The best toddler room ideas for an imaginative space

best toddler room ideas

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

With the best toddler room ideas, you'll be able to create a sanctuary where they feel secure in their own room. Providing a space for your toddler where they can sleep and play is important. Although giving them their own room begins to define boundaries, admittedly it can be difficult getting them to sleep in their own bed.

While there are plenty of nursery ideas to take inspiration from, much like Mrs Hinch with her farm-themed nursery, as your little one grows, the requirements for their room will change too. Now that they're starting to find their feet, there are certain changes to the room that you'll need to make.

Why not let your creativity shine? An imaginative space not only allows them to interact with the room around them but will be somewhere that they will love. Whether it's a wall mural, personalised furniture or themed décor, making a place that's truly their own can only help the process.

The best toddler room ideas

Therefore, we've put together some of the best toddler room ideas for your growing toddler. From nature themes to themes that are truly out of this world. Not to mention, all of our toddler room ideas can be adapted so that they're a gender-neutral room. So, here are the best toddler room ideas for your little one.

Boho theme

Wanting to create a room with a boho influence? Think wicker baskets, tassel fringed rugs and pastel tones. Alternatively, you can take some vintage inspiration and use accents of bright colours, as well as floral or rainbow motifs. Here are some of our favourite boho theme toddler room ideas.

Best boho themed wall decoration

toddler-room-ideas
Price: £14.99

www2.hm.com

This rainbow wall decoration will add some interest to your toddler's room with its tassel edges and muted pastel rainbow colours. As well as being gender-neutral, it's larger than some reviews expected. Not to mention, it fits the boho theme perfectly.

Customer review: "It is as beautiful as it looks in the pictures. It's gender neutral too. Really love it and have decided to colour match the burnt orange as a feature wall in the room with it."

Pros

  • Gender neutral
  • Larger than expected
  • Comes with hanger

Cons

  • Only one colourway

Best boho themed storage baskets

While these look like wicker baskets, they're actually made from soft woven material so that they're kinder against little fingers. This set of two round knitted storage baskets are made from eco-friendly cotton rope materials and are perfect for storing toys and more.

Customer review: "Lovely soft and neat baskets to store babies' toys."

Pros

  • Comes as a set of two
  • Perfect for storing books or toys
  • Made from soft and environmentally conscious materials

Cons

  • Could be larger

Best boho themed rug

Not just for the nursery, Ruggable have a range of rugs to shop that are so easy to clean thanks to their machine washable design. We love this Moroccan diamond plush rug, made with long, velvety fibres that feel so soft against little feet. The perfect addition to their boho themed room.

Customer review: "Excellent Quality! Very pretty, plush, but also very durable and I have a toddler boy!! Easy to install and even easier to clean."

Pros

  • Loads of different variations available
  • Choose between cushioned and standard
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • White colour may need washing more often

Best boho themed play tent

toddler-room-ideas
Price: $49.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$22.57View offer

For ultimate cosiness and to create a retreat within their room, this Gamenote Teepee Tent for Kids can be used as a reading nook, play tent or for a little nap during the day. It even comes with its own inner pocket for storing their favourite storybooks. It would be a great place for them to engage in imaginative play with shadow puppets and the like.

Customer review: "Not only did this delivery term up super quick, but the quality of this product is also amazing! Super easy to assemble and looks absolutely gorgeous! Purchased for a friend's little girl and I can’t be more pleased with it! Thank you!"

Pros

  • Also comes in pink
  • Has a hidden pocket inside for books
  • Perfect for a reading corner

Cons

  • Instructions not very clear

Best boho themed bunting

This selection of pennant bunting will add some quirkiness to your toddler's room. With different colour combinations to choose from, select the one that fits the colour scheme of their room the most and hang it up to add some whimsy to their space.
Customer review: "Lovely bunting for my little boy's nursery. Neutral colours and long enough."

Pros

  • Different colours to choose from
  • Comes with a storage bag
  • Made from organic cotton

Cons

  • Could be longer

Nature theme

Embarking on a nature theme? Then, you're going to want to include loads of animals within your design to help your toddler to learn all about the natural world.

If you're going for a woodland, jungle or safari theme, think of incorporating some foliage into the design. You may want to go for earthy or muted colour palettes here with pops of green. So, think rattan furniture, exposed wood finishes and leafy motifs.

Of course, for an ocean theme, you'll want to incorporate blue colour palettes and include some of the incredible sea creatures from the deep blue sea. Use projectors or sound machines for a real ambience and choose furniture with rounded corners.

Woodland theme

Best woodland themed toy

toddler-room-ideas
Price: £14.99

www2.hm.com

If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise! This extra-soft soft toy from H&M will become your toddler's new favourite cuddle companion. They'll be able to host their own teddy bear picnic in their woodland-themed room.

Customer review: "Gorgeous bear for my baby’s woodland-themed room. Big and cuddly."

Pros

  • Soft velour finish
  • Larger than expected
  • A friendly cuddle companion

Cons

  • Other variation is sold out

Best woodland themed rug

For another woodland friend to add to their bedroom, this novelty hedgehog-shaped tufted rug is not at all spiky underneath their feet! That's because it's made from 100 per cent cotton with a combination of tufted and short pile fabric. Soft and cosy against their toes, it also features a non-slip base so it's secure on the floor.

Pros

  • Made from soft cotton materials
  • Features cute woodland animal design
  • Non-slip texture underneath

Cons

  • No reviews

Best woodland themed storage basket

toddler-room-ideas
Price: £14.99

www2.hm.com

Ideal for storing their books and toys, we absolutely love this rabbit cotton twill storage basket that's perfect for the woodland theme. Made from cotton twill with a print motif on the front and two handles., it's also available in other animal designs, too.

Customer review: "This is the cutest storage basket I’ve found for my son! I love that the inside is easy to wipe down and can’t pierce or tear easily as you know how kids get! if you’re thinking about getting this don’t hesitate."

Pros

  • Different animal designs
  • Perfect for storing books, toys and laundry
  • Made from 100% cotton

Cons

  • Needs supervision due to drawstring closure

Safari theme

Best safari themed toy

toddler-room-ideas
Price: £24.99

www2.hm.com

A super cute addition to their room, this 100cm large soft giraffe toy will add to the theme of a safari adventure. Perfect for both decoration and for cuddling, it's made from recycled polyester filling with a soft pile exterior.

Customer review: "Delighted with this giraffe for my daughter's nursery. Had seen larger ones for crazy prices in other stores. This one is well made, arrived in excellent condition and is the perfect price point and a great compliment to the rest of the decor. Very happy with this item and would highly recommend it."

Pros

  • Stands 100cm tall
  • Made from environmentally conscious materials
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • May topple at first

Best safari themed rug

From Ruggable, the jungle safari multicolour rug features a brightly coloured print of their favourite safari animals, adding a wildly whimsical touch to any child's space. There are endless amounts of options available, including rug shapes, sizes and even a choice of a black and white print, too. Totally machine washable, they're the perfect rug for the nursery.

Customer review: "I put this rug in the bedroom my grandchildren use and it makes me smile every time I walk by the room! The colours are beautiful - it blends with everything in the room. The quality of the rugs and the fact I can toss them in the washer keeps me coming back to Ruggable."

Pros

  • Brightly coloured design
  • Loads of different variations available
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Some reviewers wished it was thicker

Best safari themed storage basket

For storing their toys, books, shoes or more. This handwoven storage basket trunk is made from lightweight water hyacinth material and comes in a natural finish, perfect for a safari theme.

Customer review: "This storage basket looks really good and is ideal for my grandchildren's toys. I have bought two of them and am really pleased with them."

Pros

  • Has carry handles for easy transport
  • Perfect for storing books and toys
  • Made from lightweight material

Cons

  • Fastenings could be improved

Ocean theme

Best ocean themed projector

Bring the magic of the deep sea to your baby's nursery with this Pabobo underwater effects projector whale. It creates animated shapes including waves and moving fish, and benefits from three light intensities so you can choose how bright the room will light. Through the use of sound, such as soft lullaby music or white noise, it will soothe your tot to sleep.

Customer review: "Fantastic projector with moving image, our little girl is mesmerised by this. Our ceiling is high, which makes the fish hard to see but the overall effect is still excellent. Highly recommended."

Pros

  • Creates an underwater effect
  • Different light and noise settings
  • No wires

Cons

  • Sound quality could be better

Best ocean themed storage trunk

On theme, this wooden storage trunk would be perfect for storing all of their buried treasure (or their favourite books and toys!) With the option to be personalised for an impressive finishing touch, it would be perfect for their ocean-themed room. There may be unique variations with each design due to differences in wood finish, and it may be worth checking if this trunk comes with soft closing hinge mechanisms - as you may need to add your own.

Customer review: "Love it. Beautifully crafted trunk bought as a toy chest for our son, and we were able to request travel stickers from places special to my wife and I. Highly recommend."

Pros

  • Handmade with love
  • Can be personalised
  • Unique decor

Cons

  • May need to add closure mechanisms

Best ocean themed toy

Odell the Octopus is made from the softest faux fur for snuggling up with. She's large in size meaning she can add a whole lot to your toddler's room and has a friendly expression that they'll just adore.

Customer review: "Gorgeous and quirky. Would change nothing."

Pros

  • Large in size
  • Gender neutral
  • Super soft

Cons

  • Hand wash only

Dinosaur theme

If you're looking to create a roarsome dinosaur-themed design, you'll of course want to include all of the dinosaurs that they will know and love. Think shades of oranges, reds and greens. Additionally, you may want to put up wall decals so that the presence of their favourite dinos are really felt.

Best dinosaur themed night light

For any dinosaur fan, a small nightlight on their bedside table would be the perfect addition to their room. Help them drift off with this small starry dinosaur LED night light, decorated with star-speckled print and emitting a comforting warm glow.

Customer review: "Lovely little dinosaur light."

Pros

  • Designed in-house
  • Can be recharged with USB
  • Batteries and cable included

Cons

  • Fragile, not for playing

Best dinosaur themed rug

Another great choice from Ruggable, the dinosaur parade multicolour rug brings a classic Jurassic look to any child's space. Encouraging their dino knowledge, it features some of their favourite dinosaurs in vibrant colours. If they make any mess (which is likely a guarantee!) simply throw it in the washing machine for a fresh new rug every time.

Customer review: "This rug works so well in my grandchild's room. I love the colors with the bright green walls in my little dinosaur fan's room. Nice and soft to sit and play on and no worries about keeping it clean."

Pros

  • Brightly coloured design
  • Loads of different variations available
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Aligning cover with pad can be challenging at times

Best dinosaur themed playset

Best dinosaur themed playset
toddler-room-ideas
Price: £20 (was £25)

www.kidly.co.uk

For excavating all of those dinosaur fossils, this dino dig game play set will help with their understanding of the prehistoric world. Perfect for a dino-themed room, it features 64 puzzle pieces as well as a brush and magnifying glass for piecing together the 10 dino skeletons.

Customer review: "A brilliantly thought-through puzzle set that turns your kid into a proto-palaeontologist."

Pros

  • Educational puzzle with 10 dino skeletons to complete
  • Made from sustainably sourced materials
  • Encourages dinosaur knowledge

Cons

  • Best from aged 4 years+

Best dinosaur themed tent

Of course, they're going to need a tent for all of their excavating endeavours. This child's play tent is perfect for the Jurrasic theme as it'll give them a spot to engage in imaginative play where they can create their own little den hiding from the dinosaurs!

Customer review: "We were looking for a cabin that wasn't too big to put in the living room, this one is very good. My daughter loves it, the fabric is very durable, the assembly/disassembly with the wooden tubes is ultra simple, you will see it over time."

Pros

  • Hours of imaginative fun
  • Textile contains no harmful substances
  • Made from responsibly sourced wooden structure

Cons

  • Assembly required

Best dinosaur themed wall decoration

toddler-room-ideas
Price: £32.29+

www.etsy.com

To add a real ambience to the room, these dinosaur wall decals featuring some of their favourites will have them rushing to bed every night! Select from different handpainted designs depending on your budget and the look you're wanting to achieve and rest assured knowing they're made from odourless and non-toxic inks.
**
Customer review:** "These wall stickers are beautiful! Such good quality, I'm so pleased with them. They arrived quickly & look amazing on my little boys bedroom wall. We layered them on top of each other & it worked perfectly. So happy I ordered!"

Pros

  • Handpainted with love
  • Can choose from diffeent designs
  • Made from non-toxic inks

Cons

  • Not recommended for textured walls

Outer space theme

When it comes to outer space, much like an ocean theme, you'll be looking to create an ambience by playing with light and sound. A projector would be invaluable here. Don't forget to include astronauts, rockets and the solar system within your design.

Best space themed bunting

toddler-room-ideas
Price: £14.99

www2.hm.com

This outer space bunting featuring planets, stars and rocket will make them feel as though they're looking up at the night sky. Just place this decorated bunting on their wall far out of their reach so that wandering astronauts aren't tempted to pull them down! Made from soft, felted fabric, this bunting will add a quirky feel to your toddler's room.

Customer review: "A super cute addition to our little bubba’s bedroom."

Pros

  • Perfect for hanging on the wall
  • Fits with outer space theme
  • Made from soft felted fabric

Cons

  • Could be longer

Best outer space themed rug

Finally, this outer space rug is the ideal kids' rug for your little space explorers. Featuring vibrant colours and a variety of design variations, choose your favourite and - blast off! Completely machine washable, take it for a spin in the machine when you want a refresh.

Customer review: "Fantastic for our kids' playroom. The colour pigments are fantastic and the quality is amazing. Soft and stays beautiful after washes!"

Pros

  • Loads of different variations available
  • Choose between cushioned and standard
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Some reviewers wished it was thicker

Best space themed den

Encourage their creativity with this cardboard eco rocket. Not only can they have fun decorating it exactly how they want it, but they can also use it as a den to play inside or read stories inside. This eco-friendly cardboard play rocket will provide hours of fun.

Customer review: "I bought the spaceship for my young grandson and it has provided hours of imaginative playtime. A wonderful toy - thank you!"

Pros

  • Made from recycled corrugated cardboard
  • Blank for them to decorate themselves
  • Suitable for outside use in calm conditions

Cons

  • May not be as robust being made from cardboard

Best space themed projector

To help create the ambience, this astronaut galaxy star projector creates a starry sky on their bedroom ceiling. For soothing during bedtime, this starry night light comes with various settings to create the perfect environment for your toddler's room.

Customer review: "I brought this for my son after doing out his room planets and spaceships. I’m a huge spender on here and always buy my stuff from Amazon I don’t really write a review but I just had to with this one and let everyone know how amazing it is. It projects on to the ceiling with all different colour lights - its absolutely stunning - so happy with it and me and my boys love it"

Pros

  • Different settings to choose from
  • Bovelty astronaut design
  • Timer setting

Cons

  • Lighting could be spread over a larger area

Best space themed storage basket

A multipurpose canvas storage basket featuring the print space explorer with planets, rockets and constellations, this certainly wouldn't look out of place in your toddler's space-themed room. Made from canvas material, it's easily wipeable, and practical and is designed to fold flat when not in use.

Customer review: "Good sturdy boxes, that are perfect for the space I needed. They are useful for storing chunky toys as the sides aren’t rigid and I can get loads in!"

Pros

  • Flexible design
  • Part of a set of space-themed items
  • Designed to fold flat when not in use

Cons

  • Some customers said value for money could be better

FAQs

What to have in a toddler bedroom?

Of course, you'll want to include the basics, so, a bed, a nightstand and a dresser or a wardrobe. If you're wanting to expand beyond the basics and if your budget allows, you may want to include a place for them to sit, an area for them to play and a bookshelf for them to read stories.

You may have a designated space for play, but if you choose, you can store their toys in storage boxes in their bedroom, in a toy box, or under their bed.

Where to place a bed in a toddler's room?

It's recommended that you keep a toddler's bed away from the wall, as if they fall down the side of the bed this can pose a risk of suffocation. If you can, place the bed in the middle of the room, opposite the door. This way, you can clearly see them as they sleep too.

How to make a toddler's room safe?

If you have a toddler, you'll know how important it is to toddler-proof the room so it doesn't pose a risk to your little one. There are some essentials you might need in order to create a safe environment for your toddler.

A baby monitor, room thermometer and toddler bed guards are necessities to ensure a safe environment for your sleeping tot. Other essentials include stair gates, plug socket covers, safety hinges, drawer stoppers, corner cushions and doorknob covers to help keep them safe from potential risks.

For a safe sleeping environment, the Lullaby Trust and NHS warn against obstructing a toddler's bed with many pillows, heavy quilts and larger toys as this can increase the chance of SIDS occurring. Additionally, make sure that all furniture is securely fitted, especially the headboard.

More toddler room ideas and inspiration...

Here are some of our favourite ideas that we're loving from Pinterest that might just spark some inspiration for your toddler's room. We've selected pictures that reflect some of the themes we've covered to give you a visual of how you might want the room to look.

Boho theme

Safari theme

Dinosaur theme

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