I recently decided to give my kids' bedrooms a little refresh. Nothing major—just something fun to brighten up their space and make it feel more like them. After going back and forth between paint and decals, I landed on one simple idea that made a huge difference: wallpaper.
But not just any wallpaper. I quickly found out that choosing wallpaper for kids rooms comes with its own set of challenges—like making sure it's safe, easy to clean, and something they won't outgrow in a few months. So I did a deep dive, and here’s what I learned along the way.
Let me just say—if you're a busy parent (which you probably are), peel and stick wallpaper is your best friend. It doesn’t need glue or water, and you can reposition it if you mess up during installation (which I did… several times). Plus, it’s removable. So when my daughter suddenly decided she’s over unicorns, I can just peel it off and switch things up.
Related Ideas: Why Peel and Stick Wallpaper is Known as Easy Apply Wallpaper
I let both of my kids help pick their wallpaper themes, which made the process way smoother. My son chose a space-themed wallpaper with rockets and planets—super cute and a little educational too. My daughter wanted something “magical,” so we found a soft pastel rainbow pattern with stars that looks dreamy without being over-the-top.
Related Ideas: Best Space Wallpapers for a Cosmic Ambience
Some popular themes I came across while browsing:
One thing I didn’t think about at first was how messy kids can be. Crayons, food stains, sticky hands—you name it. I ended up choosing a wallpaper with a matte, wipeable surface, and I’m so glad I did. Some wallpapers are even vinyl-coated or labeled as “scrubbable,” which is worth looking for if your little ones are super active.
Because it's a kids’ space, I was extra cautious about materials. I looked for wallpapers labeled low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and non-toxic. It’s just peace of mind knowing the air quality in their rooms isn’t affected by the wall covering. A lot of brands now offer eco-friendly options, which is a bonus.
Kids grow up fast. One tip I’m glad I came across was to choose patterns that can evolve with them. Instead of going full-on babyish, I picked designs that are still playful but a little more timeless. That way, I’m not redoing the whole room every two years.
So, what’s the best wallpaper for kids' rooms? It honestly depends on your child’s age, personality, and how much time you want to spend putting it up. But in general, peel and stick, easy-to-clean, non-toxic wallpaper with a fun and flexible theme is a safe bet.
If you’re thinking about doing a kids' room refresh, I 100% recommend trying wallpaper. It’s quick, fun, and totally transforms the space. And if your kid changes their mind next year? Just peel it off and start again.
Have you tried wallpapering your kids’ rooms? I’d love to hear what themes or styles you picked!