Chances are your kids have been spending even more time than usual in their bedrooms, as families continue to hunker down under the national lockdown.

Have you noticed those rooms could do with an update? Or is it high time that they get their own room? Here are five key areas to consider when designing or renovating a child’s bedroom.

  1. SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS

The bed is the most essential piece of furniture in your child’s bedroom. Which one you choose will depend on your budget, available space, and your child’s age and needs.

If budget is top of mind, opt for a more timeless frame bed or base set rather than a themed bed that will need to be replaced as your child matures. And be sure to factor in future furniture needs when you choose the bed size. A double might fit the room now, but once your toddler grows and requires a desk, will there be enough room? If space is an issue, consider bunk beds (for older kids) or a bed with built-in storage or shelving.

Whatever your child’s age, and whatever bed you choose, be sure to add a mattress protector. This will not only protect the mattress from spills and childhood accidents, but will protect your child from dust mite allergens and bacteria. This will ensure a dry, hygienic sleep. Protect-A-Bed mattress protectors are 100% waterproof and allergen-proof, yet are breathable and whisper quiet. They are also fully machine washable and tumble dryer friendly, making them hassle-free to wash.

  1. FURNITURE: WHEN LESS IS MORE

It’s tempting to buy every cute toy box or adorable kid-sized couch, but this can leave a room feeling cluttered. Keep your child’s bedroom simple by choosing only a few functional items that suit their needs. For example, one bedside table rather than two; a desk; a book case.

  1. TIDY-UP TIME

To keep your child’s room a calm and tidy space, storage is essential. If floor space is at a premium, put shelving on walls, especially in seldom-used corners. Boxes and plastic crates will keep toys out of the way and organised. Clear boxes let kids see exactly what’s in each box. Wheeled crates under frame beds make for great out-of-the-way storage. Where possible, keep storage easily accessible, so your child is more likely to use it.

  1. WALLS ARE YOUR CANVAS

Colour is always an important part of a child’s space. However, if your budget or taste sees you opting for a more timeless, neutral palette, you can still introduce colour. Bring colour into the room with throws, cushions and rugs. Alternatively, have one coloured feature wall that’s easy to repaint when an update is needed.

You can also get creative with wall treatments. For example, removable wall transfers and glow-in-the-dark decals are cheap and easy to change. Yet these touches add heaps of character and fun to the room. You can also mask off a section of wall and paint with blackboard paint to make a fun drawing space.

  1. THE LITTLE THINGS

From themed bedside lights to race-track mats, there are a myriad ways for your child’s unique tastes to shine. Round off your decor purchases with personal touches like photos of family and displays of your child’s artwork and certificates to boost their sense of achievement. Display art and certificates in frames or hang with colourful pegs on string secured to the wall. Dedicate some shelf space to things they’ve built or made themselves.