Bringing Your Pinterest-Inspired Kids' Bedroom to Life

Your dream Pinterest board for your kid’s bedroom might not be entirely achievable, but you can still create a fun, inspired, and functional space that grows with your child’s independence and personality.

Zero to Three: The Nesting Phase

Embrace a Theme: Designing the perfect nursery is a special part of the nesting ritual. Choose any theme that feels sweet or meaningful to you. It’s a unique moment, so don’t hesitate to make it special.

Skip the Fancy Crib: Invest in a safe and simple crib rather than an expensive one. Babies won’t sleep better in a $1,000 crib compared to a $100 one. Similarly, avoid spending on bassinets or mini cribs, as even newborns often sleep better in a full-size crib. Keep your child in the crib as long as possible, ideally until at least age three.

Install Blackout Blinds: For quality sleep, total darkness is crucial. Consider adding pretty curtains over blackout blinds. The darkness helps children sleep better, especially in the early morning.

Be Cautious with Hanging Objects: Avoid hanging anything over the crib or placing furniture within reach. Instead, use cute stencils or decals on the walls for decoration.

Start a Growth Chart: Mark your child’s growth milestones on a door frame with a sharpie. It’s simple, nostalgic, and avoids the need for fancy charts.

Three to Six: Embracing Independence

Create a “Prepared Environment”: Inspired by Montessori principles, arrange the bedroom to foster independence. Ensure everything is safely within reach so your child can dress themselves and put things away. Adjustable shelving, like the IKEA Pax system, can grow with your child, providing storage for clothes and essentials.

Move the Toys In: Transition toys to the bedroom to free up living space. Use baskets, shelves, and storage units to keep everything organized.

Transition to a Big-Kid Bed: When moving from a crib to a bed, let your child help choose new sheets to make the change exciting. Keep the crib up for a few days to ensure they’re ready. Consider bed rails for safety or start with the crib mattress on the floor for a gradual transition.

Introduce a Night Light: As nighttime fears emerge, a night light can help your child feel more secure when falling asleep.

Six to Nine: Streamlining the Space

Consider a Bed Upgrade: If space allows, a twin or double bed might be better than a bunk bed. Research and talk to other parents before deciding on bunk beds.

Opt for White Bedding: While kids may want character-themed bedding, classic white cotton bedding is durable and better for stain removal. Quality bedding can last through their teenage years.

Encourage Creativity (Within Limits): Allow kids to decorate their space creatively. Use washi tape or sticky tack instead of thumbtacks to avoid damaging walls.

Utilize Wall Hooks: Hooks or peg rails are perfect for hanging outfits, bathrobes, and towels, making it easier for kids to keep things tidy.

Stick with Blackout Blinds: Total darkness remains essential for quality sleep, as light can still disturb sleep patterns.

Nine to 12+: Big Personality

Facilitate a Makeover: This is the time to redesign the space to reflect your child’s growing personality. Work together on the design, but advise on making choices that will last. Be a design coach, not a director.

Encourage Ownership: Allow your child to take ownership of their space, even if it gets messy. This sense of responsibility helps with organization.

Prioritize Quick Clean-Ups: Focus on the ability to clean up quickly rather than maintaining a constant state of tidiness.

Keep Screens Out of the Bedroom: To prevent screen time from interfering with sleep, establish a rule that phones and other devices stay out of the bedroom. Lead by example with a family charging station in a common area.

By following these guidelines, you can create a bedroom that evolves with your child, balancing practicality with personal expression.