When you decorated your baby’s nursery, you may not have realized how fast time would fly. Now, your little one is no longer a baby, and it’s time to transform their room into a toddler-friendly space. To help, we’ve compiled 74 toddler room ideas to inspire you.
Table of contents
- Safety first
- Toddler room ideas: Themes to try
- Toddler room ideas: Simple decor changes
- Toddler room ideas: Playtime paradise
- Toddler room ideas: Storage
- Toddler room ideas: Sleep environment
- Ideas for a small toddler room
- Toddler room ideas: Allow for growth
- More toddler room ideas
Safety first
Before we get into our ideas for creating a comfy, cozy space for your toddler, it’s important to talk about the safety concerns you need to take into consideration.
Use furniture anchors.
Toddlers love climbing and often try to scale their dresser, bookshelf, or crib. Unfortunately, many children have been seriously injured or killed by furniture tipping over on them.
To prevent accidents, secure all furniture to the wall using furniture anchors.
Cover electrical outlets.
Cover any unused electrical outlets in your toddler’s room. Then they won’t be able to stick their fingers in and get shocked.
Choose a breathable mattress.
Choose a breathable mattress when it’s time to transition your toddler from a crib to a bed.
The Newton Baby Crib Mattress will work fine if you move your little one to a toddler bed. Check out our Kids’ Twin Mattress if you want a bigger size.
Keep cords out of reach.
Toddlers are notoriously curious and love to play with anything they can get their hands on. Keep any cords from blinds, curtains, or electronics out of reach or secured safely away.
Install window guards.
If your toddler’s room has openable windows, install window guards or locks to prevent them from accidentally falling out.
Consider a door alarm.
Once your toddler is tall enough to reach the doorknob, there’s not much preventing them from wandering out of their room. Consider installing a door alarm so you’ll know if they open the door.
Another option is to install a baby gate at the top and bottom of stairs or in any doorways of rooms you don’t want them to explore unsupervised.
Keep small things out of reach.
Toddlers are prone to putting everything in their mouths, so ensure all choking hazards are out of reach.
Use a night light.
Once you move your little one to a toddler bed, they test the boundaries of their newfound independence by playing in the middle of the night. Using a night light can help prevent any accidents during the night.
Put the bed on the floor.
Move your toddler into a floor bed or a bed with safety rails to help prevent falls. If you choose to put your toddler’s mattress directly on the floor, make sure there’s plenty of space on each side to keep them from getting stuck.
Toddler room ideas: Themes to try
Try one of these fun themes if you’re ready for something completely different from the nursery.
1) Animal kingdom
From jungle animals to friendly farm creatures, there are countless ways to incorporate animals into your toddler’s room.
2) Under the sea
Transform your toddler’s room into an underwater wonderland with a mermaid or ocean theme. Use shades of blue and green for the walls and add some sea creature plush toys.
3) Superheroes
If your little one is obsessed with superheroes, why not bring their favorite characters to life in their room? Decorate with posters and bedding with superhero motifs.
4) Polka dots
For a simple theme, pick one wall and add colorful polka dots to it. Then, select coordinating bedding and other decor to tie everything together.
5) Space adventure
Let your little one blast into outer space with a space-themed room. Remember to put some glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling!
6) Storybook wonderland
Ignite a love of reading in your toddler with a storybook-themed room. Choose a specific book or incorporate elements from various childhood classics.
7) Transportation
Celebrate your toddler’s love of wheels and things that go with a transportation-themed room. You can use wall decals of cars, trains, and planes and incorporate toy vehicles as decor.
8) Pops of color
Paint the walls neutral colors and use pops of bright, bold colors throughout the room with your bedding, rug, and art choices.
9) The great outdoors
Bring the outdoors in with a nature-inspired theme. Use earthy tones on the walls and select artwork that features landscapes, plants, and animals.
10) Jurassic era
Stegosaurus, brontosaurus, and t-rex, oh my! Tons of toddlers love dinosaurs, so capture their interests with a dinosaur-themed bedroom. You can incorporate large leaves, volcanos, and more.
11) Black and white
Black and white are timeless colors that never go out of style. For a bold contrast, paint one wall black and the others white.
12) Boho inspired
With macrame wall hangings and a canopied bed, you can create a boho bedroom that any free-spirited kiddo would love. Opt for a bright color scheme, and don’t forget to add a little texture to the space with some simple rattan furniture.
13) Wild west
For an adventurous twist, try a Wild West theme. Think cowboy hats, bandanas, and a rocking horse. For added decor, you can also add some faux cacti and a teepee.
14) Quote-Inspired
If a quote or saying reminds you of your toddler, integrate it into the bedroom and create a custom theme around it. Your little one will have a one-of-a-kind room!
Toddler room ideas: Simple decor changes
These simple ideas will help you spruce up your toddler’s bedroom without doing a complete overhaul.
15) Bold colors
A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in your toddler’s room. Go for a bright, bold color on at least one wall.
16) Artwork
Encourage your child’s creativity by displaying their artwork in their room. Use frames or hang them with decorative clips for an ever-changing gallery wall.
17) A soft rug
Add coziness and warmth to the room by placing a soft rug on the floor.
18) A cozy canopy
A canopy over the bed gives the room a cozy, whimsical feel and creates a fun hiding spot!
19) Growth chart
Track your little one’s growth with a fun and stylish growth chart.
20) Lighting
Add a touch of magic to your toddler’s room by hanging fairy lights or other fun light sources.
21) Window treatments
Installing new window treatments can drastically change the look of the room.
22) Toddler-approved bedding
Give your toddler a voice in their room by asking them to pick out their bedding. They can safely use pillows and blankets if they’re over one year old.
23) Fun wall decals
Wall decals are an easy, temporary way to add character to your child’s room. The installation process is straightforward, and you’ll have plenty of designs to choose from.
24) Their name on display
Personalize your child’s bedroom by displaying their name. Choose colors and fonts that match the vibe you’re going for.
25) Image projection
With an inexpensive projector, you can display the stars or northern lights across your child’s ceiling. Just be sure to keep this little device on a high shelf to keep it away from curious little hands.
26) DIY projects
Get creative and involve your toddler in some fun DIY projects for their bedroom. You could:
- Make colorful wall art using finger paint
- Create a photo wall with their favorite pictures and memories
- Use washi tape to create patterns on the walls
- Make a “big kid” mobile with colorful pom-poms or paper cutouts
Involving your child in these projects will add a personal touch to their room.
27) Mirror, mirror on the wall
A full-length play mirror allows your child to see themselves and practice self-recognition. It can also be a fun addition to a dress-up or imaginative play area.
Toddler room ideas: Playtime paradise
Make your toddler’s room a place they want to be with these playful elements.
28) Indoor slide
Set up a small indoor slide in your toddler’s room for endless fun and physical activity.
29) Play couch
Your toddler will have a blast with a Newton X Figgy Play Couch in their room.
30) Teepee
Add a playful touch to your toddler’s room with a teepee or play tent. They can use it as a reading nook, pretend camping spot, or fort.
31) Toddler-accessible bookshelf
To encourage reading, create a bookshelf at your toddler's level. Use colorful bins or baskets to organize their library and make it easy for them to pick out their favorites.
32) Dress-up corner
Fill a storage bin with costumes, hats, and accessories for your child to try on. They’ll love having a supply of dress-up clothes for imaginative play.
33) Toy kitchen
For toddlers who love to “cook,” a toy kitchen is a perfect addition to their room. Stock a nearby shelf with toy food and let them serve imaginary meals.
34) Chalkboard wall
Use chalkboard paint and create a place for your toddler to draw. Note: Since some chalkboard paint can be harmful to breathe in, choose low-VOC or non-toxic chalkboard paint.
35) Simple art station
Inspire your child’s creativity with an art station. Include different colors of paper and colored pencils. For your sanity, save the markers, crayons, and other art supplies for supervised art time.
36) Sensory elements
Toddlers love to touch and explore different textures. Consider adding playful sensory elements to their room, such as a hanging swing, soft rug, or squish bean bag chairs.
37) Play table
A small play table and chairs make the perfect spot for your child to work on puzzles or play with toys.
Toddler room ideas: Storage
Organizing your toddler’s room is much easier if everything has a home. Here are some suggestions that’ll help keep things tidy.
38) Wicker baskets
Wicker baskets add a soft touch to the room. Fill them with blankets, toys, or books.
39) Handy shelves
Install shelves to take advantage of the vertical space in your toddler’s room. Go for a whole bookcase, or just hang a few floating shelves.
40) Cabinets with doors
If you want to hide clutter or keep certain toys out of sight, cabinets with doors are a great option.
41) Wall hooks
Wall hooks are perfect for hanging hats, dress-up clothes, bags, or towels.
42) Space-saving furniture
If your toddler’s room is small, space-saving furniture can help. The Hudson 3-Drawer Changer Dresser is a 3-drawer dresser, storage cabinet, and changing table all in one.
43) Cute storage bins
Toy boxes can be bulky and take up a lot of space. Consider using storage bins or baskets instead, which can easily be stacked when not in use.
44) Stuffy net
Toddlers and stuffed animals go together like peanut butter and jelly. If their room is overflowing with cute stuffies, hang a net to keep them in.
Make sure to hang the net high enough that your toddler can’t reach it and possibly get tangled up.
45) Kid-friendly laundry hamper
Keep your toddler’s room tidy by having a designated laundry hamper for their dirty clothes.
46) Under-bed storage
If your child’s bed isn’t on the floor, use the space underneath for storage. Measure your space and find under-bed storage containers that’ll fit, or pick a bed with drawers underneath. Then, you may be able to eliminate the dresser and give your child more space to play.
47) Clothesline display
Make it simple to display your child’s recent art projects with a simple clothesline. You can stretch it across one wall and use a clothespin or two to hold each masterpiece.
Toddler room ideas: Sleep environment
Integrate these toddler room ideas to create a sleep-promoting haven for your little one.
48) Comfortable temperature
Keep your child’s room comfortable year-round. Aim for 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
49) White noise
White noise machines or apps can help drown out household noises that might disrupt your toddler’s sleep.
50) A clutter-free space
A clutter-free bedroom promotes sleep. Put away toys and other items before bedtime so your child isn’t tempted to play.
51) Blackout curtains.
When picking your window treatments, opt for blackout curtains to encourage sleep.
52) Mattress pad
If you’re in the potty training phase, waterproof mattress pads can help you quickly take care of nighttime accidents so your little one can get back to sleep.
53) Bedding that cools
Newton Baby Breathable Organic Cotton Sheets are made from super-soft, breathable material that will help keep your baby from overheating.
54) Dimmable lights
Bright lights are a no-no at bedtime. Help your child prepare for sleep with dimmable lights or nightlights.
55) Soft, cozy blankets
Choose soft, breathable blankets to comfort your toddler as they drift off to sleep.
Ideas for a small toddler room
If your toddler’s room is small, these ideas can help you make the most of it.
56) Go vertical.
Use wall shelves or hanging organizers to maximize storage without taking up too much floor space.
57) Get creative with the closet.
Use a combination of hanging rods and cube shelving to make the most of a small closet. Hanging your toddler’s clothing out of reach can prevent them from emptying their entire wardrobe onto the floor.
58) Keep it simple.
Avoid clutter and too many decorative items that can make a small room feel even smaller. Stick to functional, necessary pieces of furniture.
59) Use a foldable travel crib.
How much more space would your toddler have if their bed wasn’t in the way? If you make a foldable Travel Crib & Play Yard their main sleeping area, you can quickly disassemble it whenever you need more floor space.
60) Install a wall-mounted bookshelf.
Ditch the bulky bookcase and install book storage on the wall instead.
61) Embrace multi-purpose furniture.
Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as an ottoman with storage or a dresser with a changing table.
62) Prioritize empty floor space.
A small toddler room can quickly feel cramped with too much furniture. Prioritize what you need and leave as much open floor space as possible for your little one to play on.
63) Stick with neutral colors.
Neutral colors like beige, white, or gray can make a small room feel more spacious and airy.
Toddler room ideas: Allowing for growth
Before you know it, your little one will be getting ready for elementary school. These toddler room ideas allow for growth and can easily be adapted as your child ages.
64) Invest in timeless furniture pieces.
Choose furniture that’ll grow with your child, such as the Sprout Convertible Crib. This 4-in-1 crib can be turned into a toddler bed, daybed, and then a full-sized bed, which means it can last for years.
65) Avoid characters.
As much as your toddler may love a specific cartoon character right now, avoid using them when decorating their room.
Ask yourself, "Is my child still going to really love this in two or three years?" The answer is probably no — they’ll have a new favorite by then. Stick to more timeless themes and colors.
66) Use removable wall decals.
If you decide to put decals on the wall, pick ones you can easily remove in the future. As your child’s tastes change, you can swap them out without redoing the entire room.
67) Opt for a twin bed.
For many kids, the path to a twin bed involves three steps: crib, toddler bed, twin bed. However, that’s not the only option. Consider skipping the toddler bed and going straight to a twin bed with side rails. This route can save money and eliminate an extra transition for your child.
Remember to pick up a couple of Waterproof Organic Twin Mattress Pads to protect the mattress from potty-training accidents!
More toddler room ideas
Finally, here is a collection of toddler room ideas that don’t fit nicely into the other categories.
68) Make it a space you enjoy being in.
Your toddler isn’t the only one who’ll spend time in this room. Make sure you create a space you enjoy, too.
This could mean incorporating a few of your favorite colors, adding a cozy chair for story time, or including a small desk to work at while your toddler plays nearby.
69) Incorporate educational elements.
Toddlers are like sponges, soaking up information and learning new things every day. Consider incorporating educational elements into their room, such as alphabet or number wall decals, a world map or globe, or a bookshelf filled with high-quality, age-appropriate books.
70) Add a fancy light.
Although not a traditional choice for a toddler’s room, adding a small chandelier or another fancy light fixture can add a touch of whimsy and elegance to the space. Ensure it’s installed safely and out of your toddler’s reach.
71) Incorporate a secret passage.
What toddler wouldn’t love a secret passage in their room? This could be a hidden door behind a bookshelf, a crawl space under the bed, a joint closet passage to their sibling’s room, or even a tiny nook built into the wall.
72) Decorate the ceiling.
When your toddler is in bed, they’re likely staring up at the ceiling as they drift off to sleep. Make it more interesting by decorating this oft-forgotten space.
You could:
- Paint a mural
- Hang dream catchers
- Hang paper clouds
- Add a skylight
73) Add built-ins.
If you have unused wall space, consider adding a custom built-in for extra storage or play space. This could be a window seat with hidden storage, a mini playhouse built into the wall, or shelves and cubbies for organizing toys and books.
74) Get their input.
Toddlers are full of personality. Get their input on the room's design by asking them to help choose colors, patterns, and decor items. Knowing their room reflects their unique interests can help make the transition to a new space easier.
Help your toddler sleep better with Newton.
These toddler room ideas can create a cozy, inviting space for your little one. But no matter how you design the room, remember that Newton can help your child stay comfortable while they sleep.
Our crib and twin mattresses are made from our patented Wovenaire® core that promotes a breathable, non-toxic sleeping space. You’ll be able to rest easily knowing your toddler has a personalized (and safe) room.
Happy decorating!
