Step into a world of whimsy where childhood dreams take center stage! Join our Designer, Nabiha Jarvis of Space Reform Design Studio, as she reveals some utterly fantastical yet totally doable design ideas to turn your child's bedroom into a magical wonderland. Get ready to be amazed and let the enchantment begin!
From ''simple'' to grand, small spaces to large spaces, we have carefully selected our best renderings to showcase all the possibilities!
Once Upon a Time, in a Faraway Land of Whimsy and Wonder... Whimsical Narnia Toddler Bedroom
Full-scope bedroom ideas:
Click & scroll each image for additional tips, tricks & safety ideas.
Source: Space Reform
Note: When designing childrens bedrooms, safety is especially important. Please take careful consideration of elements surrounding beds. Avoid fairy lights, ensure shelving is secure, keep drapery to a minimum for younger children, and always ensure bunk beds are built by a skilled trades-person & adequate safety rails are placed with no less than 1.5'' gaps. We have used various A.I platforms to turn our design visions into reality, unfortunately this also means little control over the finer details (ie: safety components). Use our images for inspiration only.
Beyond the Wardrobe Door, A World Awaits...
Whimsy wardrobes turned into toddler beds or benches.
Source: Space Reform
You can opt to refurbish a pre-loved wardrobe, or construct your own if budget permits! You will want to ensure your wardrobe is constructed of solid wood, and is re-enforced for stability & weight distribution if using as a bed or bench. You want to ensure it's open enough for airflow (remove a door or two), large enough to fit a toddler sized mattress, and you may also need to add additional airflow depending on the wardrobe's design.
Idea; Convert an upper shelf into a ''zoo'' for your childs stuffed animals or dolls, utilizing wooden rods & railings to give it a miniature bunk-bed look.
“Lucy woke out of the deepest sleep you can imagine, with the feeling that the voice she liked best in the world had been calling her name.” ― C. S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia
Amongst the Stars, Where Fantasies Take Flight...
Built-in beds & bed nooks
Source: Space Reform
Bed nooks and built-in beds are awesome space-saving hacks for smaller spaces and children's rooms. Don't be misled into believing you can only use a small twin bed for this! If you want a larger bed, go for it! Build it in with bookshelves or wardrobes on adjacent sides (use a wardrobe system such as Ikea's Pax for a seamless look and versatility).
Don't be shy, add a valence! Yes, valences are back in style in 2024 & 2025 design trends, and especially on par with your dream Narnia inspired children's bedroom. Install a bed valence to complete the built-in bed look. You can use wooden valences, fabric valences, or both!
Hint: You may be wondering how difficult it may be to change the linens. Surprisingly, it's not very difficult at all! We find it to be no different from a regular bed. If you have mobility issues, however, this style of bed may not be the best choice.
Amidst the Whispering Woods of Imagination...
Fireplaces utilized as toy storage
Source: Space Reform
Do you have an old fireplace? Use it in your child's bedroom as a toy cupboard or an open-concept toy storage. Make sure the fireplace is not connected to another functional fireplace and is no longer being used for setting fires.
Within the Veil of Enchantment, A Tale Unfolds...
Doors Whimsical Narnia Toddler Bedroom
Source: Space Reform
The details often forgotten; doors! Arch out the doorway and have a custom arched door fitted to complete the ultimate whimsy bedroom look! Custom doors do not need to be expensive, shop around, compare cost of materials & consider purchasing materials yourself and hiring a private contractor for the job. If you're handy or know someone who is, it's totally possible to do this yourself. We do recommend hiring a skilled-trades person to contruct the arch for the doorway, especially if you're widening the doorway to make space for double doors. A skilled tradesperson will ensure the job is done safely, and no load-bearing members are interfered with.
In a Realm Where Fairy Tales Come Alive...
Wardrobes
Source: Space Reform
Source a grand wardrobe. The bigger the better here! Opt for natural wood tones. Thrift one at a local thrift shop, facebook marketplace, or at an estate auction! The finish is not important as this can be removed and re-finished in your desired wood tone, just make sure it is solid wood.
Pro Tip: Stencil or trace a unique (but simple) design onto your wardrobe, and use a wood carving tool to carve it out to really complete the look! Alternatively, you could also apply some vintage furniture appliques or images. Think: Folk art, vintage, and cottage-core when searching Pinterest for ideas.
Where dreams dance freely...
Beds
Source: Space Reform
Get creative here. Think back to your childhood, what would your dream bed or sleeping space have looked like? Perhaps a cool fortress or tent? Use those ideas and incorporate it in with Narnia-inspired elements. Pictured above is a bed example using a simple door, yes a door, to give the sleeping space more of a built in feel.
Pro Tips: Drapery is nice, very nice. But be mindful when designing the space for toddlers. For older kids, this may be totally safe & a great way to personalize their sleeping space, but for toddlers, either opt out of adding drapery to their sleeping space, or ensure that the drapery used is not loose. One way to do this, would be to anchor the drapery to the floor (or bed) & ceiling both, to ensure it is ''taught'' or fitted in a tight & secure manner where a child could not get tangled, or entrapped. Essentially similar to building a tent, you'd want the drapery panels to be anchored at all four corners, pulling it flat across. Alternatively, opt for short drapes installed above the bed in an out-of-reach manner, for a more flowy look.
Hints: Explore Waldorf inspired beds and furnishings for a timeless, magical touch. Rooted in the philosophy of nurturing creativity and connection with nature, Waldorf designs often feature natural wooden furniture with gentle, organic curves. These elements evoke the charm of old-world Scandinavian craftsmanship, blending simplicity with enchantment. Waldorf's influence is also seen in Montessori designs, which share a focus on child-friendly, accessible furnishings that spark independence and imagination. Let this blend of functionality and whimsical artistry inspire your child’s ultimate Narnia-inspired retreat.
Closing the Wardrobe, But Keeping Narnia's Spirit Alive...
As you embark on creating a magical, Narnia-inspired retreat for your child, remember that the most enchanting spaces are crafted with love, creativity, and attention to detail. Every whimsical nook, creative lighting choice, and thoughtful finishing touch contributes to a room where dreams truly come to life.
If you’re ready to take your vision to the next level, we’re here to make it happen! Our virtual interior design services are thoughtfully designed to bring your ideas to life with expert precision and creativity. Each E-Design package includes a personalized mood board, concept board, virtual renderings of your space, detailed floor and furniture plans, and clickable product lists to simplify your shopping experience. Need something extra? Custom features can be tailored to fit your unique needs.
Getting started is easy—just visit our 'Contact Us' page and fill out the design inquiry form. Let’s work together to create the ultimate dream bedroom your little one will cherish for years to come!
Disclaimer:
We, at Space Reformed are advocates of safe sleep! The images are purely for fun inspiration, but may contain elements that should not be included in infant/toddler sleeping spaces. Such as loose drapes or lamps. You can still incorporate these in other areas of the room, however!
Copyright: All images contained in this article are the sole property of SpaceReformed.com , this includes our studio, blog and magazine. We welcome other publishers & content creators to use these images (non-commercially) only when credit is given! For commercial usage, please reach out to us using the chat or form feature on this site.
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