Decorating a child’s bedroom can be a bit tricky, especially due to the fact that their tastes change like the wind. However, having a room to call their own can be very important to their individuality. So, how do you balance your child’s ever changing interests with your budget?

When planning to decorate your child’s room, take the time to ask them what kind of things they are interested in at the moment. This will help you to shop for some things that will really make them feel special. However, the items you buy for the “theme of the moment” should be inexpensive and easy to remove. For instance, if your little girl is into ponies, look for things like throw rugs, posters, and wall stick ups in this theme. She will be overjoyed, and your wallet will be happy too. Also, these types of items can be easily removed from the room when she outgrows this stage, unlike a wallpaper border, mural, or a special color of carpeting.

The items that you may wish to spend a little more money on are items such as bedding. If you choose something that is not overly themed, it will last through quite a few years. Choose about ten patterns that you like, and then allow your child to pick from that selection. That way, you are letting them make the choice, while steering them away from themes that they will grow tired of in a year. If you want something that will last, buy regular bedding in a twin size rather than buying bedding made specifically for kids. Kids’ bedding is often made from less durable fabrics. For a girl’s bedroom, try something like Rose Garden by Croscill or Queen’s Gate by Thomasville. For a boy’s room, try something like Oceanview by Croscill or Highland by Lawrence. These classic patterns will last through any phase and through many years, plus many quality comforters are reversible which will give you several different looks.

Kids love to get involved, so try to think of things that they can do to help decorate. For instance, have your toddler make a finger painting and frame it to hang on the wall. Or, let your kids pick out a few of their favorite family photos and have them blown up and framed. However you choose to go about it, decorating with your kids can be a blast, so take this opportunity to really have fun with them.