A Boy’s Bedroom Makeover with Bunkbeds

We started updating Max’s bedroom ages ago.  It took much longer than expected for a few of the items to arrive, but I think it was worth the wait.  You can read more about my inspiration here.

I love to decorate kids rooms – nurseries, bedrooms, playrooms …you name it!  Nothing has to be too serious so I get to have fun with the decor and channel my inner child 😉

Our biggest challenge for Maxwell’s bedroom?  Size – Max’s bedroom is TINY.

When Max requested a bunkbed, I immediately started researching ways we could update his room to make it happen.  In such a tiny room, there’s only one possible configuration for a bunkbed and I was concerned there would be little room for anything else.

The Solution?  We followed the guidelines below for decorating a small room.

3 Tips for Decorating a Tiny kids bedroom

• Prioritize each big ticket item – The bunkbeds take up a LOT of space so I decided to forgo a dresser since Max has storage both below his bed and in his closet.  Eliminating the dresser left room for a small desk (number 1 on Maxwell’s wishlist)
• Keep the walls light – The room is mostly light, but I have added some dark colours in the bedding and rug (which can easily be switched out as his interests change).  The paint colour is Benjamin Moore Horizon.  It’s a pale neutral gray so we won’t have to repaint if we get the urge to update the colours down the road.
• Add storage below the bed and shelving where possible – The bunkbeds in Max’s room have 2 large drawers …perfect for clothing.  Max has a big closet, so we’ve doubled the hanging area and taken the shelves to the ceiling where he can store out of season items and keepsakes.  All of his books, binders, and toys have stayed within reach on the lower shelves.

Without further ado, here’s this little man’s updated bedroom!

The small arrow shelves in each bunk are the perfect nook for a book and water bottle.  We bought small clip lamps for reading (though I couldn’t seem to get the angle to work on the top bunk).   The battery operated arrow light gives off a nice glow (a great alternative if the clamp light isn’t cooperating).

The cute little desk is actually a console table that I moved from our front entry.

We change the sayings on the signs often (especially during holidays and birthdays!).  And the little man to the left is actually a corkboard where Max can pin little treasures.

The cross bean bag chair is so much fun and has a smaller footprint than most, which makes it the perfect seat behind Max’s door.  And I can honestly say that Max’s room has been much tidier since he started using the shark hamper.  🙂

I talked a little more about how we organized Max’s collection of Lego Minifigures here.  I stumbled upon the Atari poster on eBay and HAD to have it.  In fact, I just might steal it for another room in the house. 🙂

And finally, here’s where we found most of the items:

• Costco – Bunk Bed
• Bouclair – Accent Cushions on both bunks, arrow wall light on top bunk, Arrow shelves, ceiling fixture, clip lamps, blackout drapery, metal box, “do not enter” sign
• Home Sense – Fan, Stool, balloon lamp, “etc” pencil holder, whale blanket draped over chair, gray side table with drawers & wheels, mirror, cinema light, large “M”, corkboard,
• Pottery Barn Kids – Bedding, lightning bolt marquee sign, shark basket
• Urban Barn – Area Rug (old)
• Home Depot – Blinds, curtain rod
• Toys R Us – Lego Batman Alarm clock
• Michaels – Large Wall Letters, Atari frame
• Ikea – Picture Ledges
• EB Games – Pokemon piggy bank
• eBay – Atari poster
• West Coast Kids – beanbag chair, blabla moustache pillow, white Acapulco chair
• Kartell Componibili Storage side table
• Walls – Benjamin Moore Horizon OC-53
• DIY – navy “maxwell” bunting, dream catcher, Perler Minecraft sign (from his pervious birthday), Closet Barn door with chalkboard paint (made by Brad years ago!)

As with most things in my home, it’s a work in progress and I will probably continue to make changes and updates.  I have a habit of moving things around from room to room to keep things fresh (and prevent me from completely redecorating every week!)

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below.