How to Use Fabric to Create a Kids' Room That Grows with Them

As a parent, you want your child's bedroom to be a space they love. However, children grow up fast, and their tastes change quickly. So it's no wonder that designing their bedroom can be quite a challenge.


The solution? Choose versatile and quality fabrics that will stand the test of time. This will not only keep your child happy, but also save you time and money on expensive updates.


Create a Neutral and Timeless Base

Start by choosing neutral tones for the larger items in the room, such as the curtains, bedding, and more substantial upholstered pieces. Soft greys, warm creams, and gentle pastels make for a serene and adaptable backdrop, ready to complement any theme or accessory that comes into play.


Along with neutral colours, choose timeless prints and patterns that can easily transition from toddler to teenage years. Classic stripes, polka dots, and simple geometric patterns in a muted or monochromatic palette offer longevity and can be easily accented with different themes as your child grows.


Choose Durable and Washable Fabrics

The next important consideration when choosing fabrics is their durability. Opt for machine-washable, hard-wearing fabrics that can withstand spills and stains. Cotton twill, denim, and canvas are excellent choices for items that will see a lot of use, such as seat covers and play mats. Also, consider faux leathers and vinyls that are tough and easy to wipe clean.


Incorporate Mix-and-Match Accents

Smaller accent pieces are the room's chameleons, offering endless opportunities to refresh the space with minimal effort. Such items include:

  • Throws and blankets

  • Cushions and pillows

  • Lampshades

  • Wall hangings

  • Mats and rugs


As your child's interests change, these elements can be easily switched out for new fabrics and patterns that reflect their current passions and preferences. This approach is cost-effective and encourages creativity, allowing children to participate in the redecoration process.


Aim for Adaptability

Rather than replacing expensive bedding or furniture that gets worn out from your child's playing, use removable covers to refresh looks. Duvet covers can be swapped to match changing themes or replace well-loved sets. Removable upholstery covers mean you can change the seating look by simply replacing the covers.

Changeable Headboards

In a similar vein, create an easy-to-update headboard that can transform as your child does.

All you need to do is:

  1. Cut a piece of plywood to size.

  2. Secure a layer of foam padding to the plywood.

  3. Wrap your choice of fabric over the padding.

  4. Pulling the fabric taut, use staples or tacks to secure the upholstery to the back of the headboard.

  5. You can lean the headboard against the wall or attach legs.


Incorporate Textural Interest

Texture adds depth and dimension to a room without committing to a specific theme or colour scheme. Don't be afraid to bring in multiple textures, as mixing tactile fabrics keeps the room feeling fresh and interesting. You can bring in textural elements with fabrics like:

  • Wool

  • Corduroy

  • Linen

  • Brushed cotton

  • Tweed


For a real wow factor, create a textural feature wall using:

  • Velvet

  • Faux fur

  • Metallic decals

  • Embossed fabric wallpaper


This creates a striking backdrop that you can easily change by swapping the fabric.


Define Spaces with Fabric

Use fabric to create distinct areas within the room that can change function over time. A canopy made from light, airy fabric like sheers and voiles can delineate a play area for a young child and later become a study nook for a teenager.


Another option is to differentiate spaces with rugs. These not only add warmth and texture to a room, but can also be used to define play, study, or relaxation areas within a larger space.


Personalise with DIY Projects

Get children involved in their room decoration for a space they can really connect with. Simple fabric projects are fantastic for children to make their mark on a bedroom. It's also a great way to introduce them to sewing and crafting.


Fun projects include:

  • Fabric bunting

  • One-of-a-kind throw pillows

  • Fabric collages

  • Wall art like pom-pom or felt garlands

  • Fabric-covered storage bins

  • No-sew fabric flowers


Promote Sustainability by Repurposing Items

As you select fabrics, think about how they might be repurposed or recycled in the future. A baby's quilt could become a wall hanging and curtain fabric could be transformed into cushion covers. This sustainable approach saves money, creates a sense of continuity as the room changes, and teaches your child the importance of sustainability.


Shop Fabulous Kid-Friendly Fabrics at I Want Fabric

By focusing on adaptable and timeless designs, you can create a space that will grow with your child from their early years to young adulthood.


I Want Fabric's selection of high-quality, affordable fabrics and upholsteries is designed to give you the freedom to craft a room that is both functional and playful. Whether you're sewing curtains, reupholstering furniture, or adding unique accents and prints to a child's bedroom, our products offer the perfect blend of durability and design.


Explore I Want Fabric's range of children-friendly materials and upholsteries today to create a space that provides a comfortable, inspiring environment for every stage of their journey.