If you are decorating (or redecorating) your child’s bedroom, character-themed bedding and bright colors might be your first agenda. But if you want a more calming space for your child, as well as promote better sleep, re-think your original design.
Not sure where to start? Check out these tips on styling a soothing space for the kids.
Image by fujikama
Plan for the Lighting
Lighting impacts the mood of any room. If you want to encourage a happier mood, let more natural sunlight in.
At other times, however, natural light should be subdued to encourage rest. To transition from night to day, add dimmer attachment and switches with three levels of intensity to overhead lighting. To add an element of magic, light up the room with fairy lights. You can do a DIY installation or hire an electrician.
Window treatments also help. Take your pick from certain draperies and blinds that offer black-out to delicate light-filtering sheers and shades. No matter what you choose, always go for cordless window coverings to prevent any bedroom accidents.
Consider Color Psychology
There’s a reason nurseries are always designed in muted purple, pastel pink, or baby blue – they are soothing hues. So, while you might want to honor your child’s love for red fire engines or bright-colored superheroes, bold colors are too stimulating to promote a soothing environment in their room.
Instead, create a base of soft neutrals such as taupes and grays mixed with pastel colors. If you want to avoid the traditional blue and pink shades, go for celery green or lavender. Also, avoid busy patterns on the walls, rugs, and beddings. These promote energy instead of rest.
Think About the Acoustics
Good insulation is a must-have for any bedroom to muffle rooms from outside of the room. But the room’s décor can also affect the room’s acoustics.
To prevent sound from bouncing around the room, install natural wood floors with carpets, and throw rugs instead of laminated and tile surfaces. Also, soft shades, wood blinds, and draperies promote better acoustics compared to plastic or metal blinds.
Limit Stimulation
A messy bedroom disrupts sleeping patterns – even if the lights are off. The crowded chaos triggers a sensory overload, which can cause anxiety.
Promote better sleep by keeping clothes, toys, and other supplies in baskets, boxes, or cupboards to avoid clutter-related overstimulation.
Also, enforce a strict screen-free bedroom rule. Refrain from installing a television in their room to prevent them from watching Adventure Time or the Disney princess movies in order. Keep any potential distraction and brain-stimulating blue light emission away from their room.
Bring the Outside In
Design around natural elements to send a calming message to your child’s brain. The sights, colors, scents, sounds, and textures present in nature offer the most perfect balance and the greatest source of calming room décor inspirations.
One way to bring nature in is to add images of the outdoors in your child’s bedroom. Paintings and photographs of mountains, rainbows, and animals will not only calm their mind; it will also help them appreciate Mother Nature. Plus, photos double as beautiful views when they are nowhere near grand natural sceneries.
Another way to add a touch of nature is by adding a fish tank. After all, lying in bed while watching the fish swim offers soothing and tranquil imagery. Make sure the tank doesn’t have bright lights to avoid keeping the kids awake.
Make It Cozy
Cuddles are cozy, so fill your child’s room with items they can use to self-soothe, like a body pillow to lounge on or a huge teddy bear. A soft blanket with enough weight can almost feel like a hug. Also, fill their room with soft pillows, beddings, and rugs.
Make the Bed Cozier (and Unique)
The placement of the bed to the door is important. Your child should always be able to see the door of their room when they sleep, so they can feel at peace while in bed. Also, children love to ‘burrow.’ To encourage coziness and creativity, use a fun canopy or teepee to give them their own ‘hideout’ during bedtime.
Arrange Furniture Wisely
Remember the elements of a well-balanced bedroom: sleep, learning, play, and fun. Every room should provide all of these functions. Give each activity its zone in the bedroom BUT focus more on the room’s function for sleeping and relaxation.
Proper placement of storage, beds, desks, and toys differ from room to room and the kids’ ages. One thing, however, is certain: the positioning of these stations and the finishes, lighting, and colors make a big difference in how the bedroom is perceived.
Children are happier and healthier when they get a good night’s sleep. Make sure they get some by reinventing their bedroom with the changes above.
