As your little one transitions from baby to toddler to big kid, their room may need a few small updates to make them feel at home. Children grow so quickly that you don’t have time to redecorate at every stage, but you can make simple swaps that will help create a big kid bedroom that grows with them. Here are some small ways to turn a child's nursery into a toddler-friendly space.

Make Important Furniture Swaps

Start by making a few essential furniture swaps in their current nursery, replacing baby furniture with items fit for a child's room. Remove the changing table and crib to make space for their new bed and new dresser. You can choose between a toddler bed, a toddler rail kit, a twin-size bed, or bunk beds depending on your child's needs and the floor area available. Keep in mind that a horizontal dresser is preferable to a vertical one because it allows your child to easily reach their clothes.

Design the Layout

When designing the layout of a big-kid room, we suggest placing the bed in a corner to free up more floor space for a small play area. Additionally, you can create a cozy reading nook with a small bookshelf to support your imaginative kid. By thoughtfully arranging the room, you can make it both a beautiful and safe place for your growing child.

Choose a Playful Wallpaper Together

Selecting a fun wallpaper together is a fun and engaging way to involve your child in their room transformation. If you anticipate changing the wallpaper in a few years, try removable peel and stick wallpaper. Rather than selecting specific characters that your little one will quickly outgrow, incorporate their favorite color and a general style that reflects their personality. Adding personalized touches in the rest of the room such as name plaques can also make the new room feel uniquely theirs.

Books and Toy Storage

As they grow, young children will begin to appreciate their growing collection of toys and books. To keep everything organized in their play space, invest in solid storage solutions. In a nursery, these can be mounted to the wall, like in this recent project. However, for little kids, you should aim to install shelving units with easy access to their favorite items. We also recommend buying a few baskets to store small toys and books. These storage options not only help maintain tidiness but also encourage your child to help in cleaning up.

Add a Crafts Table/Reading Desk

Finally, adding a small crafts table or reading desk is always a good idea. This addition will serve as a creative space for arts and crafts and can easily transition into a homework desk as your child grows older. Providing a dedicated area for in-room activities will help create a more productive and focused environment.

To create a smooth transition, we encourage including your child in the design decision-making. We always try to get even our smallest clients involved with the selection of furniture and color scheme, incorporating their favorite things. It is their room, after all! This collaborative approach to design not only makes the simple changes more exciting for your child, but also fosters a sense of pride in their personalized, new space.