How to style kids & teen bedrooms

Kids bedroom styling can present quite the conundrum. Namely, how to create a space that’s playful and fun. Yet avoid leaning too far into a theme. After all, children are renowned for their fleeting interests – dinosaurs one week, ballerina dancers the next.

Here, our styling team shares their advice on creating a space that impresses the most discerning of critics – your kids.

Well-chosen pieces and thoughtful styling is key to creating a bedroom that embraces their current interests while having room to grow.

Function first

Take pause before you begin styling to consider how your child will use the space. Will it serve as a playroom as well as a bedroom? Do you need a study desk? What about a nook to read or relax? Use this to guide layout and furniture selection.

Even the smallest of bedrooms can be broken into ‘zones’ to create areas to sleep, play, work and rest.

Grow up, style up

As your child grows, so will their bedroom styling. But this doesn’t have to mean a full style refresh with every milestone.

Consider how you can create space that will grow with them.

Neutral furniture is best as it won’t date quickly. Buying quality bed linen ensures that it will stand up to frequent washing and last for many years.

Smaller decor pieces, artwork and wall decals can be used to add personal style. And these can be easily updated as your pre-teen turns teenager.

Stick to a theme

If you’re stuck on inspiration, an ideal place to start is your child’s favourite toy, artwork or book. 

Of course, you can also incorporate a beloved theme. Think boho, Scandi, modern or beachy.

Select your core colours and build on from there. But restraint is key. Ultimately, this is a space for sleeping and too much going on can be a distraction. Use storage and shelves to hide away toys and books, and keep the bedding comfortable and practical.

Draw inspiration from some of our favourite kids and teen's bedrooms, featuring timeless Abode bed linen.