Terri Ramsey Beavers A child’s bedroom is where their most formative memories will be formed. As a parent, you want to provide them the best space possible to grow and rest. Kids often like one thing one day and another the next so designing a bedroom can become more of a headache than one would imagine. Besides picking a theme there are a few basic tenets of designing any kids’ sleep space that we want you to take into consideration…enjoy!
COLOR
The first thing to consider when designing your child’s bedroom is the color theme. With the right colors, space can feel brighter or larger, and even help to elicit different moods. If your child is a newborn or toddler, you may opt for cooler colors, such as pale greens, blues, or purples which can produce a calming effect. White is a great option for those who prefer a clean, crisp feel, and warmer colors such as red, yellow, or orange give off an energizing effect. You can also paint one or two walls a different color to distinguish the play area or reading area from the rest of the room. Many paint companies even make chalkboard paint which is a good preventative measure in case you’d like to protect your walls from the occasional doodle! If your child is an adolescent, you may even want to include them in the decision. After all, it is their space, and by allowing them to choose, you will help foster their creativity and freedom of expression.
MATTRESS SELECTION
Next, you’ll want to create the perfect place for your child to rest and relax. There are many fun, and functional bed options on the market to choose from. If you need extra storage, there are beds that come with built-in drawers, loft or desk space, and even a slide instead of a ladder to help them get down after their slumber! Bunk beds are always useful for saving space if you have two children or if friends and relatives want to spend the night. Depending on your preferences, you can purchase a bed made from various types of wood, like cherry and oak, or go for one made from plastic or metal. There are even Eco-friendly companies that make their furniture with sustainable materials like; renewable wood, bamboo, or rattan which are just as great!
Once you have picked out the design and functionality of the bed, you’ll want to decide on a mattress for your child. If you are unsure what size to get, you can find a number of mattress size guides online to help make sure your kids have enough space to sleep and play. Most importantly, You want to ensure your child gets the best quality sleep, so determining the qualities the mattress must have beforehand, is key. If your child sleeps hot, there are mattresses made with temperature regulation materials. If your child is prone to wetting the bed, there are mattresses made with waterproof materials. If your child is still growing, there are mattresses made with the right firmness to ensure they are sleeping comfortably. Whatever the qualities you are looking for, rest assured that there is a mattress for your child.
LIGHTING
The last (but not least ) thing to consider when designing your child’s bedroom, is the lighting. You want to make sure that space is adequately lit, but that the light isn’t too harsh. Fluorescent and LED lighting can cause stress on your child’s eyes, memory, and nervous system as well as contain toxic materials. Unfortunately, the most school uses fluorescent lightning, so if your child’s room at home doesn’t get much sunlight, opt for lamps or fixtures with incandescent bulbs to simulate natural light. This makes doing homework, reading, or creating more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll also want to include a nightlight for late-night bathroom trips or illuminate the ceiling of your child’s room with a starry sky. There are even lamps that project soft lights and play music to soothe your child to sleep.