Style Guide: Kids' Rooms and Nurseries

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Be sure to leave plenty of open floorspace for playtime.

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.

School-age children need a desk for homework. Make this area inviting with fun colors and accessories.

Create a cozy, kid-sized space in a larger room with a curtained bed.

Add whimsy to vintage furniture with a coat of paint in a kid-friendly color.

Make a room masculine with rugged pieces. This cool, boy-friendly desk is made out of a budget-friendly industrial shelving unit.

Draw a curtain across built-in cubby bunks for privacy in a room shared by siblings.

Cleanup is hardly a chore when all you have to do is separate toys into labeled bins.

Make it okay to write on the walls with a large framed chalkboard. Step it up a notch by covering a whole wall with chalkboard paint instead.

Use a rolling library ladder to access the upper bunk of built-in bunk beds.