Boys bedroom ideas for playful personalities

11 min read

Last Modified 9 May 2025 First Added 13 October 2023

Creating a place for growing boys to express themselves and feel at home is essential for their development and to bring fun and joy into their personal space.

Bedrooms are a place to unwind, escape, and do the things we love — a private haven where we can explore what makes us unique. And it’s no different for boys, whether it’s their first bedroom or they’ve reached their tween years.

To help, we’ve explored our favourite ways to spruce up boys’ bedrooms and avoid those dark hideaways and messy coves. Instead, opt for inspiring designs that let their personalities shine. Expect decor schemes centred around their interests, colour palettes, and tips on how to avoid (most of!) the mess with storage solutions.

1. Get hygge

Create a cosy sanctuary with Scandi vibes that he’ll love to kick back and unwind in.

Hygge is a Scandinavian concept encompassing the idea of being cosy, content, and enjoying a nice atmosphere. It’s a brilliant design choice for a boy’s bedroom, which emphasises comfort and relaxation. This is particularly important given how turbulent our youngsters’ lives can feel as they figure out their place in the world.

Start with Scandi minimalism, such as clean wooden beds in light colours and a neutral colour palette of creams, beiges, and dark browns. Then add plenty of snuggly layers, such as thick woollen blankets, fluffy throw pillows, and a shaggy rug to keep bare feet cosy.

Simple décor like the forest decal and plaid bedding in the image below can add a more playful aspect to the design. If they have any key interests, whether that’s theatre, crafts, sports or anything else, embrace this with framed artwork or photography on floating shelves or hanging from the walls.

Westbrook Metal Bed Frame

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Westbrook Metal Bed Frame

Credit: @ourhousemove_scotland

2. A musical theme for musical boys

Record player motifs, bedside speakers, and plenty of storage — a dream combination for sonically inspired youngsters.

Our interests in music often play a central role in how we see ourselves. Particularly in our teenage years, we learn to express ourselves and form our identities around the music we love. Think back to the emo scene of the noughties and the grunge-inspired baggy jeans of the nineties. Every generation is impacted somewhat by music, mostly because it’s a surefire way to help inspire creativity and freedom of expression.

The bedroom can play a central role in this too. As below, look to incorporate musically-inspired artwork around your youngster’s bedroom and invest in a good speaker so they can wile away the hours contemplating all the things they need to contemplate.

If they’re into playing music as much as they are listening, an ottoman bed will certainly help. Store spare guitar strings, drum covers, and theory books inside. Or use it to store other, less interesting items such as spare bedding and shoes and let them truly show off their interests by placing their musical instruments front and centre instead.

Quantum Single Ottoman Gaming TV Bed Frame
Quantum Single Ottoman Gaming TV Bed Frame

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Quantum Single Ottoman Gaming TV Bed Frame

3. Multicoloured fun

Embrace vivacity with this rainbow theme for bright personalities.

As little ones grow, we can feel tempted to tone down the bright colours of early childhood in favour of something more versatile. This muted palette shows you that the bedroom can remain a fun, playful space even as they approach (and reach!) adulthood.

To achieve this, mix lots of patterns such as stripes, polka dots, nature motifs, rainbows, and multicolour designs for a whimsical and abstract effect that looks best when a lot is going on.

Also, encourage personal choices and focus on his favourite colours. Even analogous colours, such as red and orange, or blue and purple can make impactful pairings, so don’t shy away from experimenting.

Sasha Kids Wooden Cabin Bed
Sasha Kids Wooden Cabin Bed

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Sasha Kids Wooden Cabin Bed

4. Monochrome hideaway

Unwind and kick back using a classic black and white contrast.

A tasteful design choice for quieter personalities to build their own escape. From big readers to aspiring social media stars, this subdued combo has tonnes of room for him to stamp his personality on the space with a book nook, gaming corner, or study area.

You can lean into the industrial aesthetic, which calls for minimalist design choices like a leather bed frame, oversized lightbulbs, exposed brickwork and wood flooring, and neon artwork. Consider a horizontal split in the wall to play with negative space and give the illusion of height, or contrast a light headboard against a darker wall.

Westbrook Metal Bed Frame

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Westbrook Metal Bed Frame

Credit: @through_the_lane

5. Against the grain with green

Vibrant and refreshing, a green bedroom is cool and versatile for growing boys.

Breathe fresh air into the space with green shades to create a playful oasis. Adjacent to blue, green is also a calming colour, but is considered more gender-neutral for those stepping out of the stereotypical box.

For a bolder approach that energetic boys will adore, choose an electrifying lime for a lively statement wall or attention-grabbing stripes. Older boys may prefer a mature escape with revitalising forest greens and cooler undertones.

A kids black metal bunk bed, styled in an earthy green kids room with natural decor.
Westbrook Kids Metal Bunk Bed

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Westbrook Kids Metal Bunk Bed

6. A chill pastel grey hangout

Embrace the playful side of a neutral palette for unexpected whimsy.

Despite being one of the most popular and versatile colours in interior design, grey can often feel too grown-up for younger boys. However, don’t discount it straight away! The muted tones are great for imbuing a peaceful vibe in the bedroom. Especially if you pair it with more colourful pastels and a cosy hideaway frame like a high sleeper or playhouse bed.

Emphasise and complement the cool undertones of a grey bed with smokey blues, subtle pinks, and mustard yellows to create an inspiring and creative bedroom. Complete the palette by adding dark shades such as slate and denim.

Anderson Kids Wooden Bunk Bed with Drawer - open
Anderson Kids Wooden Bunk Bed with Drawer

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Anderson Kids Wooden Bunk Bed with Drawer

7. Fit for a prince

Bring navy and gold together for a luxurious combination that is sophisticated and youthful.

A match made in colour theory heaven, turn the bedroom into a refined space that will make him feel grown up. Blue might seem like an obvious choice for boys, but a noble navy palette can make the space feel unique. The addition of a gold metal bed frame is a statement-making centrepiece.

Bring together the look with gold or brass hardware on the furniture and accessories like coat hooks, storage boxes, and mirrors. This design can make a space feel luxurious without trying too hard.

Ealing Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

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Ealing Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

Credit: @honeysuckle_house

8. Small room, big impact

Even the smallest bedroom can be made into the perfect boy’s hideaway with some interior design magic…

Many of us got assigned the box room as kids, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the short straw! A compact bedroom provides an already cosy space that requires less work to make feel like your own.

A high sleeper bed provides a bed, storage, a desk, and seating space all in one go. If there isn’t much wall space for artwork, then decorate the bedframe instead. Be mindful of the colour palette here, as dark colours can be overwhelming and make the space feel smaller.

However, if they’re set on something like navy or dark green, then ensure that the window isn’t blocked and set up lots of lighting around the room. Especially under the high bed, as this will be in shadow with the overhead light on.

Anderson Kids Wooden High Sleeper with Storage & Desk

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Anderson Kids Wooden High Sleeper with Storage & Desk

Credit: @life_at_the_bovis_winchcombe

9. Safari sanctuary

Create a playful and creative room with a safari-themed bedroom. It’s the perfect bedroom for boys who love nature and wildlife.

Begin with a natural colour scheme, employing greens, browns, and sandy beige to simulate a jungle environment. To set the mood, incorporate wall stickers of jungle leaves and wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and lions.

Next, select nature-inspired furniture, such as a wooden bed, to complement the theme and decorate with themed pillow covers and their favourite cuddly toys. For imagination sparking, you may even include a chalkboard or whiteboard on one of the walls where your little boy can plan their next safari adventure!

Woodstock Wooden Bed Frame - 4'6 Double - Brown
Woodstock Wooden Low Rise Bed Frame

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Woodstock Wooden Low Rise Bed Frame

Credit: @mj_darling_home

10. Hero’s hideout

All little boys at one time or another have pretended to save the world in a cape (or towel). A superhero bedroom is the ultimate HQ for all their superhero adventures, from battling villains to learning superpowers straight from their bed.

Start by choosing a colour scheme and a kids’ bed. Their favourite superhero’s colours, like bright red, blue, or green, would be amazing. Add superhero wall stickers to bring action-packed adventure into the room. Next, add themed furniture pieces to the room, such as drawers, a bedspread with superhero signs or curtains that have the symbols of their superheroes. Complete the theme by placing superhero figurines on shelves.

Wren Kids Wooden High Sleeper
Wren Kids Wooden High Sleeper

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Wren Kids Wooden High Sleeper

11. The gaming loading zone

A gaming-themed bed is the ultimate boy’s hangout for someone who gets lost in worlds of pixels. It’s dynamic, interactive, and fun.

Invest in furniture that enhances the gaming experience, like an ergonomic desk chair for marathon playtime, storage for game consoles, screens, and accessories, and a gaming bed.

Framed prints of their favourite games or characters will provide a personal element to their walls. Finally, decorating with LED strip lighting, matching the colours of their games to surround them in their world.

Glitch Gaming bed
Glitch Kids Upholstered Bed Frame

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Glitch Kids Upholstered Bed Frame

Ways to take a boy’s bedroom to the next level

Beyond choosing the right look, making the space functional for their needs is vital to a successful bedroom renovation.

Here are our top 3 interior design tips for upgrading a young boy’s bedroom to make it feel expertly finished…

1. Room for friends

If you have a social boy, then creating space for their friends to come hang out and even stay over in their room will be the best thing about the bedroom.

For a permanent solution, bunk beds are a fantastic way to provide extra sleeping space without a larger footprint. However, a sofa bed can also be an ideal solution here.

This gives him a place to lounge about when he’s alone, play games with friends, and then transform into a bed when they’re ready to sleep. Compact and versatile, this can serve him well for many years.

2. Utilise vertical space

We’ve already mentioned bunk beds, but there are loads of clever ways to use height in the bedroom to take the design up a notch.

Floating shelves are a sophisticated way to add storage, especially if your little one needs somewhere to store books, video games, board games, or other hobby supplies. Put his interests on display while keeping things neat and tidy – no more tripping over things! Placing a shelf near the bed can also serve as another bedside table for a nightlight.

3. Prioritise sleep

Bedrooms can be a really personal space for a lot of people, but don’t forget that good sleep is the main focus here – especially for growing boys. Try to create designated zones in the room for study, hobbies, and sleep. For example, if they have a console in their room, make sure they can’t play from bed, as this is their sleep space.

What are the best paint colours for a boy’s bedroom?

The best colour really all depends on your little one’s preferences. They may be young, but they already know what they like! Whether it’s superheroes, dinosaurs, or just a favourite colour they keep pointing out, their personality can guide the palette.

That said, some of our tried-and-true colour favourites for boys’ rooms include:

  • Classic blues: You really can’t go wrong with blue, it’s a timeless favourite for a reason. Whether your kiddo loves a calming sky blue or something deeper like navy, there’s a shade that suits every personality. Bonus: we’ve got blue beds that pair perfectly.
  • Earthy greens: If your little one is into animals, forests, or anything outdoorsy, earthy greens are a great pick. Shades like olive or sage can make the room feel fresh, grounded, and a bit like their own mini jungle adventure.
  • Warm neutrals: Think of these as the “grow with me” colours. Soft greys, taupes, and beiges give you a flexible base that’s easy to refresh as their interests change—just swap out the bedding or add a fun wall sticker! Explore our neutral bed frames to get started.
  • Vibrant accents: Got a high-energy kid? Bright pops of orange, yellow, or green can bring a ton of personality into the space. These colours are playful without taking over the whole room—fantastic for bold little imaginations.

It’s all about creating a space where they feel comfortable, happy, and excited to call their own. And hey, if they want a bright green dinosaur cave or a galactic purple galaxy room—why not? It’s their little world!

For more inspiration, use our Colour Wheel to help you find a boy’s bedroom colour scheme.

Dealing with not-so-little ones?