How to Create a Colourful Girls' Bedroom: No Paint, No Wallpaper, No DIY

So many parents that I speak to are fearful of creating an overly colourful bedroom theme for their daughter because they expect to have to commit to bright paint colours or wallpaper, when they know their child's tastes are likely to change. I was faced with the same challenge when creating this colourful bedroom theme for my daughter.

What I want to show you with this bedroom theme is that, if you're looking for colourful girls bedroom ideas, anyone can achieve something similar, even if you're renting.

All my ideas below are designed to be simple, achievable and easy to pull together - even if you’re short on time.

This is the kind of room I’m going to help you create — playful and colourful, without the need to completely redecorate.

Many of the girls bedroom themes I have designed in the past have been dominated by pink, but they aren’t what my own daughter would choose. This time I decided to create a room that I knew Arla would love (and I hope you do too!) - something colourful and fun.

Start with your colour palette

The colours of the bunting in this room are a great way to tie together all the colours. 

An eclectic mix of colours used here is what makes this colourful bedroom theme so successful - you don't need to be too strict about the decorations you choose. Having white walls in this room, makes the colours pop against a plain background.

But I understand that many parents may feel overwhelmed by choice with such a colourful room, so this is my advice on using colours when decorating a girl's bedroom: choose a smaller palette of 2-3 colours that work together. This will make it easier for you to shop for bedroom accessories and decorations. A great starting point is to match to the colours in your chosen bedding or bunting.

 

Wall decor that makes a big impact — without a single nail

There's no doubt that, despite the white walls in this room, the wall decorations have given this room a real injection of colour. I would always advise any parent to make the most of the wall decor in a child's room - think framed prints, bunting and removable wall stickers - it's the one part of their room that will stay put even when the rest of the room gets messy!

By hanging wall decorations in a girls bedroom with removable fixings, you can create a colourful bedroom like this one even in rented accommodation.

Would you believe me if I told you that all of the decorations are hung with removable fixings? I hang all framed pictures with 3M Command Strips (aff link) and these removable wall hooks are great for bunting and banners. Removable wall decorations are a must in a girl's bedroom, even if you're not renting, children have a habit of changing their mind!

Top Tip: Before hanging wall decorations lay it all out on the floor first.

 

Soft accessories — the underrated colour carriers

It's amazing how much a few well-chosen cushions can transform a bed or reading corner. Layer my handmade Rainbow Cushion with a couple of colourful cushions and throws and your little girl's bedroom instantly feels complete - no paint, no wallpaper, just soft accessories doing all the work.

Layer cushions and soft accessories for an instant pop of colour without touching the walls. See our cushion collection.

 

Finish with personal touches

Adding your child’s name or initial in a variety of decorations are what will make the room feel special and unique to them. It may seem like a small thing, but a little girl's name is special to her, so decorations with her name on make the room feel her own space.

Colourful name bunting hung in a little girl's room adds a personalised touch alongside other wall decorations.

Toys & books make the best decorations

It's not always about buying lots of new decorations to update a girl's bedroom theme - don't underestimate things that your daughter already has in her room. Some of her most treasured possessions will add real personality to her room.

Pick out any of your child’s toys and books that match the colour scheme and stash the rest away in pretty storage baskets and crates.

Display your daughter's own toys and books to create a room that feels fun and lived-in. Pick out the ones that match the colour scheme and stash the rest away.

Even the smallest toys can make a cute display. Why is it little girls have a habit of collecting lots of random figures? Choose a selection of her favourites to put on display. I've put together a step-by-step guide to create your own display shelf like the one below - download my FREE Colourful Bedroom Guide to find how I made it.

Create a cute display shelf for your the random figures your little girl collects - download my FREE guide here.

When your child changes her mind (and she will!)

Every parent knows it's only a matter of time before the must-have theme becomes so last year! Because everything is hung with removable fixings and nothing is painted or papered, updating your little girl's bedroom theme is as simple as taking things down and putting new ones up.

A Frozen phase can give way to rainbows, rainbows to something else entirely, without a single trip to the DIY store.

Next steps...

Although I have given you lots of tips and ideas in this guide, creating a new bedroom theme for your little one should be fun. Don’t overthink it - just choose things you love. A slightly chaotic look can often be more fun!

My top tip: whatever the theme, add something personalised to your child - a decoration with their name or initials - to make the room feel special to them.

If this has inspired you, browse my handmade, personalised decorations below. And if you need any help choosing the right pieces for your daughter's room, just get in touch. I'd love to help you create something special.

Sarah x