Creative Ideas for Kids' Rooms and Nurseries

Built-In Bunks

Bunk beds aren’t the only option for sleeping multiple kids on one room. Built-in beds in a row can take advantage of an otherwise awkward space in the eaves. Encourage your children to personalize their bed nooks.

Bold Patterns

Bold patterns are great for baby’s developing eyes. Choosing black and white for the main feature allows freedom to incorporate lots of color in bedding and decorative details.

Wall Murals

Murals offer big impact and endless possibilities. Limit color and pattern on other areas to keep the focus on the mural.

Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett

Molding Pattern

Instead of taping off stripes, hang inexpensive furring strips around the room. Paint before hanging to be sure that you get a clean edge. You may even want to make your own variation with some stripes in cork so your budding artist has a place to hang his or her handiwork.

Laurey W. Glenn, Robbie Caponetto / Styling: Matthew Gleason

Painted Pattern

All you need is painter’s tape, a level, and some patience for a clean geometric pattern. Wait for each color to dry before starting the next.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Trundle Bed

No need to break out a sleeping bag. You will always be prepared for sleepover guests with a trundle bed.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Clever Canopy

Accent a comfy reading chair with a hanging canopy that creates a cozy hideaway.

Photography Van Chaplin / Styling Cari South / Assistant Stylist: Katherine Eckert

Classic Color

For a room that will easily transition through the years, paint the walls a more muted, classic color and accent with bright accessories that can be changed out as tastes mature.

Historically Inspired

You can create a historically inspired room without committing to an over-the-top theme by using shapes and fixtures that are commonly associated with a particular time period.

Photo Robbie Caponetto / Styling Scott Martin

Sleep-In Nursery

If you have room in your nursery, include a twin-size bed. It’s perfect for a parent, and someday your little one can transition into it.

Photo: William Waldron

Whimsical Details

Make a space unique with accents like a ribbon chandelier or whimsical canopy.

Photo: William Waldron

Small-Scale Furniture

Small-scale elements like child-sized chairs make a playful statement.

Masculine Neutrals

For a room that will grow with your son, forgo baby-blues in favor of simple neutrals accented with classic patterns and pops of more masculine colors.

Photos by Jean Allsopp

Built-In Everything

If you have a tight space, built-ins can help you take advantage of every inch for sleeping, seating and storage.

Include a Play Area

Be sure to leave plenty of open floorspace for playtime.

Creative Corner

Encourage your child’s creativity with a corner just for art projects. If you have carpet, consider putting a throw rug or other protective surface over this area.