Decorating and furnishing a room for a child can be an exciting endeavour. The options seem endless, from bright colours to fancy decals on the walls. However, the furnishings you choose for your child’s room should suit their needs and interests first and foremost. Follow this guide to help you make informed decisions when shopping for key pieces of furniture for your child’s bedroom.
Determine Your Child’s Interests
The first step to choosing furniture and decor is discovering what your child is interested in. For younger children or a newly placed foster child, you may need to do some investigating. Set aside bonding time to chat with them about their hobbies, favourite television shows or books, and what brings them joy and makes them smile. Get to know their likes and dislikes. Also, contact your fostering agency, such as the Fostering People, to gain insight from their social worker on the child’s history and personality.
Older children can vocalise exactly what their interests are, so have an open conversation about how they envision their perfect bedroom. Do they love sports? Animals? Princess castles? Outer space? If you give them agency in designing their special space based on their unique personality, they are sure to feel comfortable and at home in the finished room.
Evaluate Room Size and Layout
Before you start browsing furniture stores or shopping online, take stock of the actual physical space you are working with. Measure your child’s bedroom and sketch it out on paper, marking windows, doors, closet space, and any odd nooks or angles along the walls. This will help immensely when trying to visualise what pieces of furniture will actually fit in the room alongside necessities like ample floor space for playing.
If the room is on the smaller side, multifunctional furniture is key. Look for beds with pull-out drawers for storage underneath, a desk that folds down when not in use, and shelving that can hold toys, books, and clothing or linens. Expandable furniture that “grows” with your child is a great investment as well.
Safety First
There are crucial safety standards for furniture and accessories geared specifically for children. Be sure to check any items you purchase for stability, lack of sharp edges, toxic finishes or paints, and durability. The stability of bookshelves, dressers, and other storage units is extremely important to prevent dangerous tipping accidents. Mount anything top-heavy securely to the wall studs.
Focus on Quality and Durability
It can be tempting to choose fancy, ornate bedroom furniture that matches your own taste. However, keep in mind that your child will use these items daily for play and sleep. Focus spending on quality materials like solid wood over particle board, sturdy construction that will withstand reasonable wear-and-tear, and durable fabrics that clean up easily if stained.
Make it Their Own Space
A bedroom should be a child’s personal sanctuary and refuge. The furniture within sets the tone for the room’s purpose. Include specific interests through artwork prints on the wall, bedding with a cherished theme, personal mementoes on shelves and tabletops, and prized toy collections displayed proudly. Let your child take ownership of the space by allowing them input on paint colours, accessories, organization and layout.
Choosing furniture and designing the perfect bedroom no doubt takes time, effort and keen attention to your individual child’s needs. Keep safety and quality at the forefront alongside nurturing their blossoming personality. Establish a creative yet functional space they are excited to call their own!
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How to Create a Fun Playroom for Younger Children
