To a child, a bedroom is more than a place to sleep. It’s a launchpad for adventures, a city to explore, or a hideaway where a little imagination can take them far. Designing a space that encourages wonder—but still keeps everything organized enough to handle everyday life—is a balancing act. It all starts with seeing the room from a different perspective.
Above, watch as House Beautiful Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie shows how IKEA makes it easy to design a room that works for both kids and grown-ups. The secret? Think at their level. When furniture and storage are scaled to a child’s height, everyday tasks become opportunities for independence. A reachable spot for corralling toys, such as the house-shaped VITBJÖRN storage unit, or a kid-friendly cactus-shaped clothes stand can encourage little ones to take ownership of their space (and maybe even put things away without being asked).
Since kids spend so much time on the floor, rugs help define distinct zones for imaginative play. The nature-inspired GREJSIMOJS rug creates a soft landing for “wilderness” adventures, while a cityscape style like the HUSSPARV rug turns the floor into a metropolis of its own.
And don’t underestimate the power of a small hideaway corner. The KURA reversible bed can be raised to create a nook that becomes a private retreat for reading, playing, or simply letting the imagination run wild. The coordinating screen can be added to create a cozy, secret hideaway (and tuck any mess out of sight) or removed when it’s time to open up the playspace.
The best kids’ rooms create magic without sacrificing practicality. Watch the video to see how to bring this idea to life with IKEA finds that make room for both.
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