Designing a child’s room with character: 8 creative ideas for a vintage-inspired retreat

A child’s bedroom isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a sanctuary for play, dreams, and imagination.

Designing one that grows with them doesn’t mean following fleeting trends or plastic-clad makeovers. With a touch of vintage flair and some clever upcycling, you can create a space full of charm, function, and personality—without sacrificing sustainability. Here are eight thoughtful ways to design a child’s room with soul:

Avoid going too themed
It’s tempting to dive into a full-blown dinosaur den or space station, but kids’ passions evolve quickly. Instead, build a flexible backdrop. Introduce themes subtly—perhaps through a vintage poster, handmade mobile, or upcycled cushions in playful prints. Keep the bones of the room neutral so it’s easy to update without a complete redesign.

Use wall decals—or better yet, removable vintage finds
Rather than committing to murals or repainting with every phase, choose removable wall decals or hang framed retro illustrations from secondhand books. Try using salvaged wallpaper panels as temporary art, or even a vintage print  that doubles as décor and even educational tool.

Stick to a Neutral Base
Start with muted tones—chalky whites, soft pinks or warm earth hues—which allow vintage furniture and handmade touches to shine. Add colour and texture through upcycled fabrics like patchwork quilts, bunting made from old clothes, or a hand-painted toy chest.

Make Storage Stylish and Sustainable
Clutter is inevitable, but clever storage doesn’t have to be plastic bins. Think vintage suitcases stacked at the foot of the bed, an old apothecary cabinet for toys, or an upcycled trunk turned treasure chest. A child’s single bed with storage  is a clever way to make use of space, as are built-in wall hooks made from mismatched doorknobs or drawer pulls to add both personality and practicality.

Choose adjustable and upcycled furniture
Instead of buying new furniture that’ll be outgrown in a year, opt for adjustable or multi-use vintage pieces. A classic wooden cot can convert into a toddler bed, and a mid-century desk will transition beautifully into the teen years. Sand, repaint, or reupholster preloved furniture to give it a new life.

Add playful (yet practical) accessories
Accessories are where vintage style can shine. A retro lamp, colourful enamelware pots for pencils, or a reupholstered rocking chair in bold 70s fabric can inject fun without overwhelming. Consider handmade elements like crocheted poufs or a wall hanging made from old fabric scraps and wooden beads.

Skip the trends—embrace timeless finds
Forget TikTok trends and mass-produced décor. Instead, look for timeless, characterful pieces in charity shops, flea markets, or online marketplaces. Items with patina and history often age better than anything new—and you’ll create a space that feels layered and unique.

Create a cosy, calming retreat
Children need a sense of comfort and calm. Use warm lighting, soft textiles (like secondhand wool blankets or handmade curtains), and natural materials to create a room that feels like a safe haven. A reading nook with a reclaimed bookshelf and floor cushions can do wonders for winding down.

Extra tips for a vintage, child-friendly space

• Maximise floor space: Keep large areas open for play—use wall-mounted storage or vintage under-bed trunks to hide away toys.
• Less is more: Keep things simple. A few well-chosen pieces speak louder than a clutter of themed decor.
• Think long-term: Choose quality over quantity. A well-built vintage dresser will outlast five flat-pack ones.
• Keep it cleanable: Painted floorboards with washable rugs, wipeable chalkboard walls, and easy-to-move furnishings help keep things tidy.