A child's room is where a lot of firsts happen. First words, first bedtime stories, first elaborate plans to become an astronaut, a vet and a dinosaur all at once. The art on the walls should feel like it belongs in that world.
Whether you're setting up a nursery or giving a big-kid bedroom a refresh, this guide walks through the most popular kids' wall art themes, how to choose pieces that won't feel babyish in two years, and where to hang everything so the room comes together.
Start With What They Love (Right Now)
Kids' interests change fast. Last month it was sharks; this month it's volcanoes. So the goal is to find art that reflects what they love today but has enough staying power to grow with them. These four themes have stood the test of time for a reason.
Animal Wall Art
Animals are often a child's first real fascination, whether it's the family dog, a favourite stuffed bear or a full-blown dinosaur obsession. Animal prints are also one of the easiest themes to grow with. A sweet watercolour fox works beautifully in a nursery, while a detailed wildlife illustration feels right at home in a ten-year-old's room.
Tip: If you're unsure what will last, woodland animals are a safe bet. They're sweet enough for babies and classic enough for older kids.
Space-Themed Prints
Hardly anyone outgrows space. Toddlers love a big friendly moon; school-age kids want to know the order of the planets; teenagers still think a good galaxy print is cool. Choose bright, simple illustrations for younger children, then move toward deep navies, golds and more detailed star maps as they get older.
And honestly, a daily reminder to stay curious and reach for the stars isn't a bad message to grow up with.
Nature & Botanical Art
Trees, flowers, mountains, the beetle they found under a rock last summer: the natural world gives kids endless things to wonder about. Nature prints bring a bit of that outdoor energy inside and keep a room feeling fresh. They're also one of the most versatile themes. Playful flower illustrations suit little ones and classic botanical studies look just as good in a teen's room as they would in a living room.
Fairytale & Fantasy Art
Kids are natural world-builders. They take bits of the stories they hear and the pictures they see and spin them into something entirely their own. Art featuring enchanted forests, floating castles or whimsical characters gives that imagination somewhere to land. If any room in the house gets to feel like a storybook, it should be this one.
Pull the Room Together With Colour
Kids' rooms are usually full of colour, pattern and personality, but they don't have to feel chaotic. Pick one colour from a print you love and repeat it in a cushion, rug or lampshade. It's a small trick, but it makes a playful room feel intentional.
Nursery Wall Art: Keep It Simple
You'll spend a lot of hours in the nursery: late-night feeds, early-morning cuddles, endless diaper changes. The art should make it a calm, happy place to be.
Soft colours. Pastels and neutrals are popular for a reason. Muted pinks, dusty blues, warm creams and earthy greens keep the room feeling cozy and restful without making it bland.
Simple illustrations. Small animals, simple shapes and delicate botanicals add charm without overwhelming the space. If you'd like something just for baby, consider a high-contrast black-and-white print. Newborns see bold contrast more easily than soft pastels, so it's something they can actually focus on in those early months.
ABC and 123 prints. Alphabet and number prints are decorative and a little bit educational, and they're one of the best ways to buy art that lasts. A good alphabet print works in a nursery, a toddler room and well into the early school years.
Build a Gallery Wall That Grows With Them
You don't need to choose just one theme. A gallery wall lets you mix animals, letters, a favourite space print and maybe a personalized name print, and add to it as your child's interests change.
To keep it from looking random, stick to one or two frame colours and a shared colour palette across the prints. Lay everything out on the floor first (or tape paper cut-outs to the wall) before you start putting holes in anything.
Getting the Size and Height Right
This is where a lot of rooms go wrong, and it's an easy fix.
Size: Art above a bed, crib or dresser should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it. If a single piece feels too small, group two or three prints together.
Height: In most rooms, art is hung with its centre around 57 inches from the floor. In a child's room, it's worth going a bit lower so the art sits closer to their eye level.
Where to Hang Kids' Wall Art
Above the bed or crib. This is the natural focal point of the room, so it's the perfect spot for your favourite piece. For anything above a crib, choose lightweight frames with acrylic instead of glass and anchor them securely to the wall.
Above the changing table or dresser. These are the spots you'll look at most during everyday routines, so make them count. A cheerful print or a small cluster of artworks can make the most practical corner of the room feel special.
On a bookshelf. Not every piece needs a nail. Leaning a few framed prints on a shelf alongside favourite books and keepsakes creates a relaxed, layered look, and it's easy to swap things out as tastes change.
Above the bedside table. A small print here is a nice finishing touch, especially if it picks up a colour used elsewhere in the room.
Find Pieces They'll Love
Ready to start decorating? Explore the Children's Collection for artwork styles in a range of styles and sizes, and find pieces that fit their little world.
