9 Basic Guidelines for Designing a Functional Bedroom for Your Child

If you’re the parent of young children, you know that their bedrooms are special places. It’s here where they spend countless hours, developing both physically and mentally. Bedrooms for kids should be more than just a place to sleep. Besides spending time alone in their rooms, children enjoy inviting their friends over to play. Here are nine basic guidelines on how to design a functional children’s bedroom, along with some considerations and warnings.

1. Use Bunk Beds

Do your children share a room? If so, then bunk beds are an excellent solution for creating more space. By freeing up horizontal space, your kids have more room to stretch out and play. Even if you have only one kid in a room, bunk beds are exceptionally practical, such as for sleepovers. There are even bunk beds that have stairs with storage drawers.

2. Place the Bed Against a Wall

Instead of putting a bed next to a window, place it against a wall. This is because you want to encourage your kids to play by a window so that they can soak up plenty of natural sunshine.  

3. Put the Dresser in the Closet

If you have a large walk-in closet in your child’s bedroom, think about the advantages of having your child’s dresser in the closet. One of the main benefits is that you’ll create more room for playing. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about your toddler’s fingers getting pinched when closing dresser drawers.

Maybe you have an old dresser that your baby or toddler has outgrown. Instead of getting rid of it, why not use it to store blankets, sheets, and other items. Then, buy a new dresser that’s more suited for your growing school-aged child.

4. Use Modular Units or Freestanding Shelves

These modular units can be used for displaying and storing everything from books to toys. What’s more, their tops can easily be used as bedside tables and displaying photos and other items. On the other hand, you can stack them up high enough so that toddlers and younger children aren’t able to reach items that aren’t intended for play, such as diapers and other supplies.

5. Use Ottomans for Storage and Seating

Ottomans are not only made for resting feet and for storage, but kids can also use them for sitting. Simply place an ottoman at the end of your child’s bed, which can serve as seating for small children. Then, fill the ottoman with their favorite toys or books.

6. Create an Inviting Study Area

Most likely, if your children are like most kids, they’d rather play than study or do their homework. That’s why it’s critical they have their own private space rather than doing their schoolwork on your kitchen table. A good study desk can also serve as a space for doing artwork and crafts.

7. Repurpose an Old Crib

Once your child has outgrown his or her crib, take it apart. Hang the slatted side vertically on a wall so that your child’s books can be displayed. This way, a small child can see the covers of all their books and select one by themselves.

8. Use Furniture That Can Serve One Than One Purpose

Another way to make your child’s room more functional is to choose furniture that can serve a dual purpose. Usually, bedroom furniture for children includes storage, such as a bed with drawers for storing clothing or toys. There are some types of kids’ chairs with seats that flip up, showing room for storage.

9. Be Aware of Safety Hazardous

Safety should be a high priority. For instance, make sure a toy box has hinges that close slowly. Also, don’t buy a toy box with a heavy lid since this can be dangerous if a child gets trapped inside the box.

Don’t have dangerous cords in your child’s bedroom that can result in strangulation. Tragically, hundreds of children have died because of window blind cords. Check to ensure furniture doesn’t have any sharp edges and exposed hardware.

Other Considerations and Warnings

• Consider that most kids aren’t interested in modern decorating items or furniture with luxurious designs.
• Use food storage containers for tiny parts, such as puzzle pieces.
• If your child isn’t old enough to read, use pictures on cubbies to show where specific toys belong.
• Use pegboards to hang backpacks and other items.
• Put up a wall-sized world map as this can create an interest in geography.
• Children’s furniture should be the proper size for their age.
• If you child is a restless sleeper, it’s best that a nightstand is about 1 to 2 inches lower than the height of the bed.

Learn More About Designing a Functional Bedroom for Your Child

Are you thinking about redesigning a room? At Matter Brothers Furniture, you can find everything you’ll need. Visit us at one of our five convenient locations or contact us to learn more about our wide selection of high-quality products.