How to achieve an 'under the sea' kids' bedroom

Celebrate the seaside and its power to inspire peace and joy by transforming your kids' bedroom into an 'under the sea' oasis this summer. This takes classic nautical décor to the next level, creating a sensation of being submerged that at once stimulates play and promotes restful sleep. Think bold blue walls and enchanting, characterful décor.

We haven't forgotten that the priority for a kids' bedroom is practicality. Our ideas include functional elements that will help to ensure every day is smooth sailing.

Start with the colour scheme

Creating the submerged sensation begins with painting the walls the colour of the ocean. You could opt for a bright cyan that evokes the azure waters of tropical islands and the Mediterranean coastline, or a mid- or dark blue for a more immersive feel. Especially if you have a good amount of space to play with, don't be afraid of using a strong shade. Deep blues are cocooning, inspiring a sense of security and encouraging sustained sleep throughout the night.

Complement your walls with a light, neutral carpet in a shade close to the pale sand of the seabed or matching durable laminate flooring that's easy to clean and maintain. Vinyl wood flooring paired with wooden furniture can evoke the idea of being on a shipwreck.

Add themed wall décor

Incorporating inventive wall décor will immediately clarify the theme and give the room a magical quality that will delight your children. For maximum impact, paint an 'under the sea' mural as a feature wall with coral and creatures from colourful fish to magical mermaids. Alternatively, lay nautical wallpaper across one wall: choose rolling waves that match the blue of your paint or a whimsical pattern like anchors or ice-cream cones in a contrasting colourway.

You can make an impression without going the whole hog with a statement wall. Hang on-theme pictures depicting sailing scenes, bright starfish or majestic whales and dolphins beneath the ocean's surface. Go further with quirky pieces like a mirror in the shape of a porthole or a shell-shaped headboard behind the bed. Scallop edging is a pretty touch that works especially well in younger children's bedrooms.

Implement functional pieces

When you're setting out the design for this 'under the sea' bedroom, keep in mind that the space needs to be functional as well as attractive. Implement storage pieces that work with the theme. You could fit a Hammonds blue sliding wardrobe along one wall so the colour is uninterrupted and plenty of floor space is maintained for play. Existing furniture like bedside cabinets can also be tied into the theme in moments with a quick lick of paint.

Your storage can contribute to rather than simply blend with the design. A repurposed steamer trunk works wonderfully as a cabinet for bulky items like bedding and blankets or a toy box. Hanging a hammock above bunk beds is a fun way to display cuddly toys, leaving the bed clear for better sleep.

Ensure clear zones

Children respond well to routine – and using zoning techniques to separate spaces for homework, sleep and play can make it easier to get them into a good daily rhythm.

Colour blocking is a popular way to indicate what the area is for without interrupting the design. Maintain soothing deep blues and neutrals around the bed and lift study and play areas with pops of stimulating shades like orange and yellow. You could also arrange furniture in a way that creates fake 'walls' – open shelving works well for this as it doubles as a storage and décor tool without blocking the light and shrinking the space.

Book your bespoke design visit today

Keen to use these ideas to transform your kids' bedroom into an 'under the sea' oasis but unsure where to start? Book a bespoke design visit with our team to assess how best to incorporate our fitted furniture into the design. Our experts will be happy to share their ideas for colours and décor, too, helping you to create a cohesive space that's both fun and functional.