Begin with paper and pencil. Have your child sketch out their wildest bedroom fantasy. If they've ever watched the do it yourself decorating shows on television, then they might have some pretty specific children's room decorating ideas. Chances are they won't simply be asking for colored paint and curtains, kids want exotic themed bedrooms. Use their wildest sketches as a lesson in resourcefulness.

If there is a children's room decorating budget, be straightforward about it. If the children know there is a $500 redecorating budget, and that the bed they want costs $499, they might be willing to simply paint the headboard in exchange for all the paint necessary for the mural.

Decorating Ideas; Kids Beds

Use a jigsaw to cut an elaborate head board and foot board from a piece of plywood. For a princess bed, consider cutting a crown, for a pirate's room, try a treasure chest. For a woodsy, outdoor mountain bedroom, try a pine tree.

You can also build a large, tall "table" to turn the old bed into a loft bed. You can buy printable plans online. A loft bed allows more floorspace, makes the bed area private, and opens up many children's room decorating possibilities. A loft bed can be disguised as a tree house, an alien space ship, an air traffic control station or even Rapunzel's tower.

Decorating Ideas; Kids Walls

Online distributors sell a huge variety of framed posters and other art. Large paintings can be bought at second hand stores, in elaborate frames, and the canvases can be repainted. Paint a portrait of your child. Unless you're really great at painting, it will look right at home in a child's bedroom.

Indulge their unconventional ideas as best as you can. If the child wants jellyfish hanging from the ceiling, try making some paper mache jellyfish with balloons and paper streamers.

Decorating Ideas; Working with Difficult Clients
Remember, it's just a child's bedroom. Having their own little space in the world is important, and the fun you'll have working on the project together will make it worth the while. Sharing important decisions and having their opinions regarded in the process helps a child feel important, and listened to.


If they want impossible things, instead of saying "no way," charge them with the task of finding a way to make it happen. Listen to their ideas, price supplies. You want a real Golden Sun? How much would that cost? Surely there was a room you always wanted as a kid, bring out your inner child and have her help you decorate your children's bedrooms. This is going to be so much fun.