Creative Children's Bedroom Decor Ideas to Inspire Imagination
The “preppy” room in question
“Bro! That’s my room!” My 11-year-old daughter said, giggling. She was face-timing with her friend LIam who had unwittingly used a photo of her bedroom as the backdrop for his homemade animated series. He’d Googled “preppy room” — and had no idea that the room he choose was just down the street from him. (Side note: Preppy? I guess I just can’t shake my Connecticut roots.) (Second Side Note: my daughter now tells everyone her room is internet famous.)
Needless to say, at Lark we love a good childrens bedroom decor project. Unlike most adult spaces, kids’ rooms are all about starting with imagination and whimsy. You know, like hot pink wallpaper on the ceiling and a chair that is also a swing!
In this post, we’re sharing our top ideas for creative children’s bedrooms. To quote Willy Wonka, “come with me and we’ll be in a world of pure imagination.” (Chocolate river not included. Unfortunately.)
Making the Most of Vertical Space can add Flair to a Children’s Bedroom
One of our favorite design tricks for children’s bedrooms is maximizing vertical space. While adults might not love the idea of climbing (those creaky knees!), kids absolutely adore climbing anything (even things they probably shouldn’t.) Why not use that to your advantage when designing their room?
Bunk Beds: The Ultimate Vertical Solution
Bunk beds are a timeless choice—and for good reason. They’re a fantastic way to optimize space while adding an element of fun. When we lived in New York, we even had friends with a triple bunk! Talk about smart space planning.
If you're designing your little one’s room, consider adding a bunk bed. Here are a few creative ways to make it work:
Built-in Bunks: A custom, built-in design is our favorite option. That way you can use the space in a way that works best for you. Here’s an example of a “sleepover room” with build-in bunk beds we designed. It’s one of our favorite children’s spaces to-date!
Built in bunks are a great way to make something that works for your space and utilize the vertical space in a room.
A Loft Bed: The Bunk-Bed’s Second Cousin
A loft bed is maybe my favorite approach to the creative use of vertical space in a children’s bedroom. Not only does it add extra storage, but it provides a play structure too. Win-win.
Check out this little boy’s bedroom - all the places to run, climb AND sleep (plus some extra storage to boot!)
Loft beds are unique, fun and a great way to maximize the space in a child’s bedroom
Add Personalized Touches to a Children’s Bedroom
At Lark Interiors, we believe every child’s bedroom should feel like their space. Don’t get me wrong. We are not and never will be proponents of a “theme room.” No pirate rooms happening over here!
So what do you do when your daughter asks for a puppy room? (Lesley, our marketing director, has some experience with this.) Here’s a few ideas on how to include their passion without investing too deeply into what is likely a passing interest.
Lean into the Artwork
One of our favorite tricks in a kid’s bedroom is to showcase their interests via the artwork. Use frames that allow you to swap out the art as their interests change. So when your little one moves on from Dinosaurs to Taylor Swift, all you have to do is send a couple of new prints to CVS and, Voila!, the room is now a Taylor Swift Room.
Tip: While Target frames are great, if you’re looking for something a little nicer, have your favorite custom framer make reusable frames for you. Just stick to standard photos sizes and a removeable back and you’re good to go!
Need guidance on where to shop for kids artwork? Since we can shop for kids artwork like it’s our job (oh wait - it sometimes is) we wrote about our favorite art resources here.
Use artwork to feature your child’s interests
Don’t Forget about the Ceiling
Remember: the ceiling is your fifth wall, and it’s the perfect place to add a little extra magic to your children’s bedroom décor.
Take this preteen basketball fan’s room, for example. The color palette and furniture were carefully chosen to grow with him over time, keeping the space timeless and functional. But look up—and that’s where the fun really happens. By incorporating a basketball court design as a custom millwork detail on the ceiling, we were able to strike the perfect balance between sophistication and playfulness. It’s a subtle yet standout feature that makes the room uniquely his.
Don’t forget about the option of utilizing the ceiling for a showstopper standout feature in child’s bedroom
Designing Your Childrens’ Bedroom
Designing a children’s bedroom is an opportunity to create a space that’s equal parts functional, inspiring, and full of joy. Whether you’re playing with bold colors, adding whimsical patterns, or finding clever ways to personalize the room, the goal is to strike a balance between imagination and practicality—a space that feels like home and grows with your child.
If you’re ready to bring these ideas to life but aren’t sure where to start, we’d love to help. At Lark Interiors, we specialize in creating beautiful, kid-friendly spaces that reflect your family’s personality and needs. Let’s work together to design a bedroom your little one will love now and for years to come.
LARK INTERIORS
An interior design and residential architecture firm based in Dallas, Texas and focused on liveable luxury. We believe in comfy sofas, performance fabrics, and coffee tables you can put your feet on.