Age Appropriate Decorating for the Kids Room

If you have children, then you know how difficult picking out room decor can be. Decorating a child's room can be fun, but it can also be a headache if you have no clue on where to start. The most common mistake made in decorating a child's room is choosing pattens that are not age appropriate. This guide is designed to help you understand what your child's room should look like.

Ages Birth - 3 years: Babies are perhaps the easiest age to design a room for. There is absolutely nothing cuter the a nursery. There are a few rules however that you should keep in mind. Even though parents usually choose soft pastel colors, babies see bright primary colors as being interesting, and fun. Consider simple pattern such as white walls with red strips. Shapes also help babies develop. If you like pastels you might want to toss around the idea of white walls with soft circles, ranging from 1 foot or 3 feet wide in a variety of pastel colors. Regardless of what you choose for your baby, make sure that he or she has some bright primary colors to look at. Soft plush toys are a great substitute for those who don't want dark paint on the walls.

Ages 3 - 6 years: These are the fun years. Every little boy and girl has their favorite characters, and at this age it is alright to decorate a room fully in them. My Little Pony, to Spider-man, will make fun rooms, that are enjoyable. Be sure to use coordinating paints, and fun patterns as well. A Minnie Mouse room looks great with Minnie Mouse bedding, light pink walls (almost white), and a matching pink throw rug. But, you can also use a pretty pink plaid quilt folded on the foot of the bed, and soft white or pink lace curtains to top it off. As long as you stick with the main colors, everything does not need to have the character on it.

Ages 7 - 10: By now the kids are leaving the character stage a bit, but it's still alright to have a character room. Trying taking away some of the character stuff, and replacing it with coordinating patterns. Such as a Spider-man room. You might want to take away the Spider-man comforter, and replace with with a blue and red patterned comforter instead. You can still leave a few pieces of characters, such as toss pillows, night light, or throw rugs. Remember they aren't babies for long.

Ages 11 - 14: Now your little ones aren't so little, but their rooms can still be fun. This is the ages where you get to be creative. A coral reef room is perfect for both girls and boys. Use bright colors such as pink, blue, sea green, purple, etc...to create this look. By hanging an old net from the ceiling, and draping it down the wall, you'll create texture. You might also want to try stenciling fish on the wall, or if you draw, do them freehand. At this age the kids are old enough to be helpful, so let them help create their masterpiece room. Remember to be creative, and compromise on what they like. Jungle room, beach rooms, and even music themed rooms are all wonderful ideas.

Ages 15 - 18: From baby to adult, you will find there room has changed many of times. At age 15 it is time to start getting them prepared for adult life, at least as far as rooms are concerned. Think adult, but still listen to their input. The word adult doesn't have to mean boring. You want more grown up patterns, this means no more Sponge Bob lining the walls. Soften the room down, by painting solid color walls, and hanging coordinating pictures. Keep in mind that you are developing their taste, and neatness. Do not clutter walls, and shelfs with awards, instead create an area designed for them, such as a curio cabinet. It's time that your child stay organized. If they like horses, then try using a soft plaid comforter on the bed, with off white walls, and hang a few pictures of horses in the room. Wooden furniture will also allow for a barn look, that any young adult will love.

TIP: Before decorating your child's room, you should talk it over with them. Listen to what they like, and find a happy middle. After all it is their room, and they have to live with it.