Design Tips For Children's Beds

I was lucky enough to have a Mom and a sister that are both amazing Interior Designers. The one thing my Mom always taught me is to never just buy a bedding set. They are usually expensive and not very creative.

For example, this bedding below is really kind of boring. The point is why buy what someone else put together when you can make something totally original!

Tip 1: Start with a statement piece to build off of
Find something you are in love with, a pillow, a quilt, a duvet and start from there. When we first moved to Virginia my Mother came to visit and surprised me with this gorgeous colorful quilt made by my neighbor. I love having quilts that are made by friends and relatives. Someday I am going to get up the nerve to sew a quilt, but I know they never look as beautiful! I have been holding onto to this one to be the statement piece for Lyla's big girl bed.


 I wanted the bed to be fun and colorful, but I didn't want it to be too bright. I decided that a white duvet would help it be fun, but clean and calm. 

My inspiration came from some of these Pottery Barn Kids bed designs. I liked the way they used the sheets to add a splash of color and quilts at the bottom of the bed.

Tip 2: Look for bedding at multiple stores
Chances are you won't find all of the best stuff or the best prices at one store. (Also you will fall into the trap of buying the set they put together and I know you can make it look better!)  I actually took the quilt around with me to many different stores to find a matching Euro pillow cover. I was so excited when I found this one with the colorful stripes that matched perfectly at Bed, Bath, & Beyond (when you sign up for emails from them they have some great discounts and coupons). The other small pillows I got at TJMaxx for a great price. Other great places to find good bargains on bedding are at Tuesday Morning, Costco, jossandmain.com, and even Target.

Tip 3: Beware of clashing patterns
Too many patterns in a bed will look bad, trust me! If you have a big pattern as the main duvet or blanket choose small patterns as accents or vice versa. Mixing in a solid is also very helpful to the overall look. Now some people might prefer a busy look like this pictured below... but it has too many big bright patterns for my taste.

However, this bed works well because it has a big circle pattern and smaller complimentary patterns as accents.

Tip 4: Don't shy away from Bed skirts
Why? They can really add the finishing touch to the look of a bed. However, I think the best part is you can store stuff under the bed! We all know that you can never have enough storage for kids.

Tip 5: You can never have too many pillows... well maybe
Pillows are fun! Yes it makes it harder to make the bed (my husband complains all the time) but it looks so much better! With pillows you can have fun with different colors, textures, and patterns that really make the bed have a completed look. Here are some examples of a good use of pillows.

Beds should not be ignored but should be the centerpiece of a room. Involve your child in designing the bed with you so it reflects their own style and personality.

I loved how Lyla's bed turned out and hope you found these little tips useful. Please share any more great bedding tips you have below!

-Bre