Need help converting to a toddler boys bedroom!

6 years ago

My almost two year old was with us in our room till now and I'm finally starting to put together his own room. His room used to be our second bedroom/office but was never really done up to start with. As you see in the pics - the twin bed will stay (I have bought new white and blue transport theme bedding that I've not put yet) and I've just moved his toy storage shelf from our living room to his room. I plan to use the book case for his books, putting some big trucks and cars on display etc. Apart from that everything else can be switched up.

The room is kinda small to begin with but any ideas to get me started - especially for the walls and floor would be greatly appreciated!!!

PS: The side of the room that is not in the pics is just a full length mirror closet.

Featured Answer

miss lindsey (She/Her)

6 years ago

My very first thought is that he will be able to open that window. My two year old has no problem with ours like that, and ours has two levers to work. Figuring out how to secure that is your very first priority, and a screen is not going to do it. If nothing else, turn the bed so the headboard is against the window and it can't be accessed. It might take up a lot of the floor space but that's better than having a broken kid.

Next thing is to get any hanging cords wrapped up on cleats or remove them entirely.

Sorry, I know that wasn't what you were looking for...

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Comments (12)

Rina
6 years ago
Perhaps not, Lindsey, but gosh it's a point worth making!

I love murals in little kids' rooms. They create a magic space and stimulate the imagination. Three inspiration pics:

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/smart-playroom-in-rye-ny-modern-kids-new-york-phvw-vp~34626151[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/smart-playroom-in-rye-ny-modern-kids-new-york-phvw-vp~34626151)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/olivias-big-girl-room-transitional-kids-dallas-phvw-vp~30075439[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/olivias-big-girl-room-transitional-kids-dallas-phvw-vp~30075439)

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/toddler-room-contemporary-kids-los-angeles-phvw-vp~5332475[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/toddler-room-contemporary-kids-los-angeles-phvw-vp~5332475)

If the bed stays in that position, in particular put soomething friendly and happy for him to look at when he goes to bed each night.

I wouldn't like to comment on wall colour (though white would be absolutely fine) or about the floor without seeing the new bedding.
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Rina
6 years ago
Love the numbered drawers in the second pic.
mahbona
Original Author
6 years ago
Lindsey - I never even thought of the window opening. I think it can only open an inch at the most whenever I've tried but thank you for reminding me to check that. I am on it!

Have been looking at murals. I have bought a simple wall decal to put above his bed (or maybe not) - I don't know the best place to put it frankly. Attaching a pic of what I've got so far. Love love the transport theme decals - I haven't seen any at an affordable price because I would definitely buy them if they were.

Today I changed the bedding and also removed the existing rug and frame to give it more of a clean slate to start decorating. Have a look and let me know what would work. I don't think I'm at a point to paint the walls - we are a really busy family and have no support so taking on a project like that at this time is likely not gonna happen :(

Would love any advice I can get!
miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I would hang the decal on his door (back or front).

Kids love photos of themselves and photos of their family. So at the foot of his bed I would hang a print (could even be a canvas wrap) of him with his family in the largest size you can afford. EDIT: make sure you hang it low, so he can see it easily! Or you could do a collage frame with shots of various extended family members. My little guy loves pointing out the people he knows in photos (he'll be three in March) and it helps little ones feel a connection with family who is far away that they might not see often, if that is a situation you can relate to.

Other than that, a low pile rug that he can drive cars and build with blocks on and you're finished! It's a perfect room for a little one to grow up in: just enough room to play and small enough to tidy easily, a neutral wall colour to let his imagination do the work, a big mirror for dress-up days and making faces and generally admiring himself. Good job!

Oh, and about the window, go with the code spacing for railings when determining the safety (I think it's 4"). If he can back his body out and his head gets trapped, oh no.
cat_ky
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
First thing I saw when I looked at the picture is that the bed is in the wrong place, because of that window. Little boys jump on beds, (actually all kids do, even though they shouldnt), and then they fall. I had visions of the kid falling through that window. Please find another place for it, that isnt right up to the window. It is a cute room, and I really like your decor and your flooring.
Rina
6 years ago
I love that bedding, and the yellow in it makes the cream wall look perfect.

Some transport themed rugs, great because some become functional roads for him to drive on. No prices, alas:

https://www.matsmatsmats.com/kids/transportation-and-construction-play-carpets.html
er612
6 years ago
For safety, try moving the bed to the opposite wall and turn the bookcase on its side in front of the window. Ex. From this...
To this...
Pajarito
6 years ago
Love the bedding. You can also buy wall anchors for the bookcase to stable it .
mahbona
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all! I'm going to definitely look at how to place the bed so it's not right up the window like that. Hopefully I can find a suitable placing for it that won't obstruct too much space!

I did some shopping today for some basic frames for photos/prints and lighting. Also bought a small table and two chairs, a magnetic whiteboard to hang. The one thing I'm clueless about is the rug - i think it should be a simple single toned piece, I'm worried about all the colors from the different pieces starting to clash. What colour should I go for? And would a shag rug look good or just a regular low pile/high pile? And what shape? Lots of questions on the rug!!!

Or should I just put some foam tiles to cover the open space starting from under the bed and covering some play area? Of course placement would end up being based on where the bed goes ultimately. What do you'll think?
mahbona
Original Author
6 years ago
I plan to move my toy storage unit away from the bed and close to the closet. Also clear up the top and move those trucks etc to different shelves in the bookcase - I really like the idea of putting that horizontal near the window, I have to try it out.
miss lindsey (She/Her)
6 years ago
For the rug, my experience has been that really low pile or woven rugs are the best for kids' play spaces. Think of those car mats with the roads and buildings on them. They are easy to play on with cars and blocks, easy to vacuum or sweep, they can be spot cleaned easily or tossed in the washing machine...

Foam is ok too but block towers tend to topple more on foam.