Design by beth keim, owner lucy and company, photo by mekenzie france
As You Plan
• What are you child's needs? Take into consideration age, interests, color preferences, schoolwork requirements.
• Which way does the room face? A cold room needs warm colors, for example, red or yellow. A room that is hot during summer requires cool colors such as blue or green.
• How big is the room? Don't cram it full of furniture as children need adequate floor space for play.
• Do your kids have to share a room? There are plenty of delightful bunk beds available, or use room dividers like bookcases.
Safety
Choose furniture that has no sharp edges or corners at a kid's eye level. In addition, freestanding furniture should be stable so that it won't tumble over if climbed upon.
It may be obvious, but make sure that all furniture and fittings are painted with lead-free and nontoxic paint.
If your child likes to have a night light, use a dimmer switch on the central room light rather than have a trailing electrical flex to a lamp.
Floor Coverings
Kids spend a lot of time on the floor. There are many types of floor coverings on the market, and the best choice for a child's room is something that is easy to clean and will not stain.
Loose nonslip mats add warmth to tiles or vinyl. Buy a rug with a fun theme that ties in with your child's interests. If you're working to a strict budget, carpet off-cuts are ideal, especially if they are odd shapes and colors!
Furniture
A bed is a long-term investment, so ensure that you buy the best you can afford. It should be sturdy and comfortable. One that converts from a toddler bed to one that an elementary school child can sleep in is ideal. Choose a neutral color so that it will fit any décor style, and get a bed that is easy to make.
An essential in children's bedrooms is storage, so take care that there are enough cupboards, drawers and chests. A wheeled drawer that fits under the bed is a good idea as it gives easy access to toys. In addition, adjustable shelves can be moved up as your child grows.
Soft Furnishings
There is a vast array of ready-made curtains in stores, in many colors and styles. If you decide to make your own, you can keep costs down by using inexpensive fabric such as heavy-duty sheeting or plain colored cotton. You can tie-dye, decorate with fabric paint (get your children to help with this project), or trim with rick-rack or braid.
Color coordinate your curtains, duvet covers, and casual pillows in various shades and patterns. Don't skimp on curtaining as nothing looks worse than curtains that only just cover the window when they are drawn.
Enjoy planning your children's bedrooms, and use it as an opportunity for high-quality fun time with your kids!
