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

Recently, a children's room interior zone appeared at the IKEA store in Khimki, designed 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 plan storage systems. And scroll to the end: you'll find an interesting video with instructions on organizing a child's room.

About choosing furniture and decor

Evgenia Matveenko, Designer. Founder of FlatsDesign architectural bureau

How to choose furniture for a child'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 for guests. What if friends come over for the night?

Always think about safety, especially for children under three years old: so that nobody gets their fingers pinched or swallows a small object. Also, pay attention to the eco-friendliness of materials. For example, furniture from the STUVA series is designed so that even a small child can use it easily. 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. So 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 from natural materials and use safe dyes. I buy IKEA children's bedding for my own kids because I'm not afraid of its quality.

Let textiles match the color scheme 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 go well together.

What to know about lighting?

Don't forget to plan several lighting scenarios in the child's room:

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

Pay attention to how your child reads: some prefer reading lying on their stomach, others half-sitting. Some write with their left hand, so the light should come from the right, and vice versa, if right-handed — then from the left.

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

Another important point: a study desk should be placed next to a window with the most natural light. An example of a convenient desk for schoolchildren is the MICKE model, and for younger children — the PÅL.

How to choose decor?

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

About storage systems

Sofya Novikova, Expert. Designer at the IKEA store in Khimki

How to store clothes in a child'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 enough. For full storage of school-age child's items, it’s better to allocate more space: not only for clothing but also for hobbies (swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, dancing).
• Convenience of storage. If you find a storage system that works for you, it will be easier to keep the room organized. Also, children learn independence faster: they can easily put their 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 store bulky items?

There are at least two ways: hide them or show them. For hiding, use the space near a tall wardrobe. Here you can store tall and narrow items like skis in a cover or snowboard (try hanging them on hooks or limiting with consoles). 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 prevent dust accumulation, store items in containers that fit the size and label them clearly to avoid forgetting what's inside.

Alternatively, you can store bulky items in view. If you have a balcony, use it as well, but don’t clutter it. It’s useful to hang bikes on BRÄNDSKÖL 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 shelves EKBY or hooks SCRELL.

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 VESSEL or VESSEL, so that you can see what’s inside.

You can use the space under the bed: toy baskets and containers TREFAST are ideal for storing construction sets. If children collect dolls, cars, or transformers and never want to put them in a box, you can organize vertical storage with narrow and shallow shelves MÅSSLANDE.

How to organize a workspace?

Plan how the working space will change with the child: this will save time and money on buying new items. For example, the STUVA changing table can become a study desk for an older child, and the bench from the same series can serve as a small table or storage (corbels or drawer under it).

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

Useful tip for smart storage

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