Keep rooms as tidy as they can be with our range of storage ideas for children's rooms
(Image credit: Orthex/A Place for Everything)
Combating mess in a child's room can be like fighting a losing battle. Every time you think it's done, another thing thing pops up and chaos reigns.
While these spaces need to feel owned by the child – a space for refuge or identity away from the hustle and bustle of shared living spaces – a certain order is absolutely necessary and enforcing the rules about keeping owned spaces clean is an important life lesson.
Below, we will delve into the best designs we have seen for children's bedrooms, catering for all ages and in particular looking at how storage can be adapted as they grow older, so you're not having to re-buy furniture every couple of years.
What to prioritise when looking for storage for children's rooms?
Kids' bedrooms and playrooms are more than just spaces to sleep or stow away toys. We need to remember that floorspace is key to allowing them to enact their imaginative games and having storage that will encourage a clear space for more fun (perhaps with designs that encourage themes, such as under-the-sea or castles) will be a huge help when it comes to tidy-up time.
This kind of bedroom storage must be practical and, usually, with a single allocated use, such as a low set of shelves for books, a wicker bin for toys and under-bed pull-outs for bulkier games. This dedicated and set use for storage (in theory) will empower the users to not just put things down, but, crucially, put them away.
1. Keep storage open for often-used items
The greens and whites of this pre-teen bedroom is continued by the open shelf storage choice, plus the lovely wicker baskets match the pendant shade and complement the theme of nature. (Image credit: Shelved)
For the most beloved and well-used toys, games and accessories, keep a clear line of sight between where it will be used and where it is supposed to be put away.
"Toy storage doesn’t have to be bulky and there are plenty of styles to fit with any décor," explains Simon Glanville, managing director at A Place for Everything. "The key to decluttering kids clothes and toys is exactly the same as those for the grown-ups! Make sure it’s accessible and opt for versatile storage where you can."
This relaxed storage system is a good example that everything doesn't have to be completely packed away to functionally get loose items off the floor. In fact, just like adults with treasured objects and belongings, it can be very comforting for children to have easy access and a line of sight to beloved toys.
Simon Glanville
Simon Glanville has lived and breathed storage for over 20 years, growing the storage and organisational retailer 'A Place for Everything' from an initial bricks and mortar store in Chester. When it comes to practical and stylish storage solutions, there's very little Simon can't help with.
2. Theme storage in kids' rooms to blend in
Window seats under dormers or within bays are a great spot of some sneaky extra storage. (Image credit: Dan Duchars Ltd)
Commit with storage in kids' rooms with themes. Whether it's simple a colour palette or a novelty theme - such as a circus or fairytale land - boxes, bookshelves and bins will feel more at home in a complementing choice, and feel more fun to use them as they are intended.
Just think, isn't it more fun to dump LEGO into a shark's mount rather than a plastic bin when the room is decorated like under the sea? Also, wouldn't it be more appealling as children turn to teenagers and their style is relfected in practical items?
Here, the fun, nautical theme of this room has been subtly imprinted on the storage decisions. From the rope handle for under the bed pull-outs to the storage in the eaves concealed with tongue-and-groove panelling.
3. Consider muiti-use furniture
Painting the room's furniture the same bright colour has made this room feel fun and welcoming. (Image credit: Painted Furniture Company)
If space is tight designing in multiply uses for a single piece of furniture is an incredibly smart choice.
Ideas could be as simple as using a toy box with a padded top as a place to sit and read or as complex as this loft bed that crams in double-door storage at the end, a useful desk (complete with a spot for stationary), and drawers for clothing down the side.
4. Look for longevity as kids get older
(Image credit: Ikea)
Let's not forget that kids don't stay kids for very long. Bedrooms are an important place to grow, so your storage choices must grow alongside them.
Repainting or repurposing old furniture is also a more sustainable - and cost-effective – path than buying new storage every couple of years.
This pre-teen's bedroom includes furniture that has been themed around their current interested, but, crucially, the storage is in a colour and design that can be adapted over the years.
5. Get kids involved in what goes where
Clear plastic boxes and a tried-and-true storage option, but think about how you can personalise them for your child and their interests. (Image credit: Orthex/A Place for Everything)
"Toy storage needs to work on several levels – it’s great to be able to put it all away from view (especially fiddly pieces like LEGO or beads) but you need to be able to find it all again!" informs Craig Sammells of the Orthex Group. "Transparent storage works perfectly as you can see at a glance what the contents is.
"You can also buy inserts to split boxes up. You can write on them too, or with ranges like baskets you can buy additional hard plastic tags which you can write on/wipe off. That’s great for smaller kids learning to read too as they can find their own toys – and even put them away!"
Craig Sammells
Craig Sammells is country manager for the UK and Ireland at one of Scandinavia’s biggest storage manufacturers, Orthex Group. Craig has worked with retailers to create a collection of products under the group’s SmartStore brand that is perfect for UK consumers’ love of decluttering. As it's made from either fully recycled or recyclable plastic, it’s perfect for eco-conscious consumers too.
6. Outsource some toys to other areas of the house
(Image credit: A Place for Everything)
Just because kids come with a lot of bulky toys, doesn't mean it's their responsibility to hide it all away in their bedroom. Indeed, it is sometimes better to remove the more stimulating and disruptive items to other spaces in the house. Plus, let's face it, it's easier to keep a space tidy if there is physically less to store!
"For seasonal toys and games (or ones they’re not quite sure they want to part with yet), choose waterproof plastic boxes that you can store in the garage or loft, says Simon Glanville.
"Opt for vertical storage so footballs on wire stands, gaming controllers on holders and bespoke racking for scooters and skateboards – great in the garage, shed or even hallway. The perfect option if space is limited."
7. Let storage evolve as kids grow older
When a controller is in use, this stand will feel incomplete and entirely visible, encouraging users to replace it when finished. (Image credit: A Place for Everything)
Storage for kids doesn't just end when they put down the Barbies, but merely adapts and grows with new hobbies and interests. Smart storage is simply offering a neat alternative to dropping it where they stand – even if it is only used when their friends come over!
For instance, games consoles in bedrooms come with a fair amount of accessories. Here, the controllers are not stowed away, making them difficult to find and access (which can be a real sticking point when it comes to putting them away again), but they're displayed in a orderly fashion. The same could be done with accessories and the physical games boxes.
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Assistant Editor Amy began working for Homebuilding & Renovating in 2018. She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. She is currently renovating a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, and has recently fitted her own kitchen.
