How to create a beach-themed child's bedroom

Spending time by the sea is simultaneously calming and exciting – for adults as much as children! This makes the nautical theme one of the best design ideas for children's bedrooms which need to inspire peace and the desire for play. Recreate the uplifting energy of the seaside by updating your child's bedroom with beach-themed décor. A few simple changes are all it takes to transform the space into an enchanting coastal retreat.

Feature blue hues

Start by creating a foundation of beautiful blue hues to replicate the sea and the sky. Blue is a colour that makes us feel restful because of its association with nature, so this has the added benefit of promoting good sleep.

Light blue walls work in spaces of all sizes and you can contrast this with furniture in deeper shades such as a blue sliding wardrobe from Hammonds and a navy table and chairs. You can also incorporate blues in your soft furnishings including the bedding, throws and cushions.

Mix and match shades across the spectrum for a monochrome finish that adds depth and dimension. This is also important in keeping interest in a design that lacks a variety of colours and avoids vibrant shades with an artificial feel.

Keep the room light

As you build the rest of the room, remember to keep the space light. This will echo the bright and airy feel of being by the coast while promoting productivity and mental wellness.

Balance your blue hues with bright white, pairing blue walls with white bedding or vice versa, and use light neutral tones for the floors. Given that children can be messy, it's best to steer clear of white carpets! Consider pale wood or lookalike linoleum that's easy to clean or a beige carpet that will conceal small smudges.

Make the most of natural light to evoke the idea of being outdoors in the fresh air. Choose adjustable blinds or light curtains to cover the windows rather than heavy blackout fabric. In the winter when days are darker, consider a SAD lamp that simulates sunlight rather than relying on standard artificial lighting.

Use the right materials

Maintain the idea of being in nature by using natural resources rather than artificial materials. While plastic pieces are easy to clean and care for, they will spoil the illusion of being by the sea. You can always invest in wipeable table and floor protectors that can be brought out for playtime and then packed away.

Use pale wood such as whitewashed oak and ash to emulate the look of driftwood, for the floors and furniture. The brightness and naturally distressed texture will add to the authenticity of your 'beach bedroom' design. Cotton or linen is ideal for bedding as it's breathable and regulates well whatever the weather, helping to keep your kids cool during the summer and warm in winter.

Experiment with fabrics that connect more obviously to the beach theme as well. For example, allude to ship rigging by featuring baskets in a rope-like weave or select curtain fabrics with maritime patterns like sailboats and shells.

Add nautical décor

Remember that this is a space for children, and you can have fun with your beach décor! Be whimsical and add jolly nautical touches to 'anchor' the theme. You'll find all sorts of suitable pieces at specialist shops or by browsing online retailers, so exercise your creativity and let the shared theme combine your favourites into one cohesive design.

On the more subtle end of the spectrum are lamps shaped like shells and starfish and a blue rug with a ribbon print that looks like the waves of the sea. A steamer trunk is an innocuous and trendy way to pick up the theme and doubles as storage for toys, shoes, crafts and other bulky items.

Alternatively, pack a punch and go all out with obvious beach-themed décor. Select soft toys connected to the sea such as whales, octopuses, jellyfish and dolphins and scatter these on the bed. You could also create a feature wall with themed wallpaper and cheerful coastal prints showing boats, fish, ice cream or a bucket-and-spade set.

Get expert design advice from Hammonds

Stuck for coastal bedroom ideas? Why not book a free design visit with a member of our team for tailored advice on how to decorate your space to your taste? They'll be only too happy to share their expertise in creating children's bedrooms that are both fun and functional, from colour palettes to fitted furniture and storage solutions.