Decorating is time consuming and can be expensive.
When decorating a child's room, don't spend countless time and money decorating for an infant that will soon outgrow it.
Furniture is quite costly, so children's furniture should be able to be used for many years.
It may be difficult to imagine your infant as a teenager, however it will happen sooner than you think.
Consider these suggestions for decorating a child's bedroom that will grow with them.
photo courtesy of mirage floors flickr.com/photos/74783045@N00/4724527542/Convertible Crib
Many cribs these days can be converted to a toddler bed and then a full sized bed.
You will have to buy the full sized mattress, but you will already have the head board.
Quality Furniture
Kids are rough on furniture.
Make sure to buy well built quality furniture that can stand the abuse.
Consider using vintage or antique furniture that has a bit of authentic distressing to it so you won't be too upset when your kids distress it a bit more.
Just make sure that any painted furniture does not have lead paint and there are no parts that are overly distressed and might break off or have splinters that might injure your child.
No Changing Table
Changing tables serve a single function that is no longer necessary after 2 to 3 years.
Instead of a changing table, select a dresser with a changing pad secured to the top.
The dresser will be able to be used as your child grows up to store clothes.
Toy Storage
Instead of a toy box, consider getting a bookcase or a desk with storage above.
Toy boxes are not necessary as your child gets older but a bookcase or desk can be used for as long as your kid lives with you.
Kid Furniture
Avoid kid sized furniture that looks like adult furniture but is slightly smaller.
Also avoid kid themed furniture, such as a race car or princess bed.
Yes, your child may love it now, but for how long?
Instead, select classic adult sized pieces that are appropriate for a small child and a teenager.
Decor
Avoid cartoon characters or cute looking animals when selecting bedding for a kid's room.
Your kid will outgrow those images quickly. Instead, select fabrics that are appropriate now and later.
For girls, select mature fabrics in soft pastels.
For boys, select geometric patterns in unique bold colors.
Avoid over use of traditional soft pink and baby blue.
Temporary Decorations
If you want to add some fun and whimsy to a kid's room, consider using temporary decorations.
Using removable wall stickers is a good way to temporarily decorate a room without breaking the bank.
You can also purchase picture frames and let the kids do their own artwork for their rooms.
The picture frames can be reused for other purposes as your child gets older.
