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Whimsical kids’ bedroom ideas that are made for playtime

It's time for fun!
Toy mice in front of a miniature blue door.Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough

Childhood is full of wonder, where pillow forts transform into castles or rocket ships bound for the moon – all it takes is a little imagination. You can create a world of fun for the little people in your life with a few easy bedroom decorating ideas. Think magical hideouts made of cosy linens and cubby-like corners with clever storage. No matter the room style, there are simple ways to add a touch of magic.

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Here are some enchanting (and adorable!) decorating ideas for kids’ bedrooms.

Toy mice in front of a miniature blue door.
Fairy door in Blue, Fairytasticshop at Etsy. Holden Decor ‘Masoala’ wallpaper in Green, Dick Smith. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

1. Choose a theme

As your child’s bedroom is the starting point for their adventures, why not lean into the fun with a theme? Whether they enjoy stargazing, fairytales or jungle exploring, a few carefully chosen decorative pieces can ignite their imagination. This can be as simple as a themed bedcover, rug or curtains that can be updated as they grow.

A kid's bedroom with star wallpaper and a blue checked bed.
Linen pillowcases in Natural and White, both I Love Linen. For similar teacup, try Spode ‘Blue Italian’ teacup, David Jones. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)
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Wallpaper can also instantly transform a space, with kid-friendly options such as vinyl that can withstand play.

A kid's bedroom with an open shelf holding toys.
Shelf, Pottery Barn Kids. ‘Southern Skies’ wallpaper in Dark Blue, Milton & King. ‘Glow: A Child’s Guide to the Night Sky’ by Noelia González, Booktopia. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

2. Upcycle furniture

Let magical scenes unfold in miniature by repurposing an existing cabinet, shelving unit or side table as a dolls’ house or display space for beloved toys. Your kids will take pride in styling their special spot, which – with a little luck – means it will stay neater for longer!

A kid's side table with fairy lights and toy mice.
‘Mini Daisy’ cabinet, Poppy’s Little Treasures. For similar lamp, try ‘Nagisa’ table lamp in Antique Grey, Freedom. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)
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3. Add a canopy

Adventures in wonderland can unfold at home with a few tiny tweaks. Transform kids’ rooms into their very own fairyland with whimsical canopies, or stack mattresses à la The Princess and the Pea for some fable-inspired fun, perfect for rainy days.

A kid's desk with a mesh overhanging canopy.
For similar chair, try Oakleigh Home ‘Ollie Windsor’ chair in Oak, Temple & Webster. Monique Lhullier cornice and curtains, and ‘Penny’ desk, both Pottery Barn Kids. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

A canopy delicately draped over a desk or bed creates a dreamy atmosphere while delineating play and sleep spaces. All you need is a carefully placed hook and some floaty fabrics for a cosy, nook-like feel.

A kid's bedroom with stacked mattresses and green forest wallpaper.
‘Joey’ bed and mattresses, all Koala. ‘Geometric’ sheet (part of set), H&M. Linen sheet in Blush (part of set), I Love Linen. New Walls ‘Branches’ wallpaper in Green, Wallpaper Direct. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)
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4. Opt for bunk beds

While bunk beds are the ultimate space savers, they also transform into a ship sailing the high seas or a tall castle overlooking a vast kingdom. Make sleepovers extra comfortable with soft linens and pillows adorned in playful prints. Plus, customisable bunk options such as built-in drawers and desks help reduce clutter and keep their bedroom tidy.

A kid's bunk bed with patterned hanging fabrics.
‘Kura’ reversible bunk bed, Ikea. Linen sheet in Blush (part of set), I Love Linen. ‘Geometric’ pillowcase (part of bedding set), H&M. ‘Daisy’ cushion, Pillow Talk. ‘Happy Cosmos’ pillowcase (part of quilt cover set), Linen House. Fitted sheet in Kalaya Ngura, Kip & Co. (Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)
A timber set of drawers in front of green forest wallpaper.
(Credit: Photography: Will Horner / Styling: Lucy Gough)

Shop kids’ bedroom furniture

01

Jiggle & Giggle Isabella mouse toy

$37, Big W

Best for: Bedtime hugs

The charming Isabella is part of the ultra-cute mouse family available within the Jiggle & Giggle collection. Tailored for toddlers and newborns, this adorable toy is made from plush, child-safe materials for endless cuddles.

Size: 48cm

Colour: Cream

Material: Polyester

Key features:

  • Designed in-house
  • High-quality
  • Spot clean only
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02

Rattan mushroom basket in Musk

$98.95, Olli Ella

Best for: Bedtime hugs

Flip the top of this mushroom-shaped abode to discover a delightful world filled with child-like imagination. Equal parts toy, accessory and decor showpiece, this is the perfect gift for anyone who believes in fairies.

Size: H22 x W22 x Interior D13cm

Colour: Natural and musk pink

Material: Rattan

Key features:

  • Hinged top for easy storage
  • Carry handle
  • Second access for little hands via tiny front door

03

Betti Bobbin tallboy in Ice Blue

$369.99 (now $295.95), Mocka

Best for: Stylish bedroom storage

Charming rounded bobbin detailing and a vibrant blue hue lend a playful twist to this classic tallboy. The pull-out drawers provide ample storage for clothes or toys, while brushed bronze knobs and pine legs complete this striking furniture centrepiece. Just place a few toys on top to add a personal touch.

Sizes: Tallboy and beside table

Colour: Ice blue

Materials: MDF and pine

Key features:

  • Modern heirloom look
  • For the bedroom and playroom
  • Intricate detailing

04

Dinosaur Appreciation Society wall banner in Shell

$39.95 Hello Saturday

Best for: Dino lovers big and small

Fly your flag to celebrate all things Jurasic with this brilliant canvas banner! Rig up to a bunk bed, tent or hang straight on the wall and unite the gang to hold dinosaur appreciation meetings underneath.

Size: 49.5 x 41.5cm

Colours: Shell or Fern

Materials: Canvas with metal eyelets

Key features:

  • 2 x 18mm eyelets
  • Eithically sewn by hand in China
  • Printed and assembers by hand in Australia
  • Other designs available

05

Hideout canopy bed in Natural

$749, Freedom

Best for: Playing hide and seek

Transform your child’s bedroom into a campsite with this tent-style canopy bed. Featuring a solid oak frame and a canvas top, it creates the perfect retreat. Simply add a comfy mattress and a few pillows, and let their dreams take flight!

Size: King single

Colour: Natural

Materials: Solid oak, engineered board and canvas 

Key features:

  • Rustic look
  • Includes frame and canopy
  • Easy assembly
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06

Double sided quilt cover in Lilac/Blush

from $265, I Love Linen

Best for: A good night sleep

This double-sided quilt cover is made for sweet dreams. European flax linen ensures the cover is soft and breathable, while stonewashing gives it an incredibly plush feel. For a colour refresh, simply flip the cover inside out.

Sizes: Single, double, queen, king and super king

Colours: Clay, Beige Gingham, Crème, Sandalwood, Indigo, Indigo Stripe, Ivy Gingham, White, Ivy and Ivy Stripe

Material: European Flax®

Key features:

  • Natural fibres
  • Stonewashed French linen
  • Recyclable packaging

06

Rattan daisy wall basket

$108.95, Olli Ella

Best for: Secrets

Tuck treasures inside this sweet wall basket that’s a joy for all ages. Pop in a plant, perch a pair of favourite toys or fill to the brim with colourful hair accessories and hang it on the wall by the mirror for busy mornings.

Size: L40 x W15 x H40cm

Materials: Natural rattan

Key features:

  • Decorative and functional
  • Fun for small hands ages 3+
  • Handwoven sturdy yet lightweight construction

07

Kids’ hammock swing chair

$58.95, Myer

Best for: Cosy hangouts

Looking for a comfy beanbag alternative? This stylish hammock is perfect for playtime or unwinding with a book. With sturdy knots and a hanging rope, it can be set up both indoors and outdoors. Just find a hook and and it’s ready to swing!

Sizes: 100cm x 100cm x 120cm

Materials: Cotton and polyester

Key features:

  • Holds up to 120kg
  • Eco-friendly
  • Lightweight

08

Dino explore decorative rug

from $89.99, Adairs Kids

Best for: Comfort and warmth

Dinosaur lovers will adore this cute tufted rug where Triceratops and Stegosaurus roam. Available in both small and large sizes, this delightful dino rug adds a soft feel underfoot, perfect for bedrooms and playrooms alike.

Sizes: Small and large

Colours: Giant Floral, Pretty Daisy and Rainbow

Material: Cotton

Key features:

  • Tufted cotton
  • Large dinosaur design
  • Available in 3 styles
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09

Albus fabric bunk bed in Cream White

$499, Luxo Living

Best for: Sleepovers and slumber parties

What could be better for a sleepover than a comfortable and stylish bunk bed? The Albus is available in calming neutral tones, making it ideal for any style of bedroom, while a foam filling and linen cover add an inviting touch. Plus, a built-in ladder and guard rail ensure your little ones stay safe and secure.

Sizes: 98cm x 204cm x 171cm

Colours: Cream White and Ash

Materials: Engineered wood, solid oak and linen

Key features:

  • Durable headboards
  • Space-saving
  • Faux linen fabric

10

Minou wallpaper in Neutral

$247 per roll, Wallpaper Direct

Best for: Peter Rabbit-style bedrooms

The woodland creatures on this wallpaper are straight from the pages of a fairy tale, featuring fuzzy rabbits, toadstools and wildflowers. Choose from two colorways, Neutral and Blue, to suit both light and dark colour schemes.

Colours: Neutral and Blue

Key features:

  • Whimsical design
  • Paste the wall application
  • Standard wallpaper

11

Rainbow road kids’ blue cushion

$49.95 (now $34.95), Kids by Pillow Talk

Best for: A colourful statement

This plush rainbow cushion brings colour and fun to any space with a super cute, embroidered rainbow on soft cotton. Tassels add a textured touch, making it a cushy addition to bedrooms and reading nooks.

Size: 45cm x 45cm

Colours: Blue

Material: Cotton

Key features:

  • Soft fabric
  • Embroidered details
  • Tassels

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