Given their petite size, you'd think that kids don’t need to occupy a whole lot of space. And yet, the opposite is true as little ones come with a lot of toys, clothes and all the other paraphernalia that you need to make room for in your home and their room – even if their bedroom is not particularly abundant when it comes to the space available. Which is when clever and creative small children’s bedroom ideas need to be employed.
Our children’s room ideas for bedrooms that lack space will work hard to maximise every inch of the room in question, making it functional but no less whimsical and inspiring for your child than it should rightly be.
A lot of these tips will come down to the right children’s bedroom furniture ideas as nothing bulky that takes a lot of space but doesn’t provide multifunctional use should be included. ‘Making the most of space in a small children's bedroom comes down to two main factors – gaining any extra storage you can and having multifunctional furniture,’ confirms Ashley Hainsworth of kids' bedroom specialists, Cuckooland.
Small kids' bedroom ideas
‘The most important things a kids’ room should do is to support curiosity and independence, be inspiring and be a safe space at all times,’ says Lynn Tjoeng, product manager in home innovation at Stokke. And that applies no matter how big or small their space is.
And this is how to achieve just that in a small kids’ bedroom.
1. Declutter regularly and rotate toys
When it comes to any type of small space, clutter is your number one enemy because it takes up unnecessary space that can be dedicated to more useful things, and makes the room look messy and even smaller than it already is. So learning how to declutter your children’s toys, clothes and other things is invaluable.
‘Something I do a lot with three small children is decluttering,’ says Heidi Skudder, a parent coach and an expert speaker at The Baby Show. ‘Regularly sorting through toys and clothes ensures that only what is needed at the time remains, freeing up more space.’
She continues on the importance of toy rotation – having only a select number of toys out at any given time for your little one to reach for and regularly rotating them. ‘We also know that spaces with too many toys can make the room feel cramped and overwhelmed which can have a direct impact on a little one’s ability to focus and engage in creative play. In fact, Montessori theory suggests that children should have minimal toys around and that toys should be switched regularly to minimise clutter and avoid creating too much choice.’
2. Go for light-coloured but practical flooring
It’s no secret that light colours make things and spaces look bigger, while darker shades can do the opposite. And the same applies to flooring. So to visually open up your kids’ room, opt for light-coloured flooring. But have easy upkeep in mind when selecting the material and finish – wooden flooring works, as do certain types of carpet.
‘An engineered wood floor provides a light and airy feel to a room, while the natural grain seen in the wood brings texture and warmth,’ says Natalie Mudd, co-founder and creative director at Knot & Grain. ‘To recreate this in a children’s room especially if it’s on the small side, opt for light wooden tones, we’d recommend wide planks in a light tone such as oak. It’s best to avoid herringbone here to keep with the clean lines and to create a feeling of space.’
But don’t be afraid of a subtle, timeless pattern either, as Kirsty Barton, storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring, suggests. ‘A lighter-coloured carpet can keep the room bright and playful, making a smaller space feel larger, whilst darker shades can create a cosy atmosphere. For the best of both worlds, incorporate a subtle pattern that introduces colour practically and timelessly, creating a space that is both functional and delightful for little ones. When selecting colours and patterns, choose designs that won't clash with their ever-changing tastes and will stand the test of time,’ she says.
3. Add hooks on the wall
Walls provide a large surface that can be utilised for anything from storage to decor – so utilise them to their full potential. One of the easiest ways is to attach a series of hooks on the wall to lift things off the floor as much as possible.
‘Look upwards to find extra space. Install hooks and hanging organisers to take advantage of vertical space. Anything you can do to keep the floor clear will make a room feel bigger. Add a few hooks to keep items such as bags and dressings gowns off the floor and you have gone a fair way towards maximising the space available,’ Ashley at Cuckooland says.
4. Think vertically
If you're working with less floorspace, it's always a good idea to incorporate some bedroom wall decor ideas into your small kids room. Especially if you tie it together with a theme.
'Themed bedrooms are a fun way to create a space that reflects your child's interests and personality,' says Sally Jackson, founder of Soren’s House.
'There are options available to suit every decor style, from wildlife to dinosaurs and outer space. To create a room that will last, avoid going overboard on one theme. Instead, decorate the room in a neutral tone and use accessories, wall hangings, and bedding to add the theme.'
Sally adds that these items (like the paper insects above) can be easily swapped out as your child's interests change and can be handed down, recycled, or donated when your little one is ready for a bedroom makeover'.
5. Paint a mural
Bedroom accent wall ideas are worth their weight in gold when it comes to adding some oomph to your small kids bedroom ideas.
'Go wild and create a place for them to explore their adventurous side,' advises Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux . 'A nature-themed room can be perfect for kids and is not too difficult to create using three shades of green on a background of pale blue.'
She suggests you try use a light teal like Atmosphere as main wall colour, and create a layered jungle horizon line with three steadily deeper tones – Willow Tree from B&Q, Putting Green, and Enchanted Eden from Dulux.
'Using a bit of torn paper to separate the colours will create a tropical rainforest background,' she adds, noting that you can check out the how-to video on Dulux's YouTube.
Being one of the most trendy green shades of this summer, you can't go wrong with a pistachio green shade like this one from Dulux, whether you paint the whole of your child's room with it or use it in a mural. It's fresh yet calming and just delicious.
6. Try a cabin bed
One of our favourite bedroom design tips from storage expert Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps, is to invest in a cabin bed and weave it into your kids small bedroom ideas.
'Cabin beds are classic pieces that never fail to delight children of most ages,' she says.
'With bases made up of deep drawers and cupboards, overhead shelves are also ideal for keeping the floor tidy and reserved only for playing.'
7. Take the high road
Of course, if you're trying to suss out how to divide a shared kids room (and maximise space), then bunk beds are probably the answer.
'Whether you’re short on space, or your children prefer sleeping in the same room, creating a bedroom for two or more children doesn’t need to be challenging,' says Sally of Soren's House reassuringly.
'The key is to opt for durable, high-quality furniture that can withstand the energy of active bedtimes, coupled with a theme that appeals to the children.'
She adds that bunk beds are a great space-saver for siblings, particularly if you invest in a brand such as Oliver Furniture, which designs furniture to accommodate your growing family.
'Accessories like matching bed guards and under-bed storage will ensure your furniture lasts for years to come,' she says, 'and adding bedding and wall decor to suit each child's individual interests is a simple and effective way to make sure everyone is happy.'
8. Bag some baskets for storage
You need a bevy of toy storage ideas if you are working with a small kids bedroom, trust us!
'Rooms that are organised evoke feelings of calm that have benefits, not only for adults, but children, too,' says Rachal at Sharps.
'The "less is more" mantra can be applied just as easily to kids bedrooms, despite the regular mass of toys, books, games and treasures that collect over the years.'
Sally agrees, adding that 'colourful baskets, like these ones from Bellybambino, that are in keeping with the space or solutions that double up as toys, such as wagons, will help to keep the bedroom feeling warm and welcoming'.
Our favourite thing about kids' storage baskets is the playfulness of their designs, whether it's shaped like a castle or in this case a toadstool. It's perfect for a woodland-themed room!
Whether you have a Leo in the house (by name or Zodiac sign) or simply want to brighten up your little one's room, this lion-esque rope basket and its bright and warming yellow shade are the perfect choice. And it's only £12!
If your little one happens to love dinosaurs (as many do) then we can't think of a better addition to their room to hold their toys than this dino-shaped wicker basket. That open mouth with those teeth is a touch of genius if you ask us.
9. Conceal clutter with a curtain
'Not only are bedrooms a space for sleep and relaxation, but they are also a place for kids to play and be creative, so they often have lots of toys and games,' comments Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design.
'Storage plays a key role, so ensure that functional storage is smartly incorporated into small kids bedroom ideas, without it feeling overcrowded.'
One way to make your small kids room ideas transition more easily from playtime to bedtime is by having a curtain that can be drawn over shelves of toys and books.
This means kids can proudly display their favourite toys and have them within reach for playing, but when it's time to settle down for bed, the room won't feel cluttered or overstimulating. While they might be very busy during the day, kids need a calm environment to get a good night's sleep just like we do.
10. Throw down a colourful rug
A big rug is a no-brainer for small kids room ideas. It'll anchor the space, add soft texture for tiny toes and, if you go for something patterned, it'll be forgiving of felt-tip pen marks and any other stains (although watch out for the LEGO/race cars underfoot).
Rugs can instantly make any room feel more welcoming and give a bit of cushioning on knees and elbows for kids playing on the floor. They also have the added bonus of softening the acoustics so not every single thud of an indoor football can be heard downstairs.
11. Build a space-savvy window seat
Incorporate a compact window seat to create a cosy area for reading and chilling out that won't encroach too much on the rest of the small kids bedroom ideas. Add storage boxes beneath so your little one has lots of space to put their toys and games, and layer up with lots of cushions.
Ann Marie says you can have fun with storage boxes and bins by using different colours for different items in boys and girls' bedroom ideas. 'This will also help encourage your children to store their items correctly, as I find they react really well to colour,' she says.
12. Create a magnetic feature wall
Why not make a fun magnetic wall for your small kids' room ideas? This might help you carve out a mini 'play zone' with other toys and some comfy seating. You could make yours with magnetic paint or install a magnetic memo board available at places like IKEA.
A magnetic wall provides a lovely place to show off paintings, or for playing with solar system magnets, animal magnets, or spelling out their name with classic letters of the alphabet.
'Kids are forever growing, and their bedrooms need to evolve with them from nursery ideas to pre-teen spaces – creating different zones helps with this and zones the room for learning, playing and relaxing,' comments Rona Olds, director of product at Habitat.
As they get older, the magnet wall can become a place for pinning useful reminders and revision cards.
13. Distract with an accent colour
Upcycle furniture you already own with a bright paint shade of your child's choice for clever small kids bedroom ideas. Going for something bold on bedframes, wardrobes and chests of drawers will create a big impact and draw attention away from the room's petite proportions.
Here, yellow and grey complement each other in a stylish and functional kids' room. The curved wooden shapes of the bunk bed design score extra design points.
'In a small space, keep the colour palette light and neutral to create the illusion of more space, then add pops of colour through accessories like cushions and wall art,' advises Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist. 'Wall decals, fairy lights, or colourful rugs can bring personality without overcrowding the room, while keeping the overall design functional and uncluttered.'
14. Make a reading corner with floor cushions
Lay down floor cushions near your child's bookshelves, hang artwork related to their favourite stories and put up fairy lights to make a cosy atmosphere in girls and boys bedroom ideas for reading stories together.
Stack floor cushions up and store them on top of wardrobes when not in use to give you more space for playing games.
15. Keep tiny furniture as long as possible
Don’t upgrade your child's toddler bed until you really have to. Most cots convert into toddler beds and you’ll be amazed at the difference in size they are compared to a standard single.
Lynn at Stokke uses the brand's Sleepi crib as an example, 'Sleepi, our iconic crib, is built with that mindset – the crib that grows with the child. It can be used from newborn up to 5 years old. The fact that the side (mid section) can be fully opened allows the little ones to step into their bed by themselves and be independent from their caretakers.'
Depending on individual size and growth, your child shouldn’t need a full-size bed until they are around primary school age. The same goes for bedroom wardrobes and chests of drawers; tiny clothes take up less room, so stick to small proportioned furniture for as long as possible to leave more floor space for play.
16. Make sure everything is easily accessible
Working with small kids bedroom ideas doesn’t mean a child will accumulate fewer belongings. In fact, younger children’s toys are notoriously larger than big kid versions, so it’s time to get savvy with storage. Encourage tidiness in a small space by ensuring storage is easily accessible and within reach for little ones.
Create a library for oversized books displayed front ways. Remove fitted wardrobe doors for an airy look and replace them with shelves for baskets and bins. Labelled wire storage will keep clothes off the floor.
17. Store toys under the bed
'Under-bed is the unsung hero of storage spaces. It’s simply one of the smartest and easiest ways to add masses of storage without it cluttering your room. Although many beds are now designed with built-in drawers, there are ways to create something similar if you’re looking to utilise the "dead" space,' says Rachal at Sharps.
'Baskets and boxes are an obvious choice but make sure you measure the width and height of the space first. When selecting containers go for products with wheels to guarantee an easy glide and opt for longer models that can be used from each end of the bed.'
Under-bed storage is a godsend in children’s bedrooms as toys can be organised and out of sight and the low level means little ones can access what that need (and hopefully tidy away too).
For a streamlined look in small children's room ideas, choose a bed that comes with a matching under-bed trundle on wheels. Or for a budget version, make it colourful and fun with a series of bright plastic boxes. Your little one will enjoy making labels for boxes, too.
18. Invest in a toy chest
There’s a reason sturdy wooden toy chests have been around for centuries – they are super useful! And, if you can make yours multi-functional, even better. This wooden ottoman works as storage, a colour co-ordinating bench with a soft seat pad and triples as a nightstand in this twin children’s bedroom.
Make it practical by storing items that may not be used every day, such as fresh linens, warm blankets or out of season clothing.
19. Pop a pull-out desk under a raised bed
When space is at a premium in a small kids' bedroom, squeezing a desk in can be impractical. Instead, go for a cabin bed or mid-sleeper that comes with a pop-out desk and can be used as and when it’s needed only. They often come with additional side storage too.
Alternatively, a pull-down table fixed to a wall or floating shelf mounted at waist level is a space-saving option as vital desk space for teenage girls and boys alike.
20. Create more floor space with a high sleeper
Floor space is precious in a kids' room, it's the building zone for lego, trains, fairy kingdoms and hours of fun. So a high sleeper is a great option. Alex & Kris, founders and directors at Nöa & Nani point out that the space beneath can easily be changed into a functional desk area for learning when children are older.
'We also suggest adding some high shelving so that books can be easily reached for bedtime stories,' they advise.
In this room, the space under the bed has been turned into a lounging den for reading. As you start to need teenage girl or teenage boys bedroom ideas, this space can be adjusted to provide extra room to store for clothes or a desk.
21. Utilise wasted wall space for storage
If possible, it's always wise to bespoke for wall storage in small kids bedroom ideas. This smart kid's room features a wall of storage cubes to elevate everything off the floor and onto one wall – including everything from the TV to books and cuddly toys.
This solution is ideal for small spaces because you have the vertical advantage of using wall space you wouldn't otherwise be using.
Whether a full wall or just a small section of a free wall allows plenty of storage potential, from floor to ceiling being utilised. Freeing up the floor space not only makes the rooms feel bigger, but also creates valuable space for little ones to play.
22. Be clever with built-in storage
In small kids' room ideas built-in storage can be a lifesaver when it comes to making sure the room feels spacious for your child, but still fits all their belongings in. When fitting a built-in wardrobe along one wall, leave a small cut-out for a slim laptop desk, future-proofing the room ready for more grown-up teenage bedroom ideas.
A pegboard like the one in this room can be added above the desk to attach pencil pots, lamps and even a tiny house plant. This will help leave the desk clear so there is plenty of space for them to do their homework.
23. Put a peg rail above the bed
The space over the bed is often only used for wall decor ideas, art and stickers, but double this up as extra storage by placing a peg rail over it. Your child will be able to grab their dressing gown as soon as they step out of bed, and they'll never be able to complain about losing their PE bag again.
From a safety point of view ensure you only hang items that won't fall off and cause any harm to a sleeping child beneath.
24. Paint floorboards a similar colour to the walls
From looking at this room you would never be able to guess the size of it. This is thanks to the light colour scheme which has been extended from the walls to the floorboards.
Carpets might feel a more natural choice in a kids room, but the bare floorboards make the space feel more spacious than it is, you also have the option to play around with rugs for added warmth and comfort.
25. Swap bookshelves for picture ledges
If you're child is a keen reader, but their small room means there isn't enough space for a proper book shelf, try installing some picture ledges instead. They might not be able to hold up the entire collection of Harry Potter books, but anything less than 300 pages should be fine.
It is also a great way to create a feature wall in a small space that is functional and stylish.
26. Keep the colour scheme balanced
Small kids bedroom ideas can become easily overwhelmed by clutter and busy colour, leaving them feeling cramped. For this reason, it pays to keep a compact space white, but this doesn't mean colour and pattern can't be used to add fun and character.
Bedding and bedroom curtain ideas are the perfect vehicles for colourful scenes and patterns, and will bring the bed and blinds or curtains into sharp relief in a neutral room.
Add scatter cushions and rugs to increase the impact. Alternatively, knock colour back to a few key accessories, such as table lamps or wall art for a more controlled scheme. Bear in mind that objects and toys targeted at children are often brightly coloured or patterned, so that once the room is a little more lived-in it may appear more balanced than when first painted.
27. Limit wallpaper to one wall
With so many adorable options out there for children's bedroom wallpaper, it's easy to fall in love with some bright, bold pattern. Don't despair: although simpler is generally better with small kids' bedroom ideas, it can be done. If you keep the print to one wall and ground it with furniture in front, you can achieve both cute and charming.
Keep the rest of the room relatively simple in contrast, but with some smaller spots of vibrancy to keep the scheme balanced, ideally picking out and continuing a colour.
28. Assess the shape of the room
Awkwardly shaped small kids' room ideas rooms can be tricky to decorate. Make use of alcoves by building in storage like the shelves and drawers in this room - think about going bespoke if you are struggling to find something that fits. Instead of a bed frame opt for a futon or low platform bed that can be slotted under a lower ceiling.
If your room is in the eaves, squeeze a few bean bags into the corners to make a cosy lounging area. Any beams can also be used to attach rails or pegs for clothes, instead of trying to wrestle a wardrobe into the room. Make a splash in the room by fitting a hanging chair to the highest ceiling point in the centre of the room, just make sure you hang it from a sturdy beam.
29. Streamline furniture choices
Cramming too many things into small kids' room is a sure-fire way to make it feel claustrophobic. Because of this, it's important to prioritise what your child needs and what they don't. Children's clothes don't require full-length hanging space so a half-wardrobe, half-drawer option can be a real winner in a small room.
FAQs
How can I make the most of a small children's bedroom on a budget?
Whether large or small the most affordable way to decorate a space is with paint. Rachel Homer, interiors writer and mum of two suggests. 'For small children’s room ideas, go for a two-toned paint effect that is not only on-trend but will create an illusion of space.
'Keep the top half a light and bright shade to bounce light around the room. Then choose a darker shade for the bottom which will also be practical for hiding wear and tear. When it comes to storage, plastic boxes and tubs are more affordable than wooden versions and available in all types of beautiful and bright colours to match your scheme.'
When it comes to buying items and furniture for the space, wait for seasonal sales where possible and utilise home decor discounts the rest of the year.
How do you arrange a small bedroom for a child?
When it comes to small kids bedroom ideas for design and layout – less is usually more. Keep the decor simple and add colour through accessories and toys. Make sure shelves and furniture are mounted at a child-friendly level and where you can choose ‘mini-version' furniture to increase the sense of space.
Carl Walsh from Bed Guru says to measure your space so you know exactly what you're working with, and can plan your bedroom so it makes use of every spare inch. Hunt down a piece that matches your measurements as closely as possible.
Place furniture around a floor-play space if possible or keep the area under a raised bed clear for this purpose. Lastly, go for a simple window treatment that allows lots of daylight into the room. A simple blackout blind is a practical option.
How to design a small room for two kids?
Fitting two young kids into a small room is a common decorating dilemma for many growing families. Being smart with furniture and storage solutions is key to shared bedroom ideas because both are necessary but both take up valuable space.
Choosing bunk beds is one of the best options, with two stacked beds instead of one over the same floor space. Use valuable wall space to hang racks, peg rails and clothes hooks to elevate belongings off the floor.
We hope you find something you love in our list of must-try small kids' bedroom ideas, and remember: the world can appear immense when you're little, so they'll likely love retreating somewhere small and cosy.
So, yes, it may be trickier to decorate, but a small kids' bedroom will make your favourite mini human feel safe and cosseted. And isn't that the entire point of a bedroom, anyway?
