Planning a Child's Bedroom

When you're planning your child's bedroom, it's important to balance function, safety and style. Think practically about how the room will be used. Will it also serve as a playroom or study? Is there a chance it may eventually become a room for two? Let the activities your child loves most be your guide as you choose furnishings and accessories. Will they need a chair to read in? Plenty of open floor space for blocks and games? Factor in how their interests may change and grow as they get older. Toddlers often need a play table for arts and crafts while school-age kids require desk. Make sure your plan allows for plenty of room to grow, change and evolve.

Floor Plan and Furniture Placement

Before you choose your furniture, draw a floor plan to determine exactly what you can fit and how to arrange it so the room flows easily. Don't forget to consider how much space you need for drawers to open or for armoire doors to swing. When positioning furniture start with the bed – typically the room's visual centerpiece.

If the room is adjacent to a living area where there may be noise after bedtime, place the bed opposite that wall. If sloping ceilings create overhangs in any area of the room, tucking the bed beneath them makes smart use of the low clearance and creates a cozy sleep space.

Beds are typically placed against a wall or in a corner, but if the room is large, situating the bed in the center of the room can create a dynamic feeling.

From there, choose placement for other furniture by working from largest to smallest – an armoire (if you'll need one), dresser, play table, bookcases and toy storage. Remember not to situate dressers and bookcases so that they'll block windows or wall display items such as bulletin boards, blackboards or mirrors, and keep in mind that you'll need to use a tip resistant kit to keep tall items such as bookcases and other storage units safe and secure.

Zoning

If you can, position the dresser near the closet or even inside the closet. A couple of wall-mounted hooks nearby will be useful for hats, bags, favorite sweatshirts and more. Consider a shoe rack to keep the closet floor free of clutter, or a bin kids can just throw their sneakers into to keep them out of the way.

A desk will naturally become an “office,” where a corkboard and task lamp will come in handy. It can also double as their craft space, so make sure there's room for craft supplies and for displaying new paintings and collages. Outfit some sturdy bookshelves with colorful buckets to help the “play zone” feel organized and fun.

Storage

Planning adequate storage for each zone makes it easy for your child to find things – and put them all away. Shelves, bins and baskets should be easy to access. Choose a hamper with a lid and put it near the closet or armoire.

Make sure the desk has a place for all their papers, supplies and a good desk lamp. Add a designated bin for sports equipment. Labeling baskets and bins makes cleanup fun and easy.