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Home Beautiful
Home Beautiful
Lisa Easey

Whimsical kids’ bedroom ideas that are made for playtime

Childhood is full of wonder, where pillow forts transform into castles or rocket ships bound for the moon – all it takes is a little imagination. You can create a world of fun for the little people in your life with a few easy bedroom decorating ideas. Think magical hideouts made of cosy linens and cubby-like corners with clever storage. No matter the room style, there are simple ways to add a touch of magic.

Here are some enchanting (and adorable!) decorating ideas for kids’ bedrooms.

Toy mice in front of a miniature blue door.
Fairy door in Blue, Fairytasticshop at Etsy. Holden Decor ‘Masoala’ wallpaper in Green, Dick Smith. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

1. Choose a theme

As your child’s bedroom is the starting point for their adventures, why not lean into the fun with a theme? Whether they enjoy stargazing, fairytales or jungle exploring, a few carefully chosen decorative pieces can ignite their imagination. This can be as simple as a themed bedcover, rug or curtains that can be updated as they grow.

A kid's bedroom with star wallpaper and a blue checked bed.
Linen pillowcases in Natural and White, both I Love Linen. For similar teacup, try Spode ‘Blue Italian’ teacup, David Jones. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

Wallpaper can also instantly transform a space, with kid-friendly options such as vinyl that can withstand play.

A kid's bedroom with an open shelf holding toys.
Shelf, Pottery Barn Kids. ‘Southern Skies’ wallpaper in Dark Blue, Milton & King. ‘Glow: A Child’s Guide to the Night Sky’ by Noelia González, Booktopia. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

2. Upcycle furniture

Let magical scenes unfold in miniature by repurposing an existing cabinet, shelving unit or side table as a dolls’ house or display space for beloved toys. Your kids will take pride in styling their special spot, which – with a little luck – means it will stay neater for longer!

A kid's side table with fairy lights and toy mice.
‘Mini Daisy’ cabinet, Poppy’s Little Treasures. For similar lamp, try ‘Nagisa’ table lamp in Antique Grey, Freedom. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

3. Add a canopy

Adventures in wonderland can unfold at home with a few tiny tweaks. Transform kids’ rooms into their very own fairyland with whimsical canopies, or stack mattresses à la The Princess and the Pea for some fable-inspired fun, perfect for rainy days.

A kid's desk with a mesh overhanging canopy.
For similar chair, try Oakleigh Home ‘Ollie Windsor’ chair in Oak, Temple & Webster. Monique Lhullier cornice and curtains, and ‘Penny’ desk, both Pottery Barn Kids. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

A canopy delicately draped over a desk or bed creates a dreamy atmosphere while delineating play and sleep spaces. All you need is a carefully placed hook and some floaty fabrics for a cosy, nook-like feel.

A kid's bedroom with stacked mattresses and green forest wallpaper.
‘Joey’ bed and mattresses, all Koala. ‘Geometric’ sheet (part of set), H&M. Linen sheet in Blush (part of set), I Love Linen. New Walls ‘Branches’ wallpaper in Green, Wallpaper Direct. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

4. Opt for bunk beds

While bunk beds are the ultimate space savers, they also transform into a ship sailing the high seas or a tall castle overlooking a vast kingdom. Make sleepovers extra comfortable with soft linens and pillows adorned in playful prints. Plus, customisable bunk options such as built-in drawers and desks help reduce clutter and keep their bedroom tidy.

A kid's bunk bed with patterned hanging fabrics.
‘Kura’ reversible bunk bed, Ikea. Linen sheet in Blush (part of set), I Love Linen. ‘Geometric’ pillowcase (part of bedding set), H&M. ‘Daisy’ cushion, Pillow Talk. ‘Happy Cosmos’ pillowcase (part of quilt cover set), Linen House. Fitted sheet in Kalaya Ngura, Kip & Co. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)
A timber set of drawers in front of green forest wallpaper.
(Credit: Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

Shop kids’ bedroom furniture

Cotton kids weighted blanket in cloudy blue

Cotton kids’ weighted blanket in Cloudy Blue

$199, woven woven

Best for: Therapeutic snuggles

Weighing in at 2.2kg, this stylish blanket does double duty to provide calming comfort any time of day or night. Perfect for solo snuggles, it comes in a rainbow of colours for every room style to add a pop of colour or a touch of quiet charm.

Size: 100 x 130cm

Colour: Cloudy Blue, Aqua Green, Pastel Pink, Pepper Grey, Cream, Pink and Charcoal Grey

Material: 100% cotton

Key features:

  • Also available in 1.5kg
  • Machine washable in cold water
  • Bead-free construction with even weight distribution

Jiggle & Giggle Isabella mouse toy

$37, Big W

Best for: Bedtime hugs

The charming Isabella is part of the ultra-cute mouse family available within the Jiggle & Giggle collection. Tailored for toddlers and newborns, this adorable toy is made from plush, child-safe materials for endless cuddles.

Size: 48cm

Colour: Cream

Material: Polyester

Key features:

  • Designed in-house
  • High-quality
  • Spot clean only

Rattan mushroom basket in Musk

$98.95, Olli Ella

Best for: Bedtime hugs

Flip the top of this mushroom-shaped abode to discover a delightful world filled with child-like imagination. Equal parts toy, accessory and decor showpiece, this is the perfect gift for anyone who believes in fairies.

Size: H22 x W22 x Interior D13cm

Colour: Natural and musk pink

Material: Rattan

Key features:

  • Hinged top for easy storage
  • Carry handle
  • Second access for little hands via tiny front door

Betti Bobbin tallboy in Ice Blue

$369.99 (now $295.95), Mocka

Best for: Stylish bedroom storage

Charming rounded bobbin detailing and a vibrant blue hue lend a playful twist to this classic tallboy. The pull-out drawers provide ample storage for clothes or toys, while brushed bronze knobs and pine legs complete this striking furniture centrepiece. Just place a few toys on top to add a personal touch.

Sizes: Tallboy and beside table

Colour: Ice blue

Materials: MDF and pine

Key features:

  • Modern heirloom look
  • For the bedroom and playroom
  • Intricate detailing

Dinosaur Appreciation Society wall banner in Shell

$39.95 Hello Saturday

Best for: Dino lovers big and small

Fly your flag to celebrate all things Jurasic with this brilliant canvas banner! Rig up to a bunk bed, tent or hang straight on the wall and unite the gang to hold dinosaur appreciation meetings underneath.

Size: 49.5 x 41.5cm

Colours: Shell or Fern

Materials: Canvas with metal eyelets

Key features:

  • 2 x 18mm eyelets
  • Eithically sewn by hand in China
  • Printed and assembers by hand in Australia
  • Other designs available

Hideout canopy bed in Natural

$749, Freedom

Best for: Playing hide and seek

Transform your child’s bedroom into a campsite with this tent-style canopy bed. Featuring a solid oak frame and a canvas top, it creates the perfect retreat. Simply add a comfy mattress and a few pillows, and let their dreams take flight!

Size: King single

Colour: Natural

Materials: Solid oak, engineered board and canvas 

Key features:

  • Rustic look
  • Includes frame and canopy
  • Easy assembly

Double sided quilt cover in Lilac/Blush

from $265, I Love Linen

Best for: A good night sleep

This double-sided quilt cover is made for sweet dreams. European flax linen ensures the cover is soft and breathable, while stonewashing gives it an incredibly plush feel. For a colour refresh, simply flip the cover inside out.

Sizes: Single, double, queen, king and super king

Colours: Clay, Beige Gingham, Crème, Sandalwood, Indigo, Indigo Stripe, Ivy Gingham, White, Ivy and Ivy Stripe

Material: European Flax®

Key features:

  • Natural fibres
  • Stonewashed French linen
  • Recyclable packaging

Rattan daisy wall basket

$108.95, Olli Ella

Best for: Secrets

Tuck treasures inside this sweet wall basket that’s a joy for all ages. Pop in a plant, perch a pair of favourite toys or fill to the brim with colourful hair accessories and hang it on the wall by the mirror for busy mornings.

Size: L40 x W15 x H40cm

Materials: Natural rattan

Key features:

  • Decorative and functional
  • Fun for small hands ages 3+
  • Handwoven sturdy yet lightweight construction

Kids’ hammock swing chair

$58.95, Myer

Best for: Cosy hangouts

Looking for a comfy beanbag alternative? This stylish hammock is perfect for playtime or unwinding with a book. With sturdy knots and a hanging rope, it can be set up both indoors and outdoors. Just find a hook and and it’s ready to swing!

Sizes: 100cm x 100cm x 120cm

Materials: Cotton and polyester

Key features:

  • Holds up to 120kg
  • Eco-friendly
  • Lightweight

Dino explore decorative rug

from $89.99, Adairs Kids

Best for: Comfort and warmth

Dinosaur lovers will adore this cute tufted rug where Triceratops and Stegosaurus roam. Available in both small and large sizes, this delightful dino rug adds a soft feel underfoot, perfect for bedrooms and playrooms alike.

Sizes: Small and large

Colours: Giant Floral, Pretty Daisy and Rainbow

Material: Cotton

Key features:

  • Tufted cotton
  • Large dinosaur design
  • Available in 3 styles

Albus fabric bunk bed in Cream White

$499, Luxo Living

Best for: Sleepovers and slumber parties

What could be better for a sleepover than a comfortable and stylish bunk bed? The Albus is available in calming neutral tones, making it ideal for any style of bedroom, while a foam filling and linen cover add an inviting touch. Plus, a built-in ladder and guard rail ensure your little ones stay safe and secure.

Sizes: 98cm x 204cm x 171cm

Colours: Cream White and Ash

Materials: Engineered wood, solid oak and linen

Key features:

  • Durable headboards
  • Space-saving
  • Faux linen fabric

Minou wallpaper in Neutral

$247 per roll, Wallpaper Direct

Best for: Peter Rabbit-style bedrooms

The woodland creatures on this wallpaper are straight from the pages of a fairy tale, featuring fuzzy rabbits, toadstools and wildflowers. Choose from two colorways, Neutral and Blue, to suit both light and dark colour schemes.

Colours: Neutral and Blue

Key features:

  • Whimsical design
  • Paste the wall application
  • Standard wallpaper

Rainbow road kids’ blue cushion

$49.95 (now $34.95), Kids by Pillow Talk

Best for: A colourful statement

This plush rainbow cushion brings colour and fun to any space with a super cute, embroidered rainbow on soft cotton. Tassels add a textured touch, making it a cushy addition to bedrooms and reading nooks.

Size: 45cm x 45cm

Colours: Blue

Material: Cotton

Key features:

  • Soft fabric
  • Embroidered details
  • Tassels


This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.

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