How to Store Clothes + 9 More Tips for Kids' Room Design from IKEA

Recently, a children's room interior zone appeared in the IKEA Kimki store, which was arranged by designers Evgenia Matveenko and Sofya Novikova. We asked experts to tell more about how to create a cozy and functional space, choose furniture and lighting, and plan storage systems. Scroll down 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: a bed, wardrobe, table, study chair, and a sofa or armchair LIKSELE MURBO for guests. What if friends come over for a sleepover?

Always think about safety, especially for children under three years old: to avoid 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, which is convenient in a small room.

What Colors to Choose?

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

And What About Textiles?

Textiles should also be made of natural materials with safe dyes. I buy bedding from IKEA for my own children because I don't worry about the quality.

Let the textiles match the color of your interior. You can use bedding as a bright accent. For example, white furniture from the STUVA series and vibrant textiles from the LATTÖ line will blend well.

What 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 prefer 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 use their right hand — 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 study desk should be placed next to a window with the most natural light. A convenient desk for school-age children is MICKE, and for younger kids — PÅL.

How to Choose Decor?

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

On Storage Systems

Sofya Novikova, Expert. Designer at IKEA Kimki Store

How to Store Clothes in a Children's Room?

• Capacity and Functionality. Consider the child's age and lifestyle. For a small child, a small dresser or space in the parents' wardrobe is sufficient. For full storage for school-age children, 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 your needs, it will be easier to maintain order in the room. In addition, a child will learn independence faster: it will be easy for them to put things away.
• Multi-functionality. Choose solutions that can be easily changed. For example, the modular STUVA storage system can grow with the 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 Place Oversized Items?

There are at least two options: hide them or, on the contrary, show them. For hiding, use the space next to a tall wardrobe. Here you can store tall and narrow items like skis in cases or snowboards (try hanging them on hooks or limiting with consoles). You can also use smart furniture, such as the MALM bed with a lifting mechanism.

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

Alternatively, you can store oversized items on display. If you have a balcony, use it too but don't clutter it. It's convenient to use BRÄNDBY hooks: hang a bicycle and free up floor space. Skis can also be placed on ceiling hooks — until their time comes, 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 take up the most space. It's important that a child can easily tidy them up by themselves. It's best to use containers — on wheels, transparent, with lids, such as VESSEL, so you can see what's inside.

You can use the space under the bed: toy baskets and containers TROFAST are perfect for storing construction sets. If children collect dolls, cars, or transformers and won't give them up, you can organize vertical storage with narrow, shallow shelves MÖSSLENDA.

How to Organize a Study Zone?

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

Don't forget about ergonomics: proper posture helps avoid health problems. A comfortable study chair, footrest DAGOBBY (helps reduce load on legs), a table mat SKVALLRA (helps reduce strain on the wrist when writing) — all details matter and directly affect a child's love for school and concentration.

Useful Lifehack for Smart Storage

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