| Let's start at the top - the ceiling. Painting a ceiling is a | | | | available in a wide range of material, colors and styles. |
| relatively easy way to change any room's | | | | It's very important that before you purchase shades or |
| appearance. You may want traditional white paint to | | | | blinds to have accurate measurements. This can be a |
| match or coordinate with the walls, go for a contrast, | | | | rather expensive mistake, so follow directions carefully |
| or use one of the many different techniques available | | | | or have an expert take the measurements for you. |
| today. Get creative - it's not that difficult to paint over if | | | | Also, keep in mind safety factors such as keeping |
| you make a mistake. You might want to try hand | | | | cords, etc. out of reach of small children. Other options |
| painting wispy clouds on a sky blue ceiling. Or for more | | | | for treating windows in a child's room could be the use |
| drama, how about stenciling gold stars and a moon on | | | | of frosted or stained glass (either real or an |
| a midnight blue background. If painting's not your thing, | | | | inexpensive variation). If you |
| there are tons of wallpaper choices to give the ceiling | | | | don't want to cover the window, painting or staining |
| a different look and texture. Also attaching fabric, | | | | the molding around it to match or contrast with the |
| straw matting or even lattice to a ceiling will add | | | | walls will give the window an entirely new look.Lighting |
| interest and a personal touch. Acoustic tile is something | | | | - when choosing lighting for a child's bedroom, think first |
| you might want to consider, especially if noise is a | | | | of safety and then decorate for fun. Lamps are |
| problem. Planks, as with wood floors, add a certain | | | | available in many styles, colors and themes. For small |
| charm and warmth to a room. Adding beams or | | | | children, there are many unbreakable types. Of course, |
| moldings (either real or faux) might give just the right | | | | keep cords out of reach and sight if possible. |
| touch. If you're handy you may want to do it yourself | | | | However, never lay a carpet over a cord - this could |
| or you might want to hire a professional. It depends on | | | | be a fire hazard. Proper lighting that is not too bright so |
| your budget, time and experience.Walls - probably the | | | | as to prevent glare is important for computer |
| largest surface of a child's bedroom. There are many | | | | homework areas. There are many specialty bulbs |
| options to choose from here as well. Paint, wallpaper | | | | available such as one's with a back up filament - if the |
| and paneling are probably the most common, and the | | | | first one burns out the second one continues to work. |
| easiest way to accommodate for the child's age, | | | | Some have programmable chips that dim the bulb |
| needs and interests without breaking the bank. It's a | | | | over a period of time. Be careful of halogen bulbs |
| good idea to keep in mind ease of cleaning and | | | | which can become hot - make sure they are |
| durability when making your choice. For example, if you | | | | surrounded by a guard. Use only bulbs that are |
| like wallpaper, vinyl would be a good choice because it | | | | recommended by the fixture's manufacturer. It's also a |
| is washable. Also, patterned wallpaper is a good | | | | good idea to provide a nightlight with a built in sensor, |
| disguise for less than perfect walls. It comes in a | | | | and a wall mounted flashlight for |
| myriad of styles and colors. Paneling or wood plank | | | | emergencies.Choosing furniture for your child's |
| walls are another option that is both durable and | | | | bedroom. Of course, the age of the child is probably |
| versatile for a child's bedroom. The prices range | | | | the most important consideration here. For an infant, |
| greatly in this category, but will last practically forever. | | | | some parents start out with a bassinette or cradle, |
| Painting the walls, probably the least expensive way to | | | | while others may want to use a crib. Just make sure |
| decorate a child's bedroom is also the most versatile. | | | | they meet all safety standards. This information is |
| Color, type of application and special effects are limited | | | | easily attainable. Other items needed for a baby's |
| only by your imagination. Once again, if you make a | | | | room might be a changing table, dresser or chest of |
| mistake, simply paint over it!Flooring or floor covering - | | | | drawers, toy storage and perhaps a rocking chair or |
| generally flooring is a hard surface such as wood, tile, | | | | other sitting area for tired mom or dad. Whether |
| linoleum etc., while a floor covering would be a material | | | | purchased new, used, handmade, or handed down, |
| such as an area rug or wall to wall carpeting. Almost | | | | safety is the first factor. Sharp corners, loose |
| any type of flooring or floor covering is suitable for a | | | | hardware, or improperly fitting mattress are some |
| bedroom. You are limited only by your taste and | | | | things to look for. Once that is taken care of, have fun |
| pocketbook. Of course, ease of cleaning as well as | | | | choosing a theme or color that you feel your baby |
| comfort and durability are important considerations | | | | would enjoy. |
| when choosing a floor for a child's bedroom. For | | | | For an older child's bedroom you may want to include |
| practicality many people select one of the hard | | | | a night stand, a sturdy size table and chairs (for those |
| surfaces available for easy upkeep and then soften | | | | very important tea parties or crafts), and more |
| the look with an area rug or scatter rugs. Just make | | | | storage for the ever increasing supply of toys. Teens |
| sure they have non-slip backings or are anchored | | | | would appreciate a desk for homework, an |
| down to prevent accidents.Windows - while providing | | | | entertainment center, a dresser with a mirror or a |
| a focal point for any room may need more coverage | | | | vanity table. The selection of these items depends |
| in a bedroom for privacy and room darkening | | | | upon things that you might already have, the size of |
| purposes. Shades, blinds, shutters and curtains either | | | | the room, your and your child's taste, and of course |
| used separately or in combination, are some of the | | | | your budget. |
| most popular choices for window dressings. All are | | | | |