Budget children’s room design ideas – to create a room you’ll love for less

These budget children's room design ideas are simple tricks and tweaks that don't cost the earth - but they can have serious style impact. We've covered space-saving ideas and ways to make the most of a small bedroom, along with decorating hacks and quick updates that won't break the bank but that they will love.

If you're looking to redecorate a child's bedroom then the costs can soon pile up. Whether it's a lick of paint, colourful storage solutions or ways to make the room just a little bit brighter, we are bursting with fun and almost-free ideas to spruce up their all-important bedrooms and playrooms.

Check out all our children's room ideas for decorating projects

From done-in-a-day to longer weekend projects, don't start work on your child's bedroom without taking a look at these nifty budget children's room design ideas...

1. Make your own storage solution

Storage solutions don’t need to cost a fortune. If you're looking for a unique way to keep toys in order, but are a little short on funds, have a go at this tote bag storage idea. Use any old canvas bags that you might have hanging around the house and cover them with a splash of fabric paint or screen print letters to personalise them. Next attach some hooks into the underside of the windowsill and simply hang the filled bags from them.

2. Update old furniture with a little paint

Your child's tastes are going to constantly change as they grow up, but that doesn't mean you need to trade in their old desk overtime as their colour preference changes. If you have a few paint brushes lying around the house get hold of some sample pots of paint and add a splash of colour to an old desk. Achieve this ombre-style by swirling a little white paint into the original colour to create a colour gradient.

3. Use everyday objects to make something special

Create unique light fittings and storage solutions with objects you have lying around the house, or even in the garden. In this room a large branch has been used to create an interesting light fixture by draping it with a hanging light. If you have an old wooden ladder lying around, why not repurpose it as a trendy ladder hanging rail? It's perfect for storing spare blankets or a handy place for their toys to hangout.

4. Frame your children's artwork

Prints are a great way to brighten up a white bedroom, but they can often be quite pricey. Why not use your kid's artwork to brighten up their room? Frame their favourite drawings and hang them up to create a cost-effective gallery wall. Not only will it add an affordable splash of colour to the room, but your child will be so proud to see their work hung up like a gallery.

5. Give new life to preloved furniture pieces

Don't throw away a versatile furniture piece, give it a makeover and with that, a new purpose. Give an old or boring chest of drawers a new look for a child's room, by upcycling it using paint and Washi tape.

Children's rooms can be instantly brought to life with layers of bright colour and pattern. An upcycled storage unit adds great decorative value.

6. Give walls an inexpensive art-effect

Wall murals are a great option to add personality to kid's rooms. But if you don't have artistic flair paying someone else to paint one can be very expensive. For a more budget-friendly alternative you could try a simple paint effect, that adds interest to walls without costing too much. To create this geometric wall statement select two complimentary colours, use a spirit level and masking tape to divide the wall in half then get painting.

7. Make it multi-functional

As your children grow, their room will need to accommodate a desk for study, and plenty of additional storage space for books and equipment. Shop for multi-functional pieces of furniture that incorporate desk space with plenty of hidden, but accessible, storage. Avoid ‘theming’ a room too much, instead opting to bring to life your child’s favourite designs and colours through bedlinen and soft accessories. Remember that simple storage items such as boxes, baskets, hooks, hangers and wall organisers will all help to create an efficient space that still has plenty of personality.

8. Recycle used materials

Don't let unloved materials go to waste. Upcycling is all about breathing new life into old items – be it furniture, home accessories or, even clothing. And a child's bedroom is the perfect place to experiment with weird and wacky designs. This children's bedrooms is incredibly creative, and also features plenty of upcycled pieces.  The walls was made using reclaimed corrugated iron to make an urban-inspired feature wall. It only cost £10!

9. Accessorise well

If a child's room is looking a little on the bland side, consider investing, and when we say investing we actually mean heading down to your local charity shop, or bargain supermarket, to pick up a few standout accessories. Stylish accessories don't have to cost the Earth. The high street have become incredibly good at replicating higher-end brands at affordable prices, see the likes of Aldi or Lidl for example. Alternatively, you might find a hidden gem at a local charity shop. After all, one persons trash, is another persons treasure.

10. Get crafting

Stringing up pretty bunting – a brilliant thing to make on a shoestring budget – makes for a pretty decorative touch. Bunting is the perfect way to add a fun touch to your child’s room. It’s pretty, playful, and can be made with different fabrics and patterns to suit any occasion. And what's more, you can get your child involved in the crafting process.

Related: How to make bunting

11. Tape it up

This is a particularly handy tip if you’re renting or you’re not up for letting your kids cover their walls with bright paint or wacky wallpaper – let your kids loose with washi tape instead. It is also a great alternative to expensive frames! Available in a range of colours, patterns and sizes, washi tape allows you to stick up whatever you fancy on the walls and it peels back off without leaving a trace – plus its far prettier to look at and better for your walls than blu-tack. Papermash is an excellent stockist for the stuff.

12. Get creative with wall stickers

If you and your child aren't naturally artistic and find Washi tape a little tricky, try using wall stickers to jazz up a wall inexpensively. This blush and gold rain cloud wall sticker helps transform this room into a pretty bedroom retreat, perfect for a 13 year old. The best part about wall stickers is that they are easy to remove, so if your son or daughter grows out of the design they are easy and inexpensive to change over.

Related: Children's room storage ideas – to create a neat, tidy and organised space

Love these budget children's room? We'd love to know how you decorate at low-cost!