How to create a calm, playful and considered children’s bedroom
29 MARCH 2026
Photographer: David jansson
When people think about children’s rooms, it’s often all about colour, energy and play.
But something many people forget is that a children’s bedroom also needs to feel calm. A space to unwind, to feel safe, and to sleep well. And when that foundation is in place, the playful elements can really come to life.
We recently visited the home of Danijela Pavlica to photograph her children's bedroom for a home story.
She has designed several beautiful homes together with the interior designer Da Silva Interiors, and her way of balancing softness, function and personality is something we love. Here are three things worth keeping in mind when decorating the children's room.
1. Start with a calm foundation
This is always the starting point.
Children’s rooms can easily feel busy, both visually and emotionally. That’s why I like to begin with a softer, more muted palette tones that don’t take over the room, but instead create a sense of ease.
Think of your walls, bedding and larger textiles as the base. Something you won’t tire of, and that can evolve over time.
When the foundation feels calm, everything else becomes easier to layer in.
2. Work with textiles in layers
If there’s one thing that instantly changes the feeling of a room, it’s textiles. Layering bedding, cushions and throws creates a softness that makes the space feel warm and inviting, not just for sleep, but for slow moments throughout the day.
I like to keep it simple:
- A set of bedding in a calm color
- One or two decorative cushions and soft throw at the end of the bed
It’s those subtle layers that create that quiet, almost hotel-like feeling, even in a child’s room.
And something I personally value a lot is how good quality ages. It holds its look, and only becomes softer over time.
3. Let the playful elements stand out
The beauty of a children’s room is that it doesn’t need to be perfect.In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Soft toys, personal objects and small details are what make the space feel lived in and loved. But instead of having them everywhere, I like to let a few selected pieces stand out. Danijela described it as “giving each object its moment”, which I think is exactly right.
It could be:
- A sculptural cushion
- A favourite soft toy placed on the bed
- A small wall detail that adds character
When not everything competes for attention, each piece feels more intentional.
A final thought
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
A calm base, a few considered layers, and touches of playfulness in the right places go a long way. And often, it’s the materials and textures, the things you feel every day, that make the biggest difference over time. If you’re looking to create that feeling, it’s a good place to start with the bed.
