Creative Decorating Ideas For Small, Odd-Shaped Kids' Bedrooms

Decorating a small, oddly shaped bedroom for kids can be a challenge, but with some clever design choices, you can create a stylish and functional space that your children will love. Here are some tips to help you get started:

- Determine the best wall for the bed, considering the entrance to the room and the available space. Don't be afraid to break traditional interior design rules to make the most of the space.

- Use large furniture and decor to create a sense of balance and make the room feel more proportional.

- Ground the bedroom with an area rug to add warmth and comfort. If the room has an unusual layout, consider using a runner or placing the rug off-centre.

- Embrace the asymmetry of the room by incorporating irregular-shaped mirrors, off-centred artwork, and mismatched nightstands.

- Utilise wall space by adding hooks, hanging organisers, and vertical storage solutions to keep the floor clear and create a sense of spaciousness.

- Opt for light-coloured flooring, such as light wooden tones or light-coloured carpets, to visually open up the room and make it appear larger.

- Create a cosy reading nook by adding a compact window seat with storage boxes underneath and lots of cushions.

- Invest in multi-functional furniture, such as cabin beds with built-in storage or bunk beds to maximise space in shared bedrooms.

- Make use of under-bed storage solutions, such as baskets, boxes, or a matching under-bed trundle to keep toys and belongings organised.

- Choose styles and furniture that will have longevity, such as classic pieces that can be repainted or repurposed as your child's tastes change.

Use large pieces of furniture in a small room

While it may seem counterintuitive, using large pieces of furniture in a small room can be a great way to make the space feel more open and inviting. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your small, odd-shaped kid's bedroom:

• Determine the purpose of the room: Before choosing any furniture, consider who will use the space and how they will use it. This will help you decide on the size and type of furniture that will best suit your needs.
• Measure the room and furniture: Measuring the dimensions of your room and potential furniture pieces is crucial. Use painter's tape to outline the size of each piece on the floor, ensuring you have enough space to move around.
• Choose functional pieces: Opt for large pieces that serve a specific purpose, such as a king-sized bed for better sleep or a large armoire for extra storage.
• Utilize vertical space: Draw the eye upward by incorporating tall bookshelves or vertical artwork. This will create the illusion of more space and balance out the larger furniture.
• Select light-coloured furniture: Furniture with light colours and legs creates a sense of openness and makes the room feel less cramped.
• Float the furniture: Instead of pushing furniture against the walls, try floating it away from the walls by a few inches. This technique creates the illusion of more space and can be achieved by using a rug or sofa wall spacers.
• Use mirrors: Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror across from or behind the large furniture piece to enhance the sense of openness.
• Go minimalist: Keep the decor around the large furniture piece minimal and clutter-free. A few well-chosen accessories, such as throw pillows or a cosy blanket, will add character without making the room feel overcrowded.
• Choose smaller complementary pieces: Balance out the large furniture with smaller, stylish pieces. A sleek coffee table, chic armchairs, and petite side tables can complement the larger piece without overwhelming the room.
• Opt for multi-functional furniture: Look for furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman that can be used as a footrest, coffee table, or extra seating.
• Create a focal point: Arrange the furniture around a designated focal point, such as a window or a piece of wall decor. This will create a clear view of the central element and make the space feel more cohesive.

Make the most of vertical space

When decorating a small, oddly shaped kid's bedroom, it's important to make the most of the vertical space available. Here are some tips to maximise the space:

Loft Beds and Bunk Beds

Loft beds and bunk beds are a great way to utilise vertical space in a small bedroom. They provide sleeping areas for one or more children, freeing up floor space for play and other activities. Consider choosing a loft bed with built-in storage, such as drawers or shelves, to further maximise space.

Floor-to-Ceiling Storage

Install floor-to-ceiling storage solutions such as shelves or cabinets to make use of the entire wall. This not only provides ample storage space but also helps to create a sense of openness in the room. Opt for pale colours or light-coloured wood to enhance the feeling of space.

Window Seats

Window seats are a clever way to add extra seating and storage without taking up valuable floor space. You can build a compact window seat with storage boxes underneath, providing a cosy area for reading or relaxing while keeping toys and games neatly tucked away.

Wall Hooks

Utilise walls by adding a series of hooks to hang items such as bags, dressing gowns, or other lightweight items. This helps to keep the floor clear and makes the room feel more spacious.

Magnetic Feature Wall

Create a fun and functional magnetic wall. This can serve as a play area for your child to display their artwork, play with magnets, or spell out words. As they get older, the magnetic wall can also be used for pinning reminders and revision cards.

Wall-Mounted Shelves and Units

Invest in floating shelves or wall-mounted storage units to free up floor space. These can be placed at a child-friendly height, making it easy for them to access their belongings independently.

Use built-in furniture

Built-in storage is a great way to make the most of a small, oddly-shaped kid's bedroom. Here are some tips for maximising space and creating a functional and inspiring room:

Built-in Storage Ideas:

• Opt for built-in storage along one wall, leaving a small cut-out for a slim laptop desk or study area. This future-proofs the room as your child grows and their needs change.
• Install floor-to-ceiling built-in storage to maximise space. This can include adjustable shelving for toys, books, and other belongings.
• Create a built-in sleeping niche or recess the bed into the wall to make the most of a small footprint.
• Utilise walls by installing floating shelves, wall-hung units, and storage that can be hidden behind doors.
• Consider a window seat with storage boxes underneath, providing a cosy area for reading and extra space for toys and games.
• Invest in a cabin bed with deep drawers and cupboards underneath, or a high sleeper with space for a desk or lounging area below.
• Make use of alcoves by building in shelves and drawers.
• If possible, bespoke wall storage is ideal for making the most of vertical space, especially in small rooms.

Additional Tips:

• Keep the colour scheme light and neutral to create the illusion of more space.
• Use large pieces of furniture or decor to make a small room feel more proportional.
• Use an area rug to ground the space, and layer rugs if necessary to fit an odd-shaped room.
• Embrace the asymmetry of the room by using irregularly shaped mirrors, off-centred artwork, and mismatched furniture.
• Utilise wall sconces to save surface space on nightstands.
• Mirrors can also make a small room seem lighter and bigger while adding a decorative touch.
• Always measure your room before buying furniture to ensure a perfect fit, especially in oddly-shaped spaces.
• Plan the room layout beforehand using apps or software to ensure a functional and well-designed space.

Choose a colour scheme to enhance space

Colour is a powerful tool when it comes to decorating a small, oddly-shaped bedroom. The right colour scheme can make the room feel more spacious and bright, while the wrong colours can make it feel cramped and dark. Here are some tips to help you choose a colour scheme that will enhance the space:

• Keep it light and bright: Light and bright colours can help to visually open up a small space and make it feel more airy. Consider using light neutrals like white or light grey as your base, and perhaps add a subtle, timeless pattern to the flooring. You can always add pops of colour through accessories, such as cushions, rugs, and wall art.
• Use colour to create a focal point: If you want to add some colour to the room, consider creating a feature wall or accent wall. Choose one wall to be the focal point of the room and paint it a bold colour or fun pattern. This will also help to distract from the odd shape of the room. Just remember to ground the accent wall with furniture in front of it.
• Go monochrome: If your room has a lot of irregular angles, it's best to paint all the walls the same colour. This will help to create a sense of cohesion and make the space feel less cluttered. You can always add interest and depth by incorporating different textures and layers.
• Use colour to enhance built-in features: If your small bedroom has built-in features, such as a window seat or bunk beds, consider using colour to enhance these elements. For example, you could paint the built-in bunk beds a bold colour or add a colourful backdrop to a window seat to make it pop.
• Use light-reflecting colours: Some colours reflect light better than others, which can help to brighten up a small space. Pale shades, such as light blues, greens, and yellows, can make a room feel more spacious and airy. You can also use light-reflecting colours for accessories, such as curtains or rugs, to add a subtle glow to the room.
• Consider the lighting: The lighting in the room will also impact the colour scheme. Natural light will show the true colours, while warm lighting will make the space feel cozier and cooler lighting will make it feel brighter. Consider the direction your windows face and the type of lighting you want to use before choosing your colours.

Use storage creatively

When it comes to decorating a small, oddly-shaped kid's bedroom, storage solutions can be a challenge. Here are some creative ways to maximise storage and keep the space organised and clutter-free:

Built-in Storage:

Consider built-in storage options such as floor-to-ceiling wardrobe units with a mix of drawers, cubbies, cabinets, and hanging bars. Position them against the wall and add moulding to create a built-in look without remodelling. This utilises vertical space efficiently and provides ample storage for clothing, toys, and other essentials.

Multi-functional Furniture:

Opt for multi-functional furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. For example, a desk can also function as a bedside table, saving space. Instead of a standard chair, choose a stool that can be tucked under the desk when not in use. Look for bedside tables with shelves or drawers below for additional storage.

Double-Duty Furniture:

Choose furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a window seat that provides storage and a cosy perch. A bed with built-in drawers or a divan bed with clever drawer storage in the base is also an excellent option for maximising space.

Creative Nook Storage:

Utilise unused nooks or niches in the room by converting them into functional spaces. For example, an unused corner can become a reading nook with a bench for seating and storage. The bench can even have a flip-up lid for accessing extra blankets or linens.

Wall Storage Solutions:

Make use of walls by installing shelves, hooks, or pegboards to store and organise items. Floating shelves or wall-mounted shelves can display toys, books, and decorative objects while keeping them off the floor. Hooks are ideal for hanging outerwear, bags, and accessories, keeping them within easy reach.

Under-Bed Storage:

Don't forget the space under the bed! Use under-bed storage containers, drawers, or baskets to store items like clothing, shoes, bedding, or out-of-season items. You can also slide an open-faced basket under the bed frame for easy access.

Disguise Storage:

Disguise storage solutions to blend in with the room's decor. For example, a crawl space door can be painted the same colour as the window frame, and vintage suitcases or trunks can corral board games and toys while adding a stylish touch to the room.

Make Space in Closets:

If the room has a closet, utilise that space efficiently. Install extra shelves for baskets or bins to store toys, books, and other essentials. You can also add a small bookcase or clothing rail inside the closet to keep items organised and out of sight.

Organise with Containers:

Use containers, baskets, and decorative boxes to organise loose items, accessories, and small supplies. Pretty dishes and trays can be used as drawer dividers to separate grooming supplies, jewellery, or other small items.

Frequently asked questions