Children grow, and their needs and preferences evolve and change. You may find yourself with a bunch of toys in the corner of your bedroom or a crib that never gets any use. You may also have a space in your home because you are ready to convert an extra bedroom for older children.
Whatever the reason, converting any unused space into something functional is possible with just a little bit of time, creativity, thoughtfulness, and patience. You are about to embark on the journey of turning what used to be just an empty room into something that will stay functional for many years to come. So keep reading to learn the main steps on how to convert a bedroom for older children.
Try To Get Rid Of The Old Things
Your child no longer needs a crib, a single bed, or toys anymore. The first thing to do is get rid of anything you feel you no longer need. The best way to start this process is by simply making a list of all the things your child does not use anymore and then getting rid of them. You can donate them to a shelter for abused women and children or put them in the garbage.
But while getting rid of all the unnecessary things, you should remember that your children may need them. If kids don’t want to throw some toys away, just give them some freedom and leave memorable things in the room.
Create A Design Plan
The next step is to create a design plan to help you convert the room into something that will be functional and cool at the same time. You need to invite your children and your spouse for this step to understand and appreciate what exactly you want to achieve with this project.
You can have your spouse and children start by creating an architectural sketch of a bed, for example, and then adding some details about their growth. Take notes from their sketches so that you might adjust this design plan when you are converting the room.
Choose Room Colors
Once the family has helped you come up with a design plan, the next thing you need to do is choose colors that will match the design plan. You have to remember that your design plan can be adjusted depending on what colors best fit your home and lifestyle.
Making this decision is important because you will be changing the entire look of your room and need something that complements it. Every child has their own style and likes different things than other children. Find out what colors make them excited so that you can help them pick those for the future bedroom.
Consider The New Bed And Bedding
Another important thing to consider is the bed. You need to change both the bedding and the bed. As you know, converting a bedroom for older children means that you will be giving up your old mattress and replacing it with a new one.
Choosing the right mattress for a growing child can be challenging. You can find an assortment of beds online or in stores. Whatever option you choose, make sure that it fits your needs and style and that your child likes it.
Look for something that will provide proper support while lying down and bedroom furniture that comes in different sizes, colors, and styles so that there is something to meet all their needs.
Choose New Furniture
Besides the bed and the bedding, you will probably want to change some other things in the room. For example, you can choose new nightstands or even a new dresser. You can also replace all the furniture that is not necessary.
You can add sheets or blankets of a different color if you want to, but do not throw away your old ones because they still have a lot of value, and you never know when you may need them again. Do not forget about your old lamps and just buy a new one if the old one does not match your new look.
Get Proper Lighting Solutions
After choosing the colors and shopping for new furniture, the next step is to install lighting solutions. The first thing you have to do is to get a new light source that makes your old room look incredible, and at the same time, it gives off an amazing touch of light when it is dark.
There are various ways you can achieve this goal, and one of them is by installing a lighting system with multiple bulbs because this will help create an ambiance in your room every time you turn them on or off. You can add a chandelier or an overhead lighting system to give a stunning look to your bedroom.
Another lighting option you can use is an under-mounted light fixture or an LED light strip. Regardless of your options, make sure that it fits your kid’s needs, style, and lifestyle.
Don’t Forget About Accessories
The last thing you need to do is not forget about accessories in the room that will be used by your child later on. This means that you need to make space in your room for your child’s favorite things.
When you are deciding on the accessories, keep in mind the age and style of your child to make sure that everything matches.
You can create a photo collage for your child with all the pictures from their childhood and put it somewhere where they can easily see it.
You should also keep their favorite toys and personal belongings in their new old room so that they can remember everything about their childhood.
The Bottom Line
Converting a bedroom for older children might seem like a lot of work, and it is. I hope this guide can help you convert the room in your home into something that looks great and is functional and useful.
