I feel like I’ve exhausted every single boy room idea I could possible come up with so when it was time to switch the baby-ish boy room to a toddler room? I was pretty much at a loss.
If you have multiple boys? I know you feel me on this.
Here are a few things that helped me design their new bedroom:
1. Mix and Match Beds
First things first, this bedroom went from housing one kid, to two kids. SJ wanted to be with his big brother and was basically sleeping on the floor in this room anyway. He had already boycotted the nursery.
The only problem with that is I needed to order another twin bed, unless I wanted to play mean-mommy and try to explain to him why he gets to sleep on the floor and his brother gets his own bed. Ha. The original twin bed was purchased so long ago that they no longer sold it.
Insert me mildly freaking out. Frantically searching Pinterest. And finally realizing that mixing and matching beds is totally a “thang” and it’s totally in style.
I looked for something that was similar in color and size, but had a different look to it. I love how they match, yet they don’t.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Upcycle
Yes, by upcycle I mean use old stuff. Sometimes old stuff is the coolest stuff!
I had this giant lamp that used to be my grandma’s and it was sitting in a storage closet collecting dust. I gave it a coat of orange spray paint and called it a day.
I love that every time I look at it I think of my grandma B’s!
3. Start Building
Ok, maybe you’re not handy. But find someone who is. For me, obviously that’s my dad. But I have neighbors and friends who hire people for super cheap to build really cool furniture.
I wanted to buy this toy cubby from Pottery Barn a few years ago, but when I saw the price… I couldn’t stomach paying that much for a shelf that will house books and care-bears.
That used to be my old care-bear, by the way. The only girl toy they own.
After I saw how well he did on the cubby, I enlisted him to duplicate the Land of Nod book hanging bookshelf next. I use enlisted lightly because my dad? Loves to do projects! He tells me that he likes me to keep him busy in his retirement.
Happily dad, happily.
It’s the perfect place for their favorite books and I love that it’s not only adorable, but it’s functional.
4. Give It Some Personalization
I found these giant letters at Hobby Lobby and fell in love with them. Bentley tells me all the time, “Look mom, it’s “B” for Bentley!”
Kids love to see their name or their picture displayed. It makes them feel special!
I was originally a little worried because the initials on the wall are B and S. In that order.
Ahem.
I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression by that, but I think they are far enough apart that it works. And hopefully no one would think I was trying to display BS on my walls. 😉
I also had some pictures from our RV trip printed and added those to one of the side walls. Another fun little way to personalize the space.
The robot theme just kinda happened. My kids were in to robots for about 2.5 seconds, which is how long they stay interested in just about anything. I didn’t want to spend a fortune on bedding because I’m pretty sure the robots will be temporary until they hound me enough to get them the next best thing.
I found the bedding at Target (on sale) and snatched it up!
What tips do you have for decorating a boys’ bedroom? Clearly this won’t be my last rodeo so I’d love your input.
I’m glad you posted this! My eldest is 5 and he has sort of a dinosaur theme to his room…yet he out grew that in like 5 seconds. I’m at a loss as to how I want to change it up without him outgrowing it again super fast. This gave me some good ideas to get the wheels turning! thanks!
It looks great! Love the mix & match beds!
Love it! I am getting ready to redo our 7yo’s room. Currently, he has construction vehicle bedding, and I think it’s time for it to go. I haven’t decided on new bedding yet, but I think I might just do strips or a geometrical pattern or something in hopes it will last a while. Funny, I bought him a letter just like that from Hobby Lobby – and I also have that same Target rug! 🙂 Cute room!
Great tips! I love this space and can’t wait to see what you have planned the rest of the week 🙂
Love it! Thank you for the tips! What color is the paint?
Love the different headboards – I would never have been bold enough to do this but it totally works! Love the space and bet your little guy does, too! xx, b @ being-blanca.com
I love how you let their differences shine…even within the same space! This is such a fun, functional space!
My initials are “BS” so I understand completely. Their room looks great!!
Great tips – I love the mix and match beds!! The metal letters are adorable too- and I always love some book display storage! Great space for your boys:)
SO cute! I have three boys and have two sharing a room as well. We went with a Wyoming/hunter theme and hung of pictures of animals framed on the wall, as well as a hunting map of the state and used camo letters to put their names by their beds. The other room is construction themed with pictures of real CAT equipment framed on the walls and a road rug on the floor (dual purpose for play and decor). Both themes work for the boys as they grow older and while they are little!
I love the idea of hanging initials on the wall. I’ll do the same thing for my little princess.
That hanging bookshelf is amazing! I recently learned about how important it is to “advertise” books to our kids by putting them in places that are accessible and facing them out. That bookshelf does both! I might have to get my husband to build me one for Christmas.
Can you please tell
Me what paint color you chose for your boy’s room?
Incredibly beautiful! Love the furniture and the rugs too. This reminds me to give my room a make over. Thank you so much for this inspiration.
I love this room! So adorable, and perfect for a little boy. All of the colors are lively! It looks great! Nice job!