With 130,000 uses of the hashtags ChildrensBedroom and ChildrensBedroomDécor on Instagram and over 2 million views on TikTok, parents are increasingly looking for ways to create a bedroom that will prove timeless as their kids grow older.

To help make it easier, Georgia Metcalfe, founder of luxury bedroom specialists French Bedroom has shared five essential tips to create a timeless appearance.

1. Choose a soft and neutral colour palette

To make a bedroom last for years, it is first important to choose the right backdrop, as walls with cartoon murals will need replacing quickly with children maturing quick. Soft and neutral colours will be minimalistic but provide sophistication and allow other areas to stand out. Georgia says: “Personality can be added without altering the décor through photographs and other items being hung on the wall. Remember, plain walls and furniture don’t go out of style and make a room feel bright and airy.”

2. Pick furniture that will last

Georgia comments: “To prevent frequent furniture replacing, purchase durable pieces that will stand the test of time. Tables, wardrobes, and chests of drawers are key choices with vintage pieces of oak and white furniture suiting many styles, rather than pink or blue versions which will be more likely to be replaced as the years go by. Solid craftsmanship in the design and natural materials are generally a good indicator that the furniture will last.” If there are pieces of furniture that begin to look or feel outdated, see if it is possible to upcycle by adding a new lick of paint to make it feel brand new.

3. Add symmetry

Symmetry helps create a timeless room by bringing a sense of balance and calm which allows our eyes and brain to remember where everything should be. In a child’s bedroom, make the bed the focal point of the room with paired tables and lamps on either side – this is a great trick to make the space look pulled together. Georgia comments: “Add similar posters or picture frames on opposite sides of the bed to add character and memories without looking too busy.”

4. Avoid trends and themes

The novelty of a car bed or bright pink princess wallpaper is likely to wear off after a couple of years so opt for an upholstered bed and oak bedside table instead to make the décor last. Georgia comments: “For a style that won’t need regular refreshing, try a minimalistic design which can be achieved by adding wooden wardrobes and having storage under the bed to keep the room open and spacious. Add posters or pictures on the wall that can easily be swapped out and replaced by paintings or art over time. This allows a child to put their own stamp on the room.”

5. Layer furniture with accessories

The final step is to add more of your children’s personality by smartly placing toys around the room. Action figures, dolls and cars can all be neatly placed on shelving and tables alongside books to look like stylish objects and bring pops of colour to the bedroom. Storage is key to hiding messier or larger items, but smaller pieces should be allowed to shine throughout the room.

Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom commented: “Every parent wants to give a child the bedroom of their dreams, but this can need updating yearly which isn’t practical. As a mother, I am always looking for ways to be more sustainable in design, and my key pieces of advice are to find furniture that is well made so you don’t need to purchase it again, as well as add layers of personality through artwork and toys.”