Has your little one outgrown their nursery? Are they begging for a big-kid room? If you’re thinking about redecorating your child’s room, you may be wondering how to do it in a way that meets their needs but also fits your budget. We’ll show you how to create a space your child will love and what parts of the room you should focus your budget on. From getting them involved in the process to choosing the best bedroom furniture, here are our top tips for redecorating your child’s room.

1) Get Your Child’s Input

Before making any decisions, it’s essential to involve your child in the process. So talk to your child about their vision for the space. Before shopping for new furniture or painting walls, sit down with your child and ask them what they would like their room to look like. Do they have a favorite color? What kind of style are they drawn to? Try looking at pictures online together and see what they gravitate toward.

Don’t be afraid to challenge their ideas during this process. According to studies, it will benefit their brain development and help them make better decisions later. This is because when children face conflicting information, they’re forced to reconcile it and think critically about what they believe.

That sounds more complicated than it needs to be. Here’s a simple example. Let’s say your child wants to paint their room pink because it’s their favorite color. But they’re notorious in your household for having rotating favorite colors of the week. Instead of just saying no, you can explain that pink is a great color, but maybe they would like to consider other colors too. Then, help them brainstorm a few different options or how pink could be included in other ways.

2) Paint Is Your Friend

One of the quickest and most budget-friendly ways to change the look of a room is with paint. You can easily find affordable paint at any home improvement store. A gallon or two will usually be enough to cover an entire room. Remember that while your child’s input is important, you want to choose paint colors they’ll still like as they grow. So try to avoid extremely trendy colors or characters and stick with more timeless options. Also, consider the boldness of the paint and how hard it will be to repaint when your child wants a change.

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3) Choose Furniture That Grows with Them

As your child grows, their furniture needs will change. So instead of buying a new bed and dresser every few years, look for pieces that can grow with them. Bunk beds are an excellent option for kids sharing a room, and many can easily be converted to twin beds when your children get older. Dressers with removable drawers or adjustable shelving are also helpful as your child’s storage needs change.

4) Invest in Quality Bedding

One area where it’s worth splurging a little is bedding. Comfortable mattresses and high-quality sheets will help your child sleep well, and it’s something they’ll use every day. Bedding comforters are another essential but an opportunity for you to have some fun with your child’s room. You can let them pick out a pattern or design that they love, and it will add some personality to the space. Of course, you can change the comforter as your child’s tastes change, but a good mattress will last for years. Opt for natural fibers like cotton or linen, and look for high thread counts to ensure durability and comfort.

5) Get Creative with Storage

One of the biggest challenges when redecorating a child’s room is finding ways to keep the space organized and tidy. Get creative with storage by repurposing items you already have or by shopping secondhand.

For example, an old dresser can be repainted and used as a toy chest, or vintage suitcases can be stacked and used as a bedside table. Repurposing items is also an excellent opportunity to get your child involved. For example, have them help you sand down furniture or apply paint to give the space their own personal touch.

6) Add Textures 

Textures add interest and depth to a room. You can add texture to a room by layering different fabrics or adding rugs, blankets or pillows in different textures and colors. Texture can also be added through wall art, such as tapestries or textured wallpapers. These can be swapped out easily as your child’s tastes change, and they’re a great way to add some personality to the space.

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7) Shop Secondhand at Thrift Stores

Furniture and decor items can be expensive, but you can find great deals on secondhand or thrifted items in-store and online. In fact, according to news reports, this is a preferred option for many Americans looking to save money on their home decor.

Shopping secondhand is also great for finding unique pieces that add personality to your child’s room. However, inspect items carefully for any damage before you buy, and remember that you can always repaint or reupholster furniture if needed. We like looking for pieces that can be easily repainted or upcycled to match a room’s decor. You can also find affordable secondhand decor items at garage sales or flea markets, such as lamps and picture frames.

Many items won’t need much to be brought back to life, so don’t be afraid to get creative. A little bit of paint or new hardware can go a long way. Plus, it’s a great lesson in sustainability for your child. Reusing and repurposing items is a great way to reduce waste and teach your child about environmental responsibility.

8) DIY Where You Can

One final great way to stay on budget and create a great space is to DIY where you can. If you’re handy, consider building some of the furniture yourself — like a bed frame or bookcase. Not confident in your carpentry skills? There are plenty of other ways to DIY like stenciling or sponging patterns on tired old furniture or right onto the walls.

Not only will DIYing save you money, but it’ll also give the space a personal touch you couldn’t get from store-bought items. If your child is old enough, you can get them involved as a learning opportunity. They’ll love seeing their vision come to life and take pride in knowing they helped create their own space. Plus, they’ll walk away with new skills you helped them develop.

Final Thoughts

Redecorating your child’s room doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With some planning and creativity, you can create a space your child will love without breaking the bank.

Get creative with storage, shop secondhand and DIY where you can to save money. Also, don’t forget to involve your child in the process — they’ll love seeing their vision come to life. And finally, everything you do together can be both a lesson and a great memory, so be sure to enjoy the process!