| A child’s bedroom is so much more than just a place to sleep. The bedroom is where a child can play, read, dress-up and explore different characters, hang out with friends and simply get away from it all.
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| As children grow, they want a room that reflects who they are. Problem is: children grow up fast and who they can change frequently. The hard part, then, is coming up with a décor that won’t break the bank. |
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| Here are some tips for updating your child’s room that keep your financial health in mind: |
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| Think ahead |
| Sure that cute train bed looks lovely now, but how long will your little guy want to be in it before he thinks it’s “for babies”? Far quicker than you may think. Instead of buying novelty pieces, opt for classic furnishings that will grow with the child. Try to think ten years ahead and imagine what your child will need then. If your four-year-old girl is just crazy for princesses indulge that passion with easy on and off stick-ons or an adhesive border. |
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| Plan the space with your child in mind |
| If you have a very active toddler, chances are they will continue to be active. Same goes for those who simply love to sit and draw for hours on end. Add climbing bars to the wall for the climber, an easel and supplies for the budding artist, a large wall mirror for the young ballerina and so on. |
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| Get creative with the details |
| If you don’t want to be completely redecorating the room every year or two, aim for a neutral décor and go crazy with the smaller details that are easy to change. Scan a picture of your child’s favorite movie character, enlarge it and put it in a funky frame. Buy throw cushions and other accessories in vibrant colors. Choose bedding and throws with interesting patterns and textures. Think of ways to make the room more dynamic. A canopy over the bed, for instance, turns it into a fascinating play space. |
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| Keep the space social |
| As your child grows friends will become a larger part of their world. Plan the room with this in mind. Add a loveseat or foam chair that turns into a bed for sleepovers. Buy large throw cushions or beanbag chairs for when friends come over to hang out. |
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| Make a gallery area |
| Whether or not your child loves to draw a gallery area makes a lot of sense. It’s a great space to display a young artist’s talent, and works great for pictures of friends and a teens favorite posters of celebrities too. Choose an area for the gallery and outfit it with either magnetic board or corkboard. |
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| Let there be light |
| Too often all children have to work with is a bright overhead light and a bedside lamp. That’s not adequate for the number of functions this room needs to perform. Think about track lighting instead of the traditional center fixture, as the light can be directed to key areas. For the older child look for a standing lamp that will add a contemporary, fun feel to the room. Make sure the study area has good lighting too. |
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| Choose a flooring material that will be easy to care for. Spills and stains are almost inevitable in a child’s’ room. Look for fun rugs in bright colors to define a couple of spaces, such as a reading corner or a study area |
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| Storage solutions |
| A loft bed frees up a lot of space underneath for either a play or study area. For storage, cubbies or shelves with large baskets are a great way to store any number of items, and unlike lots of other children’s storage bins they will “grow” with the child. In the closet use low shelves, racks and hooks so that smaller kids can reach. If you purchase a closet system with adjustable shelving you will be able to reconfigure the unit as your child’s needs change. Use under bed rolling storage bins for out of season clothing. |
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| Two in a room |
| If your children have to share a space you are probably already well aware of the frustration this can cause for both. Try to use decorative elements to define each child’s own area. It is possible to use different paint colors and bedding and still maintain a co-coordinated look for the overall space. A loft bed will work wonders in freeing up space. Look for storage items that can do double duty — a toy box that doubles as a worktable, or seat, for example. Use a cubby system for each child to keep their things organized — and to make clean up easier for everyone! |
