Last week the majority agreed that sometimes modern spaces can be a little sparse, so we thought we'd go over a few basics that we think every room should have. Even a clean modern space can be warm and comfortable if all of the items on our list are found!
Check out our list below and see how your own children's rooms match up to these 10 "somethings" we think all spaces should have in them!
1. Something To Sleep On: We meant basic above, but the bed is the first place to start!
2. Something That Glows: Overhead lights can be so harsh, especially if you're trying to get little ones to sleep! A task light or lamp can bring much comfort and warmth. Even a flashlight to read under the covers with is a plus!
3. Something That Tells Time: Even if they can't tell time yet, it's still a good resource for parents. Or maybe you're a music person, the two can easily be combined!
4. Something To Snuggle With: For some it's a blanket, for others it's a stuffed animal (for me it was my She-Ra figurine) but a pal to keep you company is nice.
5. Something To Read: Even if you keep your main household library somewhere else in your dwelling, that doesn't mean there shouldn't be a few books in case naps are ended early or bedtime stories need to be read.
6. Something Handmade: Although this might not be at the top of everyone's list, a handmade item in a child's room is putting a bit of family right there with them. Don't forget to include things they make as well!
7. Something To Question: We aren't going to be the ones to tell you that you have to have artwork or sculpture in a children's space, but having something that intrigues them or has them curious about life, nature or the way something works is always a bonus.
8. Something To Take Pride In: It might be the pine wood derby car they made in Boy Scouts, a macaroni necklace they made, or a certificate of outstanding school attendance, but either way, having something they made themselves, won or achieved is a great thing to have.
9. Something With Color: Even if you love a totally monochromatic room (we do too!) there has to be some bit of color somewhere. A pillow, a throw, a mobile or even a rug, something to make the balance between cool and comforting and warm and bubbly exist!
10. Something They Chose: It's all too easy to get caught up in decorating a space for your tiny tots without any input. Try letting them pick out a few items and allow them to help create their own space, they'll be far more intuitive than you think though they might need a little adult guidance.
Do you agree with the "somethings" above? Is there one that should be added or subtracted from the list? Let us know in the comments below!
(Image: Ohdeedoh Room Tours)
DIY Idea: Concrete Pendant Lamp
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
It's all too easy to get caught up in decorating a space for your tiny tots without any input.
This, totally. It's not a gallery space, it's your kid's room.
I think that 'Something to instill creativity', although a mix between 'Something to question' and 'Something to take pride in', is so very important. A chalkboard wall is great, or perhaps an art easel with paint or space set aside for clay creations; anything to get their creative juices flowing!
i agree with delilah2. it's never a bad thing to make a room look beautiful, but kids don't care what website made their rug trendy, what etsy seller crafted some expensive piece of decor or if their bed could be featured in a magazine.
Along with (or instead of) the 'Something handmade' could be 'Something that depicts loved ones.' This could be a family photo, the kid's drawing of her family, a quilt made by grandma, a pillow shaped like her pet, or anything that reminds her how much she's loved.
---It's all too easy to get caught up in decorating a space for your tiny tots without any input.---
YES!! I feel like this frequently when I see some posts here on AT. I love what I see but I think parents forget that it should be about what our kids like and desire for their space and for their events (birthday parties, etc.) I know this is slightly off topic, but it bugs me a bit when I see a gorgeous birthday party that I know no 2 or 3 year old would ever pick. Were Sesame St. themed cupcakes at the top of my list of choices for my son's birthday party? No, but he chose it all on his own and loved every minute of it.
While I would agree that it's too easy to get caught up in decorating, when you kid is an infant they really aren't going to have all that much input. So, when I did my son's room, I made sure everything in it could be moved around the house later (with the exception of the crib). So, when he's older and wants his room to be Superman themed, or whatever, I can at least get some use out of the furniture and art.
That said, the things I think have been essential for us are, a place to sleep, a place to change, graduated lighting, books, a good mobile and music.
I like these ideas. My son is two and we recently moved.. so I'm about to "redecorate" his room. I wish I could get more input from him actually.. but he doesn't know what "favorite" means yet. He does love letters and airplanes so we are going with that. By the way, does anyone have the links to the rooms "Something to Read" and "Something to Question"? I'd like to take a closer look at both of them! Thanks!
Who makes the red bed?
Jillehigg--The red bed I believe is a painted family heirloom if I remember correctly.
Its a painted vintage jenny lind bed.
I'm working on a shared room for my girls (one of whom is due to arrive in May) and this is a great list. We have a separate playroom (shared with my "office") so I didn't want the room to look too sparse without all the toys, this will be a great list to consult to make sure all the basics are covered.
How about: somewhere for you to sit together? A rocker, a bench, a bean bag, or even a spot on the floor (that's where we sit--a cozy little spot right between the bed and the bookcase). Because you and your partner/spouse are going to spend a lot time in that room.
i agree, wholeheartedly. i'm delighted that my kids have these things - their rooms are uniquely theirs that transition over time. Great examples!
---It's all too easy to get caught up in decorating a space for your tiny tots without any input.---
I just finished setting up our nursery and it made me realize that all the toys and stuff in there is for me. I really hope she likes lime green! But once we move into a big girl room I will get her imput.
"Something you gave them" - obviously everything in the room will be from you. But my husband and I tried to buy one special thing that each kid will hopefully keep for a long time. It doesn't have to be fancy, for our 6 month old its just a blabla doll that we hope she'll treasure growing up.
I'm with "photo of family". We chose two photos and made them really big of her as a small baby very happy in our arms, hanging on the two walls of her room that face the street so there is family in every direction.
But - Something that glows? Something that tells time? I'm not into bedside lamps or night lights, and clocks aren't...well, I mean, she can't read it and she's got her internal clock we cannot beat anyway, no?
I like the "Something curious", that's a new thought for me. I'm going to reflect on it.
What about "Something to wear"?
Great list!
We've asked our readers what they think.
http://www.bunchfamily.ca/news-roundup-january-25
I love this list! A room with each of these things in it sounds cozy and like a place that kids would love. Maybe I should do it for my room too.
Do you think it would be possible to include links to each of the original posts shown in the pictures? I want to see the details about each of these! Fingers crossed...thanks! (presumptuous thanking always makes your requests come true, right?)
Ditto what Stephanie at Modern Parents Messy Kids said. I have made quite a few pieces of art for my children, but I have also given them a few treasures from my own childhood like my Steiff bear I got from my Nana when I was born. I also bought some sweet decorative pieces when I was in Europe pregnant with my first child.
My girls have added their own artwork as well now too. I guess their own art falls under a bunch of the categories on the list.
I never thought that a time piece was important in a child's room but my almost 4 year old has been recently begging for a clock for her room. So I guess it is important to them, even though they can't tell time. She always looks at clocks and says it is "7:45" ...
I would also add "Something that hangs from the ceiling" as kinetic art is very stimulating to the ch'i energy in a child's room, or any room for that matter.
This is a great list. I agree with everything but in particular 7,8 and 10. It is so important to instill a sense of pride in their "space." There are so many creative ways to display their creations...
I love this post. I'd also want to see a tiny desk or table for art and toys. Maybe some chalkboards or a clip up art display area.