How to Store Clothes + 9 More Tips for Children's Room Design by IKEA

Recently, a children's room interior zone appeared in the IKEA Khimki store, which was arranged by designers Evgenia Matveenko and Sofya Novikova. We asked the experts to tell more about how to create a cozy and functional space, choose furniture and lighting, and also plan storage systems. And scroll to the end: you'll find an interesting video with instructions on organizing a children's room.

On Choosing Furniture and Decor

Evgenia Matveenko, Designer. Founder of the FlatsDesign architectural bureau

How to Choose Furniture for a Children's Room?

There is a basic set of furniture that should be in any children's room: bed, wardrobe, table, work chair and a sofa or armchair LIXHULT MURBO for guests. What if friends come over for a sleepover?

Always think about safety, especially for children under three years old: to prevent anyone from pinching fingers or swallowing small objects. Also pay attention to the eco-friendliness of materials. For example, furniture from the STUVA series is designed so that even small children can easily use it. In addition, the sections can be assembled almost up to the ceiling - this is convenient in a small room.

What Colors to Choose?

Children like simple and light shades. Therefore, it's better to choose pastel tones. For the interior decoration in the video, we selected soft blue and pink colors.

What About Textiles?

Textiles should also be made of natural materials with the use of safe dyes. I buy bedding from IKEA for my own children because I am not afraid of the quality.

Let textiles match in color with your interior. You can use bedding as a bright accent. For example, white furniture from the STUVA series and vibrant textiles from the LATTÖ collection will go well together.

What You Need to Know About Lighting?

Don't forget to plan several lighting scenarios in a children's room:

• general light;
• for reading;
• for studying;
• for playing;
• for bedtime.

Pay attention to how your child reads: some like to read lying on their stomach, others half-sitting. Some write with their left hand, so the light should fall from the right, and vice versa if they're right-handed - then it should come from the left.

Pay attention to the safety of products: there are no sharp edges, small parts, hot surfaces, holes or hooks in the KROKUS lamps. Don't forget to mount the lamp cords to the wall.

Another important point: the desk should be placed next to a window where there is more natural light. An example of a convenient desk for schoolchildren is the MICKE, and for younger children - the PÅL.

How to Choose Decor?

Think about what your child is interested in. You can organize a display wall using IKEA RIBBA or FIXBUX frames and give your child the opportunity to fill them in themselves.

On Storage Systems

Sofya Novikova, Expert. Designer at IKEA Khimki Store

How to Store Clothes in a Children's Room?

• Capacity and Functionality. Consider the age of your child and their lifestyle. For a small child, a small chest or space in parents' wardrobe is enough. For proper storage of schoolchild's things, it’s better to allocate more space: not only for clothes but also for hobbies (swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, dancing).
• Convenience of Storage. If you find a storage system that suits you, it will be easier to keep the room tidy. Also, the child will learn independence faster: they will simply put things away.
• Multi-functionality. Choose solutions that can be easily changed. For example, the modular STUVA storage system can grow with your child, and the room will easily transform. It's not necessary to buy all furniture in advance; you can gradually change the space - all modules blend harmoniously with each other.

Where to Put Bulky Items?

There are at least two ways: hide them or, on the contrary, show them. For hiding, use space near tall wardrobes. Here you can store tall and narrow items like skis in a cover or snowboard (try hanging them on hooks or limiting with console shelves). You can also use smart furniture: for example, the MALM bed with a lifting mechanism.

Try using the space above the ceiling, over wardrobes. To keep items there dust-free, place them in containers that fit the size and label them so you don’t forget what’s inside.

Alternatively, bulky items can be stored in plain sight. If you have a balcony, make use of it, but don't clutter it. It's useful to hang bicycles on BRÄNDBURS hooks to free up floor space. Skis can also be placed on ceiling hooks - until it's time for them, they won't bother anyone. For skateboards or snowboards, you can attach console shelves EKBY or SCREW hooks.

How and Where to Store Toys?

Toys usually occupy the most space. It's important that it's easy for a child to tidy them up themselves. It's best to use containers - on wheels, transparent, with lids, such as VESSELAS, so you can see what's inside.

You can use the space under the bed: toy baskets and TROFAST containers are perfect for storing construction sets. If children collect dolls, cars or transformers and don’t want to put them in a box at any cost, you can organize vertical storage with narrow shallow shelves MÖSSLÄNDA.

How to Organize a Study Area?

Plan how the workspace will change with your child: this will save time and money on buying new items. For example, the STUVA changing table can become a workspace for an older child, and a stool from the same series can serve as a desk for a toddler or storage space (you can place baskets or drawers underneath).

Don’t forget about ergonomics: proper posture helps avoid health problems. A comfortable work chair, footrest DAGOTTO (helps reduce leg strain), and a desk mat SKVALLRÅ (helps reduce hand strain when writing) - all these details matter and directly affect the child's love for school and concentration.

Useful Lifehack for Smart Storage

To make every centimeter of the wardrobe or closet useful, use inserts in drawers. Almost every IKEA storage system has organizers designed for it. For the STUVA system, there are several series - RASLÖ, ANGELÉGEN and NOYSÉM. They help keep things in order.