ABC's OF A KIDS ROOM DESIGN





Written : Salonee Ghosh | Edited: Sanjay Jain





A child’s bedroom is a place where childlike imagination blends with adult practicality and style. It is, by nature, a multifunctional space, more so than any other bedroom. It becomes a place to sleep, play, study and above all, grow. In a world of rapidly evolving trends, children’s tastes change even faster, making it quite a task to design as per preferences that will stand the test of time.


Kids’ rooms must be engaging, providing opportunities for activity while also serving as a safe haven for them. The approach to the layout of the room itself deviates from the norm and more focus is given to the play and study areas, which opens up multiple design possibilities. Given that kids do not require a full-sized queen bed, a corner of the room can be the dedicated ‘sleeping’ zone, which helps maximise floor space. The beds themselves can become interactive, for instance, bunk beds can be accessed by steps that a child can also sit and read on. A platform adjacent to a low height bed can be used to keep books or toys or act as a surface during playtime.


Otherwise overlooked surfaces such as wardrobe shutters or the sides of inbuilt furniture can double up as whiteboards or chalkboards, providing an unusual medium for kids to unleash their inner Picasso without resorting to doodling on walls. Or if they must scribble on walls, chalkboard paint is a great substitute to normal paint as it allows for easy cleaning! Study areas or cabinets can be built into other furniture, thereby opening up the floor space while adding another level of intrigue. Strategically placed graphics, splashes of colour or wall art do wonders in brightening up a room further.



Within the layers of interactive zones, however, lies the idea of creating a private nook for the child. This could materialise in the form of a reading corner, a dedicated play area, a canopy or simply a highlighted portion of the room that creates a comforting ambience, an idea that does not age as the child grows.


Design must be receptive to a region. Most Indian households tend to consider their kids’ bedroom as a secondary guest room and as such, require the provision for accommodating a larger number of people. However, it is imperative to not compromise on the existing character of the room. Fold out beds, pull-out divans and so on are practical solutions that merge seamlessly into existing furniture and prevent the room from having the layout of a typical adult’s bedroom. These also permit children to host sleepovers for years to come, an integral aspect of childhood.


Kids’ bedrooms are entertaining, vibrant spaces that are meant to stimulate the mind. They have an individualistic streak attuned to the interest of the child but also provide the opportunity to evolve with time. It is important for designers and parents to play; to explore with levels, colours, concepts and generally let their imaginations run wild, as children would.