Decorating a child’s bedroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can design a fun, functional, and stylish space that grows with your child—all on a budget. Whether you’re working with a toddler, school-aged child, or preteen, these 20 inexpensive decorating ideas will inspire your next makeover.
1. Removable Wall Decals
Peel-and-stick decals add color and personality without damaging paint or walls.
2. DIY Name Signs
Craft your child’s name with painted wood letters or cardboard cutouts for a custom touch.
3. Repurposed Bookshelves
Turn an old shelf into a toy cubby, book nook, or storage unit using paint and baskets.
4. String Light Magic
Add warm string lights above the bed or along the ceiling to create a cozy atmosphere.
5. Washi Tape Wall Art
Use colorful washi tape to create shapes, frames, or patterns on blank walls—totally renter-friendly.
6. Painted Closet Doors
Brighten up the room with a bold color or chalkboard paint on closet doors.
7. Hanging Art Gallery
Display your child’s drawings in rotating frames or clipboards for a budget-friendly gallery wall.
8. Upcycled Furniture
Give new life to thrifted dressers or nightstands with fresh paint and fun knobs.
9. Toy Display Shelves
Use floating shelves to turn favorite toys into wall decor.
10. Themed Bedding Sets
Even a new comforter with their favorite characters can transform the space.
11. Curtain Canopy over Bed
Drape sheer curtains from the ceiling to make a magical reading or sleeping nook.
12. DIY Pegboard Organizer
Hang a pegboard above a desk or dresser for storing accessories, hats, and small toys.
13. Colorful Area Rugs
A bright rug adds warmth and defines play areas, even in small rooms.
14. Affordable Posters or Prints
Buy digital prints online and frame them yourself to save on decor.
15. Fabric Bunting Banners
Sew or glue triangle flags onto ribbon for easy festive wall decor.
16. Painted Accent Wall
Use leftover paint to create an accent wall in a geometric or ombre style.
17. Under-Bed Storage
Add plastic bins or rolling drawers to maximize space without spending much.
18. Cozy Bean Bag Corner
Create a reading zone with a bean bag and a few floor pillows.
19. Clipboard Wall for School Projects
Hang clipboards in a grid to swap out school art and certificates easily.
20. DIY Growth Chart
Paint or stencil a wooden plank as a growth chart that doubles as decor.
Decorating your child’s room on a budget is totally doable—you just need a few creative ideas and a bit of DIY spirit. Mix and match from this list to design a space that reflects your child’s personality while staying affordable and practical.