We recently designed a bedroom for a little girl aged 6 working closely with her and her parents and below are our learnings.
Designing a room for children aged five to ten is a unique opportunity to create a space that not only supports their practical needs but also encourages growth, creativity, and comfort. This age range is particularly dynamic. Children are transitioning from the early years of constant supervision into a stage where independence, personal preferences, and social activities begin to play a bigger role in their daily lives. The room must therefore accommodate a balance of play, rest, study, and personal expression, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing interests and developmental needs.
Designing a room that grows with the child
A common misconception about children is that they don’t know what they want and can’t be involved in the design process. Instead of assuming what’s best, we chose to collaborate with the child, learning how to create a space that supports her growth and makes her feel truly happy in the long run.
One key hurdle is finding furniture and decor that are both durable enough to handle years of use and stylish enough to suit changing tastes. Kids’ needs and interests can be unpredictable, making it hard to plan a space that will work well from toddlerhood through their teenage years. On top of that, creating a flexible layout that remains functional without feeling cramped takes careful thought. Finally, investing in versatile, high-quality pieces can put pressure on your budget, requiring thoughtful compromises. Despite these challenges, a well-designed, adaptable room can save time and money in the long run while keeping your child comfortable and inspired.
Planning the Layout for Functionality and Flexibility
The starting point for designing a child’s room is to think about the layout. A good layout ensures that the space is functional, safe, and adaptable. For a five-year-old, the primary uses of the room may still be play and rest, while for a ten-year-old, study areas and personal hobbies take on greater importance. The design should incorporate distinct zones for different activities: a sleeping area, a play or activity area, and a quiet space for reading or homework. In smaller rooms, these zones can overlap, with multi-functional furniture helping to save space.
Choosing the Right Colors to Inspire and Calm
Color plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of a child’s bedroom. Bright and cheerful colors can stimulate energy and creativity, but they need to be balanced so the room also feels restful. Pastel shades, soft blues, greens, and yellows create a calming environment, which is essential for good sleep. Meanwhile, accent walls or accessories in vibrant hues like reds, oranges, or purples can add playful energy without overwhelming the space. It’s also important to consider the child’s preferences — involving them in selecting colors or themes can help the room feel truly theirs. Murals, decals, or themed wallpaper featuring animals, space, or favorite cartoon characters can add personality and inspire imagination. The key is to design a color palette that is lively yet soothing and flexible enough to change as the child’s tastes evolve.
Selecting Safe and Functional Furniture
Furniture selection in a child’s bedroom must prioritize safety, durability, and functionality. Since children between 5 and 10 are more active and curious, pieces with rounded edges and non-toxic finishes are preferable. A sturdy bed that fits their size comfortably, possibly with built-in storage drawers underneath, maximizes floor space. A desk and chair are essential additions as children begin school and require a dedicated area for homework and creative projects. Adjustable furniture that can grow with the child is ideal; for example, desks with adjustable heights or beds that convert from a toddler size to a twin. Open shelving and cubbies allow easy access to books and toys, encouraging children to tidy up independently. It’s also smart to include a cozy reading nook or soft seating area where kids can relax, fostering a love for books and quiet time.
Maximizing Storage to Keep the Room Organized
Storage is a critical element in a child’s bedroom design, as clutter can quickly accumulate with toys, clothes, and school supplies. Efficient storage solutions not only keep the room tidy but also teach children valuable organizational skills. Incorporating multi-functional furniture, such as beds with drawers or benches with storage compartments, helps maximize space. Clear bins, labeled baskets, and color-coded containers make it easy for children to know where their belongings belong. Wall-mounted hooks and pegboards can display backpacks, hats, and frequently used items without taking up floor space. Additionally, rotating toys seasonally or storing less-used items out of sight can prevent overcrowding. By creating a structured storage system, children learn responsibility and develop routines that benefit them beyond their bedroom.
Creating a Comfortable and Personalized Space
Lastly, a well-designed bedroom for this age group should foster independence, creativity, and comfort. Personal touches like framed artwork, a favorite stuffed animal collection, or DIY craft displays make the room a welcoming reflection of the child’s personality. Including elements that encourage creativity — such as a chalkboard wall, art supplies station, or music corner — helps children express themselves and develop new skills. Comfort is paramount, so investing in quality bedding, blackout curtains for better sleep, and proper lighting that offers both brightness for play and softer tones for bedtime is necessary. Safety features such as outlet covers, secured furniture to walls, and non-slip rugs ensure peace of mind for parents. Ultimately, the goal is to design a space that adapts to a child’s growth and changing interests, providing a nurturing environment where they can thrive, dream, and rest peacefully.
