As a parent of two kids, I’ve come to realise that a child’s room is much more than just a place to sleep; it’s a space for imagination, creativity, and play. It’s also their only space in the house to call their own, that can have their own stamp of individuality and reflection of their personality.

With a little thought and some fun decorating ideas, you can transform any room into a magical haven that will inspire your child and give them a space to grow.

Here are some decorating ideas that helped me make my children’s rooms more than just bedrooms.

1. Start with a Fun Theme

Choosing a theme can be a great way to bring a sense of magic to a room. For our kids, we went for an adventurous theme in one room and a fairy-tale vibe in the other. Think about what your child loves; football, unicorns, dinosaurs, space, princesses, safari animals. There is always something to build the room around.

The key is to make it something that sparks joy and fits their personality, and there are plenty of unisex options. It’s also easy to switch up the theme as they grow older, whether you decide to move from a soft jungle theme to something more adventurous.

animal themed kids bedroom
Wallpaper wall murals are easy option

2. Wall Murals and Statement Wallpapers

One of the best ways to create a magical atmosphere is with wall murals. A mural can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort. And best of all, it’s actually really easy with wallpaper wall murals from companies like Photowall.

We used their Space Odyssey space-themed mural for our son’s room, with stars, planets, and rockets all over the walls. It’s amazing how much of an impact it can have, and it makes bedtime feel like an adventure to the moon and back. Our daughter has the unicorn and fairies one, and both were worth every penny.

If murals aren’t your style, wallpaper with bold prints or patterns can also add a touch of magic. I’ve found that wall decals are a fantastic, non-permanent way to give a room a whimsical touch without the need for a complete overhaul.

3. Get Creative with Colour

The right colour palette is essential in setting the tone of the room. For my daughter’s room, we chose pastel shades of pink, lavender, and soft peach. These colours helped create a calm, cosy space, but we added a pop of sparkle with some glittery wall accessories and fairy lights to give it a magical glow at night.

If your child’s room is smaller or darker, consider light colours like soft greys or light blues, which can make the space feel larger and more airy. Alternatively, if your child enjoys bold colours, a feature wall in a rich shade like forest green or mustard yellow can add personality without overwhelming the space.

animal themed bedroom for children
Colour schemes can extenuate to the theme

4. Magical Furniture Choices

Furniture doesn’t just have to be functional, it can also be fun. For my kids’ rooms, we went for beds with built-in storage to keep the space tidy and maximise room for play. But beyond practicality, you can go for beds that are part of the theme such as a castle-inspired bed frame.

There’s no need to spend a fortune either. Many companies offer creative furniture that brings out the magic in a room, whether it’s a fairy-tale themed bookshelf or a jungle-themed LED lamp. If you’re on a budget, you can always upcycle existing pieces with a coat of paint or by adding fun, themed accessories.

5. Add Enchanting Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel magical. Fairy lights around the bed or on a shelf add a soft, calming glow that makes the room feel warm and inviting. I added some twinkling lights in my children’s rooms, and they absolutely love how it transforms the atmosphere at night.

For a more functional yet still magical look, consider a star-shaped night light or a globe lantern that projects constellations on the walls. Not only does it create a soothing environment for sleep, but it also adds to the room’s wonder and charm. Ikea have a good range of fun and affordable children’s lighting.

6. Incorporate Interactive Features

I’ve learned that a child’s room should evolve with their needs, so we added a small reading nook with a comfy beanbag chair and some shelves filled with their favourite books. This spot has become a sanctuary for my kids where they can read, relax, and let their imaginations run wild.

Consider adding interactive elements like chalkboard walls or a magnetic wall where your child can create their own art or play with magnetic letters and shapes. These little additions are wonderful for encouraging creativity and providing entertainment without the need for additional toys cluttering the space.

bedroom storage in kids room
Under the bed storage helps keeps rooms uncluttered

7. Storage That’s Both Practical and Magical

Keeping the room tidy while maintaining the magic is no easy feat, but with a little creativity, it can be done. I’ve used decorative baskets and boxes that match the room’s theme, which makes storing toys and books a bit more fun. For example, wooden toy boxes painted to look like treasure chests or fabric baskets with fun patterns can serve as both storage and a piece of décor.

A well-organised room doesn’t have to feel sterile, it can still be playful and magical when you get creative with your storage solutions. Shelves shaped like clouds or storage units that look like fairy tale castles can add functionality while staying true to the theme. Albeit a bit over the top perhaps when Ikea can also do the job. I have seen some wonderful hacks on the popular Facebook groups.

8. Bring in Nature

Plants, especially those that are easy to care for, like succulents or spider plants, can bring a little bit of nature into your child’s room. My daughter loves watering her little plant every day, and it’s a great way to teach responsibility. For added magic, try hanging plants from the ceiling or using planters that match the theme, like animal-shaped ones or those with fairy lights embedded.

chalk paint on wall
For creative kids, consider chalk paint on the wall that can be drawn on with coloured chalks

9. Personal Touches and Artwork

Let your child have some say in the décor. Displaying their own artwork, whether it’s a painting they’ve done themselves or framed prints of their favourite characters, can make the room feel more personal and special. I’ve hung up some of my kids’ drawings on the walls, and it makes them feel proud and included in the decorating process.

10. Encourage Playfulness and Change

Lastly, remember that a magical room should allow for playfulness and change. My kids love having a room that reflects their ever-changing interests, whether it’s swapping out a toy chest for a space rocket or adding new fairy lights. Encouraging their input and allowing their room to evolve with them ensures it will remain a space that sparks imagination for years to come.

Conclusion

Decorating your child’s room is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects their personality and interests, all while adding a bit of magic. From choosing the right theme and colours to incorporating practical and whimsical elements, there are plenty of ways to make the room feel special.

And while it might take some effort to make everything come together, the joy it brings to your child is absolutely worth it. Get creative, have fun, and let their imagination run wild as you build a magical room they’ll treasure.

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Holly MacDonald
Holly studied Digital Journalism at University of Strathclyde. A single mum, her young son Thomas battles for adulation with her love of wine and chocolate, and the very occasional guilt-driven Gym appearance. Other than writing, Holly has a love for making jewellery, thanks to her beloved grandmother.