Seven Ways to Decorate a Child's Room

One of nine chapters in the new TNH eBook, Budget Home Decorating.

hen starting any project where a child is concerned, get them involved. What you need to remember is that this is their room-the only space in the house that is really theirs and not yours-and you want the space to reflect just who they are and what they love. So grab a pen and some paper (as your child is likely to come up with hundreds of ideas) and get talking!

1. Choose the wall color carefully. It is important that you pick a color that matches the theme that you have chosen to make sure that everything complements and looks like they belong together.

2. If you want to add a splash of color to a child's room, and do not want to repaint, then add a solid colored rug.

3. Make curtains out of inexpensive cotton muslin and let your child decorate them with fabric paint! It's inexpensive and unique, and lets your child feel really in charge of the decorating.

4. Purchase a new light or lampshade to match the theme. This is a great way of adding a new look to your child's room, as well as being a cost effective way of reducing the light they use in their rooms. You could also buy a plain lampshade and then get some acrylic paints and let your child decorate it himself.

5. If you want to have a comforter that will compliment your child's bedroom, but cannot afford to buy a whole new bedding set, buy some flat sheets (only cost a few dollars and come in a wide range of colors) and sew them together for duvet covers. You can also use flat sheets for simple curtains and pillow cases which will compliment the dÈcor of the room. If you're lucky the existing hemming will already work for you!

6.Personalize their walls. Photographs of friends, family and pets in simple frames make for a warm and happy wall your child will love.

7. Create a "comfort zone." All you need are some big pillows, an inexpensive plush or inflatable chair, or a chair that's no longer needed in another room in the house (consider a slipcover or throw if it doesn't match the chosen theme for the room). Just make sure that it is something your child will enjoy sitting on and relaxing in. Place a bookshelf or basket close by and stock it with favorites.