| When it comes to decorating a child's room, your | | | | draperies. Shades, blinds, and shorter curtains are safer |
| approach should be much different from decorating an | | | | choices. The fabric should be versatile, and patterns |
| adult bedroom. | | | | should be repeated in other items in the room, such as |
| For kids, their bedroom is where they play games, | | | | in pillows, quilts, lampshades, bed ruffles, etc. |
| read, listen to music, day-dream, or just go to be alone | | | | 6. Choose the right lighting. A child's room should include |
| sometimes. So use these eight strategies to help | | | | both task lighting for homework and reading, and |
| create a space that will make you both happy: | | | | soothing light for quieter times. A nightlight is also |
| 1. Talk to your child. Find out what activities and | | | | important. |
| fantasies he or she enjoys; what their favorite color is; | | | | 7. Use wallpaper or paint to add color and texture. You |
| and what's unique about their personality that a theme | | | | can apply whimsical borders along the top edges of |
| could be built around. | | | | the walls, and clouds or stars on the ceiling. Make sure |
| 2. Allow your child to help. Let them have a say about | | | | walls are washable, so if you are using paint, choose a |
| colors, fabrics, and how they want to display their | | | | semi-gloss or gloss finish. Kids love bright colors, but |
| collectibles. | | | | you should limit any strong color to only one wall. |
| 3. Make the room multi-functional. Since children use | | | | 8. Allow your child to select the design theme. Here |
| their room for many activities besides sleeping, it should | | | | are just a few: firehouse fun room, starry night, angels, |
| have several different zones, such as a play area, | | | | rainbows, unicorns, baseball, a bedroom for a princess, |
| reading area, and entertainment area. | | | | underwater scenery, outer space, race cars, airplanes, |
| 4. Make storage a priority. Try shelving, large | | | | trains, jungle motifs, wizards and dragons, and |
| decorative wicker baskets, plastic see-through | | | | dinosaurs. |
| containers, and closets that contain plenty of shelving | | | | Decorating with your child offers a great opportunity to |
| and racks. | | | | display your playful side, while doing some memorable |
| 5. Keep window treatments simple. Avoid long | | | | family bonding, so have fun with it! |