How to decorate a kids' room that’s fun, flexible and full of personality
Designing a kids' room is one of the most joyful tasks in a new home. It’s a space that can be as imaginative, colourful and creative as your child, and a perfect chance to let their personality
Whether you're setting up a nursery, refreshing a toddler’s bedroom, or giving a growing child a space of their own, these kids' room decor ideas will help you combine fun with function.
From eye-catching murals to clever kids’ room storage, we’ve rounded up some simple, budget-friendly ways to create a beautiful, practical space your child will love spending time in.
Make a mural moment
We’ve recently captured a stunning kids' room at our Jubilee Gardens development – and one of the standout features was a beautiful wall mural inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The hand-painted design adds so much charm and personality, and it’s a great reminder that you don’t need to stick to neutral colours or traditional patterns when decorating your child’s space.
If you’re feeling creative, painting your own mural can be a really special project. Whether it’s a favourite book character, a woodland scene or a space adventure, murals bring the room to life and give it a real sense of fun.
Not an artist? No problem. There are plenty of peel-and-stick mural options and large-scale wall decals that can give you the same wow-factor, with a lot less effort.
Top tip: Pick a mural theme your child won’t outgrow too quickly – or keep it to one feature wall so it’s easy to change as they grow.
Kids’ room decor that grows with your child
Kids grow fast, and their tastes change even faster. So, when you’re decorating, it’s worth thinking about how the room can evolve with them.
Stick to neutral tones for the walls and larger pieces of furniture, then bring in colour and personality with accessories like cushions, rugs, bedding and artwork. That way, it’s easy to swap out rainbows for robots, or unicorns for astronauts, as your child gets older.
Another great idea is to create zones within the room, like a space for sleeping, one for reading and one for playing. This helps with organisation and also gives your child a sense of independence.
If you’re short on space, bunk beds or high sleepers with desks underneath can help maximise every inch, especially handy in shared bedrooms.
Use lighting to create atmosphere and support routines
Lighting can completely change the mood and functionality of a kid's room. Layering different light sources helps make the space versatile — bright overhead lighting for playtime and homework, and softer, warmer lights for winding down before bed.
Consider installing a dimmer switch to adjust brightness easily as the day progresses. Nightlights or fun-shaped lamps can offer comfort during bedtime and add a playful touch to the decor.
If space allows, string fairy lights around shelves or a reading nook to create a magical, cosy atmosphere. Lighting that’s easy for your child to control helps encourage independence and supports a healthy routine.
Personal touches make it special
At the heart of all great kids’ room decor ideas is one simple thing: personality. This is your child’s space, and the more they feel like it belongs to them, the more they’ll enjoy it.
Let them choose a few colours or accessories and involve them in the decorating where you can. Maybe they’d like to help paint a wall, pick out posters, or even create their own artwork to frame.
Adding name signs, memory boards, photos, or hand-me-down items from family can give the room a sense of warmth and connection.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a magical space. Sometimes it’s the homemade touches – like a fairy light reading nook or a canopy over the bed – that become the most-loved features.
Choose durable and easy-to-clean materials
Kids can be messy, so picking materials that stand up to everyday life makes decorating easier for you — and more comfortable for them.
Opt for washable paints and wallpapers that can be wiped down without damage, especially on walls your child is likely to touch or draw on. For flooring, consider soft but durable options like laminate or vinyl with rugs that are easy to clean.
Furniture with stain-resistant fabrics or removable, washable covers works well in kids rooms. And when it comes to bedding, breathable cottons that can handle frequent washes are ideal.
Thinking practically about materials from the start saves time and money — and keeps the room looking fresh and inviting for longer.
Explore our developments near you to see how you could make your child’s dream room a reality.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re decorating for a toddler or a teen, the best kids' room decor combines fun, function and flexibility.
Make it personal, get creative, and don’t be afraid to try something bold – especially if your child is excited about it.
And if you’re lucky enough to be moving into a brand new Persimmon home, starting with a blank canvas makes decorating even more exciting.
