Five calming bedroom ideas to keep the kids relaxed

Mastering design for children's bedrooms is challenging. These multifunctional spaces should be at once stimulating and serene, helping to inspire play and productivity or rest at various times of the day. Being strategic when choosing the room elements, from the colour palette to the lighting, can help establish a calm environment ideal for both concentration and sleep. Explore our top calming design ideas for children's bedrooms to support relaxed mornings and evenings – for everyone involved!

Choose soothing colours

Did you know that some research suggests colours can influence our feelings and behaviour – for example, by improving focus, balancing energy levels and encouraging rest? Embracing these ideas in your children's bedroom design can help to sustain a relaxed atmosphere.

Blues are a popular choice for bedrooms. From sea blue to sheltering navy, blue is thought to evoke ideas of nature, which in turn is said to lower stress hormones and drive calm focus and clarity. Green – especially a cool green like pine – has a similar effect, as do light and earthy neutrals from soft beige to warm brown.

You can mix and match complementary colours for interest and to help establish zones within the room. The key to maintaining calm is to use mostly soft shades, with some bright accents to help keep the space feeling fun. Overdoing vibrant colours like rich jewel shades could disrupt the restful environment you're trying to establish.

Connect with nature

You can connect with nature through materials and décor as well as colour, to strengthen this peaceful foundation. Wooden flooring requires specific care and may be impractical in a kids' bedroom, especially if your children are younger and prone to 'colouring outside the lines', but lookalike laminate and vinyl options will work just as well. Complement this with unpainted furniture like a Hammonds wood-effect fitted wardrobe and curtains and bedding made from natural fabrics like linen or cotton.

One of the easiest calming bedroom ideas to implement is introducing houseplants. Literally bringing the outside in helps oxygenate the space for mood-boosting benefits, and they'll be attractive splashes of colour within the room. We recommend putting them on the windowsill, atop the bookcase or on floating shelves – anywhere out of reach of grabbing hands. Pick up the nature theme in fabric patterns and artwork, like cushions with floral motifs or an animal-themed statement wall mural.

Opt for matching furniture

This is one of our favourite design ideas for children's bedrooms where two are sharing. The uniformity is naturally calming, and having identical pieces avoids arguments about who gets which side of the room. Hammonds' matching fitted furniture sets are built to the measurements of your room so they integrate flawlessly, ensuring a seamless finish that helps establish the space as a sanctuary.

You can tailor the interiors of your fitted furniture to help take the stress out of daily morning and evening routines. Keep clothes compartmentalised for easy access, in soft-close yet sturdy drawers that minimise disturbance. Add enclosed linen baskets to store dirty laundry safely and stylishly, and integrate boxes for soft toys. Pull-out racks and railings can double the amount you're able to store in the available space while keeping everything clean and crease-free.

Indulge the senses

Consider senses other than sight when reviewing your design. Incorporating soft fabrics like wool and velvet, in seating, throws and rugs, can help establish relaxation in a tactile way. Scenting with fragrances known for their soothing properties, such as lavender, can enhance the sense of safety and calm.

Prioritise lighting

All humans are attuned to light, so look at ideas for optimising light levels when decorating the bedroom. SAD lamps are a tranquil way to start the day, especially in winter when rousing the kids can be a challenge. These lamps mimic natural daylight, helping to regulate the body's internal clock in line with set routines. You can also find touch lamps with multiple brightness options, great for slowly encouraging a transition from being awake to going to sleep (or vice versa).

Fitting dimmable bulbs into the overhead lights is easy and can be a game-changer. You can adjust the light levels to match the arc of the day, a subtle way to establish calm.

Speak to us for tailored calming bedroom ideas

We've covered the basics of calming bedrooms in this blog, but if you'd like some personalised ideas and recommendations based on the size of your bedroom and your children's preferences, please get in touch and book a free design visit with one of our design experts.