstand in this twin children’s bedroom.
Make it practical by storing items that may not be used every day, such as fresh linens, warm blankets or out of season clothing.
Habitat
Kids Joni Toy Box
Who says that a toy box should be plain and boring?! We certainly don’t! It’s a great opportunity to add a pop of colour to your little one’s space, whether it’s this green or the purple colourway this Habitat toy box also comes in.
26. Pop a pull-out desk under a raised bed
When space is at a premium in a small kids’ bedroom, squeezing a desk in can be impractical. Instead, go for a cabin bed or mid-sleeper that comes with a pop-out desk and can be used as and when it’s needed only. They often come with additional side storage too.
Alternatively, a pull-down table fixed to a wall or floating shelf mounted at waist level is a space-saving option as vital desk space for teenage girls and boys alike.
27. Create more floor space with a high sleeper
Floor space is precious in a kids’ room, it’s the building zone for lego, trains, fairy kingdoms and hours of fun. So a high sleeper is a great option. Alex & Kris, founders and directors at Nöa & Nani point out that the space beneath can easily be changed into a functional desk area for learning when children are older.
‘We also suggest adding some high shelving so that books can be easily reached for bedtime stories,’ they advise.
In this room, the space under the bed has been turned into a lounging den for reading. As you start to need teenage girl or teenage boys bedroom ideas, this space can be adjusted to provide extra room to store for clothes or a desk.
28. Utilise wasted wall space for storage
If possible, it’s always wise to bespoke for wall storage in small kids bedroom ideas. This smart kid’s room features a wall of storage cubes to elevate everything off the floor and onto one wall – including everything from the TV to books and cuddly toys.
This solution is ideal for small spaces because you have the vertical advantage of using wall space you wouldn’t otherwise be using.
Whether a full wall or just a small section of a free wall allows plenty of storage potential, from floor to ceiling being utilised. Freeing up the floor space not only makes the rooms feel bigger, but also creates valuable space for little ones to play.
29. Be clever with built-in storage
In small kids’ room ideas built-in storage can be a lifesaver when it comes to making sure the room feels spacious for your child, but still fits all their belongings in. When fitting a built-in wardrobe along one wall, leave a small cut-out for a slim laptop desk, future-proofing the room ready for more grown-up teenage bedroom ideas.
A pegboard like the one in this room can be added above the desk to attach pencil pots, lamps and even a tiny house plant. This will help leave the desk clear so there is plenty of space for them to do their homework.
30. Paint floorboards a similar colour to the walls
From looking at this room you would never be able to guess the size of it. This is thanks to the light colour scheme which has been extended from the walls to the floorboards.
Carpets might feel a more natural choice in a kids room, but the bare floorboards make the space feel more spacious than it is, you also have the option to play around with rugs for added warmth and comfort.
31. Swap bookshelves for picture ledges
If you’re child is a keen reader, but their small room means there isn’t enough space for a proper book shelf, try installing some picture ledges instead. They might not be able to hold up the entire collection of Harry Potter books, but anything less than 300 pages should be fine.
It is also a great way to create a feature wall in a small space that is functional and stylish.
32. Keep the colour scheme balanced
Small kids bedroom ideas can become easily overwhelmed by clutter and busy colour, leaving them feeling cramped. For this reason, it pays to keep a compact space white, but this doesn’t mean colour and pattern can’t be used to add fun and character.
Bedding and bedroom curtain ideas are the perfect vehicles for colourful scenes and patterns, and will bring the bed and blinds or curtains into sharp relief in a neutral room.
Add scatter cushions and rugs to increase the impact. Alternatively, knock colour back to a few key accessories, such as table lamps or wall art for a more controlled scheme. Bear in mind that objects and toys targeted at children are often brightly coloured or patterned, so that once the room is a little more lived-in it may appear more balanced than when first painted.
33. Limit wallpaper to one wall
With so many adorable options out there for children’s bedroom wallpaper, it’s easy to fall in love with some bright, bold pattern. Don’t despair: although simpler is generally better with small kids’ bedroom ideas, it can be done. If you keep the print to one wall and ground it with furniture in front, you can achieve both cute and charming.
Keep the rest of the room relatively simple in contrast, but with some smaller spots of vibrancy to keep the scheme balanced, ideally picking out and continuing a colour.
34. Embrace architectural details
Awkwardly shaped small kids’ rooms can be tricky to decorate. But instead of fighting against the architectural details the room comes with, it’s best to just embrace them.
Make use of alcoves by building in storage like shelves and drawers, think about going bespoke if you are struggling to find something that fits. Or highlight a sloping ceiling with your choice of paint ideas like Jess and Oliver, owners of an East Sussex family home, chose to do in their daughter’s bedroom.
‘We wanted our daughter’s loft room to feel soft and charming without being overly pink. To highlight the sloping ceiling, we used a warm peachy shade and added a scalloped detail above the skylight to create a sweet pelmet effect,’ Jess says.
FAQs
How can I make the most of a small children’s bedroom on a budget?
Whether large or small the most affordable way to decorate a space is with paint. Rachel Homer, interiors writer and mum of two suggests. ‘For small children’s room ideas, go for a two-toned paint effect that is not only on-trend but will create an illusion of space.
‘Keep the top half a light and bright shade to bounce light around the room. Then choose a darker shade for the bottom which will also be practical for hiding wear and tear. When it comes to storage, plastic boxes and tubs are more affordable than wooden versions and available in all types of beautiful and bright colours to match your scheme.’
When it comes to buying items and furniture for the space, wait for seasonal sales where possible and utilise home decor discounts the rest of the year.
How do you arrange a small bedroom for a child?
When it comes to small kids bedroom ideas for design and layout – less is usually more. Keep the decor simple and add colour through accessories and toys. Make sure shelves and furniture are mounted at a child-friendly level and where you can choose ‘mini-version’ furniture to increase the sense of space.
Carl Walsh from Bed Guru says to measure your space so you know exactly what you’re working with, and can plan your bedroom so it makes use of every spare inch. Hunt down a piece that matches your measurements as closely as possible.
Place furniture around a floor-play space if possible or keep the area under a raised bed clear for this purpose. Lastly, go for a simple window treatment that allows lots of daylight into the room. A simple blackout blind is a practical option.
How to design a small room for two kids?
Fitting two young kids into a small room is a common decorating dilemma for many growing families. Being smart with furniture and storage solutions is key to shared bedroom ideas because both are necessary but both take up valuable space.
Choosing bunk beds is one of the best options, with two stacked beds instead of one over the same floor space. Use valuable wall space to hang racks, peg rails and clothes hooks to elevate belongings off the floor.
We hope you find something you love in our list of must-try small kids’ bedroom ideas, and remember: the world can appear immense when you’re little, so they’ll likely love retreating somewhere small and cosy.
So, yes, it may be trickier to decorate, but a small kids’ bedroom will make your favourite mini human feel safe and cosseted. And isn’t that the entire point of a bedroom, anyway?
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