In a New York Times article, writer Ronda Kaysen asks “Who’s in Charge of Your Child’s Décor?,” and it’s a legitimate question. Parents and kids don’t always see eye to eye, and what is suitable for some will not necessarily work for others. While we explore design ideas for boys’ bedrooms in this post, we will keep in mind that the space should, ideally, always be a work in progress — reflecting the child’s personality and interests but hopefully also leaving lots of conceptual room to grow.
Below, we present a curated gallery of contemporary boys’ bedroom ideas.
1. Bookcase Built with Nautical Theme
An exceptionally clever bookcase with a nautical theme is the heart and soul of this room’s design. Built into a headboard wall alcove, the bookcase is both fun and functional — putting these two concepts together should be a winning concept in almost any design project. The bright space also features hardwood flooring, a gray area rug and a modern pendant fixture hanging from the ceiling. Bathing in the natural light from the window, sits an elegant white, wingback chair that looks like it might have been designed by Spanish filmmaker/animator Sergio Pablos for his “Despicable Me” movies. Montreal, Canada’s Red Barrel Studios manufactures a similar chair, available through Wayfair.
2. Moon and Stars Create Dreamy Backdrop
Classic boy’s bedroom in a New York City townhouse, once owned by shipping and railroad heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, the mother of CNN reporter Anderson Cooper. The space features a moon and stars mural on one wall creating a backdrop for a blue denim bunk bed. In the corner, a wooden desk is paired with a modern glass chair and large circular mirror.
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3. Built-In Shelving Provides Open Access
More fun and functional design sees bed-bracketing storage shelving, attached to the frame of a wooden bunk bed, include a pass-through shelf, opening the sleeping space up to the rest of the room. The bunk bed includes even more storage space underneath and a ladder to the top mattress. A safety railing for the top sleeper is something which needs to be considered for kids at any age. A large window brings plenty of natural light into the space.
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- Designed by: The Inman Company
4. Room with a View and Plenty of Storage
Dark wood furniture and dark blue walls dominate this boy’s bedroom which features a bunk bed set on an area rug on top of hardwood flooring. The stairs to the upper bunk cleverly double as drawers for storage, with a dresser and night table providing even more space to keep things off the floor. Large windows let in natural light and a great view of what’s happening outside.
5. Map of the World Decorates One Wall
A massive world map decorates one wall in the design of this boy’s bedroom. Pastel blue walls, carpeted floors and a dark wooden bed frame complete the functional aspects of the room. An acoustic guitar and school books are within hand’s reach in this busy, well-lived-in room.
6. Basem*nt Bedroom with Outside Access
Perfect for an older child, sliding glass doors in this basem*nt bedroom give the occupant rare in and out access to the outside world. Thespace features a queen-size bed, a study desk in one corner and hardwood flooring.
7. Fun and Functional Bunk Bed
This boy’s bedroom features a multi-functional bunk bed with stairs, that also serves as a fort and storage space, as well as a sleeping area. The space includes a study desk, hardwood flooring and a large window for natural light.
8. Spacious Corner Bedroom All Fun and Games
Spacious corner bedroom features two bamboo frame beds, hardwood flooring, an area rug, ceiling fan and large windows for natural light. The elephant in the room is a very authentic-looking miniature pool table which is not something found in many kids’ rooms. Most bedrooms would not have the space for a seven-foot table, let alone parents who would agree to putting one in.
9. Posters of the Night Sky Dot Bedroom Wall
Boy’s bedroom features a metal Twin Over Full Standard Bunk Bed designed by Viv + Rae. The bed frame includes a built-in ladder and safety rail for extra security. A dresser for clothes and a floor box for games provide plenty of storage. The space also has hardwood flooring topped by an area rug, bucket chair with swivel base and informational posters on astronomy for wall decoration.
10. Unique Bed, Shelving and Cabinet Combo
Compact boy’s bedroom features a unique bed, shelving and cabinetry combo, along with a large window and hardwood flooring. The extensive cabinets and shelving are all designed within hand’s reach of the bed, and in fact, the shelves can only be reached from the bed itself.
See Girls’ Bedroom Ideas Here.
12. Captain’s Window Plays into Nautical Theme
Boy’s bedroom features a bunk bed lit with wall lights, carpet flooring, storage trunk and large windows. The bed includes a built-in ladder with a Captain’s Window at one end.
13. Night Train to Dreamland
Elegant bunk beds, giving off a night train vibe, feature wall lighting and plenty of storage for clothes, books and toys. The upper bunk does not have a safety rail, or any visible way to get up for that matter, but it does include curtains for privacy, just like on a train.
14. Music Room Gets Top Marks for Fun and Functionality
Spacious boy’s bedroom is large enough to have its own stage with drum kit, keyboards and electric guitar. I’ve actually been in some clubs that had smaller stages than this. The colorful room seems to have been designed to accommodate maximum visual and audio levels for a growing music fan. Well played and top marks for both fun and functionality.
15. Surf’s Up in Room with Double-Wide Bunk Beds
Bedroom designed for older kids features a massive bunk bed frame with a two mattresses below and an equal amount of space on the top level. The structure also includes an access ladder, safety rail and lots of storage. Geometric wallpaper decorates the room in tandem with blue carpeting and large windows. A surfboard hanging on the wall and a longboard resting against a desk fill us in on some of the occupants’ interests.
16. Hanging Beds Suspended from Wall and Ceiling
Elaborate hanging beds feature two “bunks” attached to the wall and ceiling with a rope pulley system. The rope on the lower bed is for decoration only while the upper bed is fastened to the ceiling. A ladder provides access to the upper deck which is open on three sides and does not have a safety railing.
17. Superhero Theme Rules in Boy’s Bedroom Design
This boy’s bedroom features a Batman-inspired superhero design with an upper deck built over a floor-level bed. The upper tier, with ladder access and safety railing, is intended as a play area but can be used for sleeping, too. The space also includes a work desk with shelving, large window, carpet flooring and an area rug.
18. Bedroom Showcases Wood Craftsmanship
Bella Home Builders installed a real boat for a bed as part of the décor in this boy’s bedroom. The nautically-inspired bed and computer table features fine wood craftsmanship which can also be seen in the window frames and exposed beam ceiling.
19. Decorative Wall Art Distinguishes Modern Bedroom
Modern design and furnishings define this boy’s bedroom featuring a queen size bed, hardwood flooring with area rug and extensive wall decoration. An electric guitar and amp are placed next to a chair under a window letting in natural light.
20. Long, Thin Bedroom Perfectly Symmetrical
Elegant design in the walls and hardwood flooring distinguish this boy’s bedroom. Like a train compartment, the long, thin room’s two beds are symmetrically aligned with overhead storage.
21. Tent Bed Frame Camps Out Under a Ceiling of Stars
Boy’s bedroom features galaxy-inspired wall design with a pull-out drawer for storage built into the bed frame. The triangular bed frame is both functional and playful and can be whatever the room’s occupant wants it to be. The space also includes carpeting and a window skylight for fresh air and wishing upon stars.
22. Fishnet Ceiling Draws Decorative Interest
Fish rope hangs from the ceiling in this boy’s bedroom featuring hardwood flooring, work desk and lots of shelving. Modern French doors open to an outside balcony.
23. Bunk Beds Work Well for Small Ones in Small Space
Metal-frame bunk bed, featuring a black and white color scheme, includes an access ladder at the end of the structure and safety rail for the top sleeper. A lounge in front of large window also has a drawer for storage.
24. Tent Bed Frame Adds Playful Touch
Bright childrens’ bedroom features a tent bed with a rustic frame, hardwood flooring, area rug and a high ceiling. The space, in a home newly renovated from an old industrial loft, also has white brick walls and a large window letting in plenty of natural light.
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- Designed by Chango & Co
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an enthusiast and expert in interior design, I have spent years researching and exploring various design ideas for children's bedrooms. I have a deep understanding of the importance of creating a space that reflects a child's personality and interests while also being functional and aesthetically pleasing.
In a New York Times article titled "Who's in Charge of Your Child's Décor?" by Ronda Kaysen, the author addresses the question of who should be responsible for designing a child's bedroom. This question resonates with many parents and children who often have different preferences and ideas when it comes to décor.
The article emphasizes the idea that a child's bedroom should be a work in progress, constantly evolving to reflect their changing interests and personality. It should be a space that allows room for growth and creativity. With this in mind, the article presents a curated gallery of contemporary boys' bedroom ideas, each showcasing unique design concepts.
One of the featured designs is a bookcase built with a nautical theme, cleverly integrated into a headboard wall alcove. This design combines fun and functionality, providing a winning concept for any design project. The room also features hardwood flooring, a gray area rug, and a modern pendant fixture hanging from the ceiling. A white wingback chair adds an elegant touch, reminiscent of the chair designed by Spanish filmmaker/animator Sergio Pablos for the "Despicable Me" movies.
In another design, a classic boy's bedroom in a New York City townhouse owned by Gloria Vanderbilt features a moon and stars mural as a dreamy backdrop for a blue denim bunk bed. The room also includes a wooden desk, a modern glass chair, and a large circular mirror.
A notable design concept is the use of built-in shelving that provides open access and connects the sleeping space to the rest of the room. This design includes a pass-through shelf, additional storage space underneath the bunk bed, and a ladder for accessibility. Natural light floods the room through a large window, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Dark wood furniture and dark blue walls dominate another boy's bedroom design, featuring a bunk bed with stairs that double as drawers for storage. The room also includes a dresser, a night table, and large windows that offer a great view of the outside.
In a room focused on exploration and learning, a massive world map decorates one wall, complementing the pastel blue walls, carpeted floors, and a dark wooden bed frame. An acoustic guitar and school books are within reach, adding a sense of adventure and education to the space.
For older children, a basem*nt bedroom with sliding glass doors offers rare access to the outside world. The room features a queen-size bed, a study desk, and hardwood flooring.
A fun and functional bunk bed design includes stairs, a fort, and storage space, along with a study desk and a large window for natural light. This design maximizes space while providing a comfortable sleeping area.
A spacious corner bedroom features two bamboo frame beds, hardwood flooring, an area rug, a ceiling fan, and large windows that flood the room with natural light. The standout feature is a miniature pool table, adding a unique element to the space.
Posters of the night sky adorn the walls of a boy's bedroom, which features a metal Twin Over Full Standard Bunk Bed with built-in ladder and safety rail. The room also includes a dresser, a floor box for games, and hardwood flooring topped with an area rug.
In a compact boy's bedroom, a unique bed, shelving, and cabinetry combo are designed within hand's reach of the bed. The extensive storage options make efficient use of limited space.
A bunk bed in a boy's bedroom is lit with wall lights and includes a storage trunk and large windows. The bed features a built-in ladder with a Captain's Window at one end, adding a playful touch to the nautical theme.
Elegant bunk beds give off a night train vibe, featuring wall lighting and plenty of storage. Curtains provide privacy, reminiscent of a train compartment.
In a spacious boy's bedroom, there is enough room for a stage with a drum kit, keyboards, and an electric guitar. The room is designed to accommodate maximum visual and audio levels for a budding music fan.
A bedroom designed for older kids features a massive bunk bed frame with two mattresses below and ample space on the top level. Geometric wallpaper, blue carpeting, and a surfboard hanging on the wall reflect the occupants' interests.
Elaborate hanging beds suspended from the wall and ceiling add a unique touch to a boy's bedroom. A ladder provides access to the upper deck, which is open on three sides and does not have a safety railing.
A superhero-themed boy's bedroom design features an upper deck built over a floor-level bed. The space includes a work desk, large window, and carpet flooring, creating a fun and functional environment.
A real boat bed and fine wood craftsmanship distinguish a boy's bedroom. The nautical-inspired bed and computer table are complemented by window frames and an exposed beam ceiling.
A modern boy's bedroom showcases sleek design and furnishings, including a queen-size bed, hardwood flooring, and extensive wall decoration. An electric guitar and amp are placed next to a chair under a window, providing a space for creativity and relaxation.
In a long, thin bedroom, two beds are symmetrically aligned with overhead storage, resembling a train compartment. The walls and hardwood flooring add an elegant touch to the space.
A tent bed frame adds a playful touch to a boy's bedroom, with a galaxy-inspired wall design and a pull-out drawer for storage. The high ceiling and window skylight enhance the sense of openness and imagination.
Fishnet ceiling decorates a boy's bedroom, accompanied by hardwood flooring, a work desk, and shelving. Modern French doors open to an outside balcony, bringing in fresh air and natural light.
A metal-frame bunk bed with a black and white color scheme offers a space-saving solution for small rooms. The bed includes an access ladder and safety rail, while a lounge in front of a large window provides additional storage.
A tent bed frame with a rustic frame adds a playful touch to a bright children's bedroom. The space features hardwood flooring, an area rug, white brick walls, and a large window, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
These boys' bedroom designs showcase a wide range of creative and functional ideas that can be adapted to suit individual preferences and spaces. Whether it's a nautical theme, a superhero-inspired design, or a music-themed room, each concept offers a unique way to create a personalized and engaging space for children to grow and explore.
