10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Your Child’s Bedroom

Whether you’re expecting a baby, moving, or just want to redecorate, children’s rooms are usually spaces that parents get very excited about. But there are several factors that you should take into account so that this area is not only beautiful but also ideal for the kids and practical for you.

With this in mind, Bright Side put together 10 of the most common mistakes parents make when planning and decorating a child’s room.

1. Considering a convertible crib to be the best option

For many parents, the first and best thing to get their hands on is a convertible crib. That’s because it can be used as a crib at first, then it can transform into a small toddler bed, leading parents to believe they’ll be able to save some money. However, you should take into account that most of the time, this option is actually more expensive and takes up more space. In addition, the little ones will end up needing a new bed quickly since they grow so fast, so you will have to invest twice anyway.

A good alternative solution for this problem is switching from a crib to a regular bed with removable rails instead. You can also resort to floor-height beds, which will give your children more freedom, especially when they start to move around on their own. Of course, you have to take the necessary precautions to keep them from falling.

2. Filling the space with furniture and things

Kids often have a lot of belongings, including their bed, dresser, closet, toy box, and, in some cases, a desk, chairs, and tables. But we often forget that they actually only have a small room, and in most cases, we won’t leave enough space for children to play freely and have their own place in their room.

3. Not making safety a priority

In a child’s room, you should put some thought into even the smallest details to make sure it’s as safe of a place as possible. Remember that children always find a way to “misuse” things, which can be dangerous sometimes.

Loose cords and curtains, for example, can be a hazard if anyone, including you, gets tangled in them or if your children pull them. Unsecured furniture and carpets without non-slip grip can cause falls and create bumps. Also, window and door locks should also be childproof so that children don’t get hurt or locked in by accident.

4. Having a single source of light

Lighting is key when setting any space at home, and a child’s room is no exception to the rule. Consider that, just like in the living room, for example, lights can be part of the decoration. You should also take into account that, many times, a dim night light or any small lamp that can fulfill the same function will be needed, especially if your kids are scared of the dark. They will also need good lighting directed to essential spaces, such as their play or study area.

5. Choosing a carpet just because it’s pretty

Nowadays, there’s an infinity of types, colors, shapes, and materials of carpets that make them a versatile and ideal element for any room. But you should always take into account the size of the bedroom to choose the perfect rug for the space. Think also that, in many cases, a rug or a carpet can have a function besides just being pleasing to the eye. Additionally, find something that’s easy to clean or wash.

6. Leaving walls unprotected

When decorating a room, we must not forget that the walls should not only look good but also be sufficiently resistant to whatever a child might think is a good idea to decorate their room. Vinyl paint, washable wallpaper, or a wainscot are ideal options so that any experimentation held by little ones can be easily cleaned up. Otherwise, you might have to invest even more in fixing the room.

7. Filling the room with colors or with a specific theme

Just as children grow, at what sometimes seems to be the speed of light, and outgrow their clothes, their taste changes just as quickly. That’s why when choosing a color or wallpaper for a room, it might not be the best idea to get carried away. The same holds true if you were thinking of decorating the whole room with a specific theme or a very strong color.

The key is to keep the walls in neutral tones and give color accents with elements such as cushions, bedding, or pictures that can be easily replaced according to the child’s development and taste.

8. Not planning storage space in a strategic way

In addition to their clothes, children have many other things to store and deal with, such as books and toys. That’s why it’s important for them to have closets, a chest of drawers, baskets, or shelves so that everything has its own place. This way, the child, from an early age, can develop a sense of order.

We must not forget that infants have to get new clothes very quickly because they keep growing, and if at first, it seemed that they had plenty of space in the closet, this will soon change. Because of this, their closet must be able to adapt to these changes as well.

9. Keeping things out of their reach

For a child to really enjoy their room, it’s important for it to be designed to be comfortable, not just for you, but especially for them. The child has to be able to move around the room easily. According to the Montessori methodology, which encourages children’s creativity and independence, it is ideal that their toys and books are always within their reach, that is, until the age of 6 or so, close to floor level so that they can easily reach them.

10. Not leaving room for children’s creativity and personal taste

As parents, we are always excited to decorate and furnish the room for our children, but we must not forget that this space will be theirs and for them only. Therefore, their needs and tastes should be a priority instead of ours.

Leaving space for play and magic can be easily done by adding some fun objects like a teepee or hanging stars, or having a chalkboard for children to develop their imagination and creativity, so they always feel at ease in their room. In the end, they might spend a lot of time there, so it needs to be a place where they can unleash their creativity.

Do you have any other tips you’ve followed when decorating your children’s rooms? Are there any must-have items for your children in their rooms?

Bright Side has its own podcasts now. Take cool articles with you and listen to new stories whenever and wherever you want.