Published: October 27, 2025
By: Sandi Schwartz
Getting children into a bedroom routine and to sleep for the night is probably the biggest battle that parents face on a daily basis. Besides sticking to a consistent routine, it is important to consider the surrounding environment in which they rest. Creating a calming bedroom space is key to helping your children relax, unwind and go to bed easily without any fuss. Try these seven tips and tricks for developing your children’s bedroom to be a quiet, serene spot that they will love.
Decorate With Calming Colors The type of decor you choose in your children’s bedrooms can affect how easily they relax at night. The most calming colors to paint a bedroom are white and any muted pastel tones. Be sure to avoid harsh, bright colors on your children’s walls, as these will only stimulate the senses and wake them up again. The use of calm, soothing natural colors such as creams, pale blues and pale green will help to create a quieter atmosphere rather than using some of the more traditional primary colors which you often see in children’s bedrooms. In fact, children who have trouble sleeping may benefit from spending time in a blue room. Overall, if you want your children to sleep well, try using cool colors like blue, green or purple because their calming effect can make your child’s room feel spacious and relaxing, like the blue sky or the ocean.
Tap Into Nature Use art on the walls that contain calming nature images, like trees or birds in the sky, to create a tranquil atmosphere in the room. Avoid busy jungle scenes or scary animals, and opt for some tranquil land or seascapes that will add color and keep the room calm. Also, use real plants to add to the natural atmosphere in the room and to help with the oxygen levels and freshness. Just make sure they aren’t in a place where your child will trip over them in the middle of the night.
Use the Right Lights Children will often request to have a light left on, but the type of light you choose can have a big impact on the atmosphere in the room and how they sleep. Make sure there are no devices with lights on in the room as they can appear very bright in the dark. If you are reading to your child before bed, make sure you use a low level reading light so their eyes start to adjust to the darker environment early on. If they do want a nightlight, try using one with a red light bulb for a nicely dim appearance that is perfect for helping to bring on sleep.
Keep It Dark Install room darkening blinds or thick curtains on bedroom windows so that little ones get a full night’s sleep and don’t wake up at the crack of dawn when the sunlight comes through the window. Keep the room really dark, and they will sleep better and for a longer amount of time. Make sure the blinds are fully fitted to avoid any light coming through and disturbing them. If you don’t have blackout blinds, then try just adding a liner to their curtains or doubling up the thickness to help keep out the light.
Declutter and Tidy Away Make sure all toys and clothes are put away neatly before bedtime, as there is nothing more distracting to children than being able to see lots of toys from their bed. Keep the room as clean and clutter-free as possible at bedtime. Investing in good storage will help the room function as a playroom during the day and convert easily to a calm sleeping area at night.
Add a Fish Tank There is nothing more calming than lying in bed and watching fish swimming around a tank. A colorful fish tank adds to the natural atmosphere in the room and provides something tranquil and soothing for your child to watch as they try to fall asleep. Make sure the tank does not have any bright lights that will keep your kids awake. You want them to be able to watch the fish swimming around softly. ****
Buy Cozy Bedding Make sure your child’s bed and bedding are really comfortable and that they are tucked in so they feel safe and secure. Invest in a decent mattress and pillows so they are comfortable, and make sure the room is not too warm or stuffy before they go to sleep. If they normally sleep with a particular cuddly toy or blanket, make sure it is tucked in safely with them before you leave the room. These are just some simple tips to create a calm bedroom environment by using nature, fish and plants, and keeping the room as clear and clean from clutter as possible. All of these small changes will help to create a calming bedroom space where your children will be eager to go to in the evening, and will help ensure they get a good night’s sleep.
Sandi Schwartz is an award-winning environmental author.