Size is not the most important factor when it comes to designing a great children’s room. A small space might challenge your creativity a little more, but can easily turn into a very smart and well-thought-out room nonetheless.

We all want our kids to have a bright, uncluttered place to play and do homework. But it is often the smaller or oddly-shaped rooms that become kids’ rooms, especially when living in bigger cities.

Fear not, with a little bit of inspiration and the small children’s room ideas below, it can be easy and inexpensive to turn the tiny space into a fun, stylish, and organised retreat.

And it is important to start with the essentials – a bed and storage. Once you have nailed that part, there are plenty of opportunities for charming decorations to add personality. Altogether, there is nothing to stop you from making sure your children have a lovely space for both rest and creativity.

How to start:

As mentioned above, a bed and storage units are the main things in a room. And a tiny room will really stop you from adding unnecessary things and get you acquainted with the “less is more” lifestyle we are all after very quickly.

When it comes to furniture, go for something that can grow with your child and adapt to changing needs. Personally, I would always suggest neutral colours and timeless designs. In that way, you can enjoy them for many years to come.

Below, I will give you some inspiration but also share more details about organisation, colours, and storage ideas:

How to organise a clutter-free small bedroom:

1. Make use of the space beneath the bed!                                                                                                                                                         First of all, floor space is very precious in a kid’s room. Because it is the building zone for lego, trains, fairy lands, and general hours of fun. Either opt for a bunk bed, a bed with a matching under-bed storage unit, or build your own. And secondly, the low level means little ones can access what they need (and hopefully tidy away too) easily. In a small room, you want to keep the footprint of the bed small and smart.
2. Invest in multi-purpose furniture.                                                                                                                                                               Think beds that expand with age, desks that double as bedside tables, and a chair that can be used both by mum for a bedtime story and by your child for homework or crafting. There are many brands with solutions and interesting concepts. Have a look here or here to get started. Extra tip: Always measure carefully when ordering furniture and hunt down a piece that matches your measurements as closely as possible.
3. Less really is more.                                                                                                                                                                                                When space is a problem, you will need to prioritise what your child needs and what they don’t. And that is not a bad thing. Quite the opposite. It is so easy to get drawn into the kids’ world and buy everything influencers hold in front of the camera or get sucked up by clever marketing. But does your 1-year-old really need a guitar, a climbing wall, a swing, and 3 different play mats? Cramming too many things into a small room is a sure-fire way to feel claustrophobic.

Photo: Future Plc/Tim Young

Space-smart storage ideas:

1. In a small room, built-in storage can be a life saver. You will use wall space that you would not use otherwise. Whether it is a full wall or just a small section, you will create plenty of storage potential. Because freeing up the floor space not only makes the room feel bigger, it creates valuable space for little ones to play, as mentioned above.
2. Another smart and low-footprint piece of furniture is a bench with hidden storage inside. Saving floor space and providing value for money.
3. Peg-boards. They look great, and can be easily re-arranged, and make for an adjustable storage solution. For example, the space over the bed is often used only for wall art and stickers. Now, place a peg rail over it and your child will be able to leave books or pyjamas on there. Another perfect area is above the desk. Here you can attach pencil pots, lamps, and even a tiny house plant. That way, the desk has plenty of space for them to do their homework.

Photo: Someday Studio

Colours for small children’s rooms:

You want the room to be as bright and crisp as possible. Opt for light and neutral colours and lots of natural light – if possible. Again, dark colours or patterned wallpaper can overwhelm a small space very quickly. Go neutral and add touches with accessories. Extra tip: Bare floorboards make a space feel more spacious than it actually is. And it gives you the option to play around with rugs for added warmth and comfort.

Altogether, bright colours, storage under the bed, and a smart furniture selection make for a delightful room.

Photo: Ideal Home

Here are 5 very smart and small children’s rooms to give you some inspiration for your own home:

Yes, every nook can and should be used. Like here, where it makes for a small and yet very cute desk.

Photo: El Mueble

The perfect example for built in wall storage! I think it looks great. I always love a great built in shelf.

Photo: Future / Chris Tubbs

Wow! This is such a smart use of space, even the steps include a storage drawer! Goals!
Photo: Living etc.

Very tiny space but looking very stylish with the monochrome scheme. A desk is built in next to the bunk bed leaving empty floor space to play and roam around!
Photo: Living etc.

This room is a great example on how accessories can make a room!
Photo: Bolig Magasinet

What do you think? A small space can really turn into a delightful and creative space. And it can be really cosy as well.

More kids room inspiration:

Colour block walls

5 rooms for teens

Kids rooms under the roof