Bedroom Furniture 101

When decorating a child’s room, it is important to remember that it is like no other room in your house. Because your child is growing daily, their bedroom should be designed to adjust and adapt along with each developmental change. A child’s bedroom should also provide a safe environment to play and explore. Here are some suggestions to help you plan the perfect backdrop that will encourage your child’s growth and imagination.

Before You Begin

• It goes without saying safety must be the first consideration when decorating a child’s room. Select furniture with rounded corners, the correct height for the child’s developmental stage, and easy-to-open drawers, doors and lids.
• How much do you want to spend? Don’t forget to make a budget. It will keep you on track when you see yet another cute canopy bed or racing car themed bedroom set that would be absolutely perfect for your child’s room. 
• Involve your child in the decision making process. They will be more likely to love a room they helped to decorate.
• Know the dimensions of the room, so that you can get a better idea of just how much space you will need to plan for. 
• Create a list or make a rough sketch of the bedroom furnishings you want to include. Instead of buying each piece separately, you might want to consider purchasing a bedroom set, which consists of basic groupings like a bed with matching nightstand and armoire. For school-age children, you might want to purchase a bedroom set that includes a computer desk with hutch.
• Since there are so many types and styles to choose from, consider what kind of bed your child will need and like. If you’re decorating the room for two, a bunk bed will maximize the available space. If your child likes to have friends spend the night, a trundle bed would be an ideal solution.
• The child's age will automatically govern many of the planning choices you will need to make.
• If you don’t know where to start for decorating ideas, ask your child for help: base the theme or focus of the room on the child’s main interests, such as a favorite animal, activity or topic.
• There will be toys, building blocks, puzzles and games, not to mention clothes and accessories. Do you want to use baskets, storage cubes or a wardrobe armoire to help contain the clutter? Keep in mind, any materials used in a child’s room should be practical and easy to clean.