Artfully Designed: A Stylish Guide to Choosing Artwork for Kids’ Spaces

Designing a child's room that grows with them—without looking like a daycare.

Choosing Artwork for Kids’ Spaces Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

Let’s be honest—picking out artwork for your child’s bedroom, playroom, or even their bathroom can feel… kind of intimidating. There’s so much out there, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying pieces that scream “KIDS LIVE HERE!” in a way that doesn’t exactly align with the rest of your home’s vibe.
As an interior designer who specializes in children’s spaces, I totally get it. That’s why I like to guide my clients toward artwork that feels fresh, elevated, and—dare I say—chic.
The pieces I love most for kids’ rooms are the kind you might do a double take at—art that could hang in a grown-up space but still feels playful enough for a child. Nothing overly cartoonish or “daycare wall” inspired. My goal is to help you choose art that your child won’t outgrow in a year and that you’ll actually enjoy looking at every day.
If you want a space that feels thoughtful, stylish, and age-appropriate without being overly themed or juvenile, you’re in the right place.

Image and Artwork @Urban Garden Prints

When to Choose Artwork: Start Early and Let It Lead

Here’s a little design secret I always share with clients: if you’re starting a kid’s room from scratch, choose the artwork early on—sometimes even first.

It might feel natural to begin with paint colors, furniture, or rugs, but artwork can actually be the perfect jumping-off point. A great piece of art sets the tone for the entire space. It can hint at the mood you’re after—playful, calm, whimsical, bold—and give you an instant sense of direction when it comes to your color palette and styling choices.

I’ve worked on so many rooms where one special print or painting completely shaped the rest of the design. Maybe it has soft, earthy tones that inspire a more neutral nursery, or maybe it’s a bold, graphic piece that nudges us toward more color and contrast. Either way, art is more than just decoration—it’s a mood-setter and a style anchor.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, my advice is simple: start with something you (and your child) love looking at. It’ll make the rest of the design process fall into place so much more naturally.

In this design, we used this piece of art as our starting point, and it was the inspiration for the rest of the space. Design @Brandi Lyn Interiors

Where to Hang It: Start with the Bed or Crib Wall

When it comes to figuring out where to hang art in a kid’s room, I always suggest keeping it simple—and meaningful. One of my favorite spots? Right above the bed or crib.

This wall is often the focal point of the room, so it’s the perfect canvas for something visually impactful. Whether you’re styling a nursery, a toddler’s room, or a big-kid space, the artwork above the bed can instantly elevate the room’s vibe and pull everything together.

Here are two ways I love to approach it:

Option 1: One Large Statement Piece

A single oversized print or canvas can make a bold, clean statement. It keeps things minimal but impactful, and it’s a great way to introduce color, texture, or personality without overwhelming the space.

Option 2: A Curated Gallery Wall

If you’re into more of a layered, collected look, try grouping several smaller pieces together. Think of it like building a little story—mix different shapes, styles, or frames, but keep a consistent color palette to tie it all together.
Both options work beautifully—it just depends on the look you’re going for.

A colorful, perfectly styled gallery wall can make all of the difference!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Doupnik @homeinthehemlocks

Where to Buy Stylish Kids’ Artwork

Looking for elevated, kid-friendly art that blends seamlessly with your home décor? Here are my four favorite places to start:

1. Artfully Walls

Artfully Walls offers a curated “Kids Shop” full of inspiring wall art designed to support creativity and reflect each child’s unique personality. Their pieces feel modern enough for any room while still bringing warmth and joy. (Visit Artfully Walls)

2. Minted

Minted showcases over 1,700 kid‑friendly art designs—from whimsical animals and outer space to minimalist graphic prints. Their collection spans nursery, tween, and teen styles, making it easy to find art that can grow with your child. (Shop Minted Kids Art)

3. Urban Garden Prints

The women/sister-owned brand is based in the U.S., and their designs are thoughtfully curated to feel fresh, stylish, and long-lasting—ideal for stylish kids’ spaces that embrace a bit of whimsy without being juvenile Fine Art Prints Inspired by Nature – Urban Garden Prints

Let the Kids Create Their Own Artwork

While curated prints and designer pieces definitely have their place, sometimes the best artwork for a kid’s space is the kind they make themselves.

In areas like playrooms, craft corners, or homework nooks, I often suggest giving kids the chance to create and display their own masterpieces. Not only does it make the space feel more personal and playful, but it also helps them feel proud of what they’ve made—and that pride shows.

Letting them see their own art up on the wall can be a huge confidence boost. It tells them, “What you make matters.” Whether it’s finger paintings, crayon scribbles, or a wild abstract inspired by their latest obsession, it’s all about honoring their creativity.

One trick I love: using frames that make swapping art easy. Look for front-opening or slot-in frames so kids (and you!) can update the display as often as you like. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to keep things fresh and let them feel like part of the design process.

In this colorful craft area, we chose to incorporate frames that were designed to display the kid’s artwork. The fronts easily pop open to add new pieces. Design @ Brandi Lyn Interiors

Don’t Overlook Unexpected (and Sentimental) Sources

Not all great artwork has to come from a gallery wall or a curated website. Some of the most memorable pieces I’ve ever used in kids’ spaces have come from places you’d least expect—yard sales, vintage stores, even a dusty corner of Grandma’s attic.

In fact, one of my favorite projects involved designing a little boy’s room where the client asked to incorporate an old airplane painting that had belonged to his grandfather. It wasn’t particularly big or trendy, but it had history—and heart. We styled it just right, and it became the standout piece in the room. It told a story, added character, and connected generations. You just can’t buy that kind of meaning.

So keep your eyes open. That quirky piece at the flea market? The framed print your aunt no longer wants? The watercolor your child’s grandparent made years ago? Those might be the pieces that make the room feel truly special.

In this boy’s bedroom design, we incorporated a meaningful piece of artwork for above the bed. It was handed down piece from the client’s grandfather, so it was perfect for this airplane loving boy. Design @ Brandi Lyn Interiors

Final Thoughts: Let the Art Tell the Story

Designing a space for your child is such a personal, joy-filled process—and the artwork you choose plays a huge role in shaping how the room feels. Whether it’s a bold statement piece above the bed, a gallery of handpicked prints, a rotating display of their own masterpieces, or a meaningful hand-me-down with family roots, the right art brings depth, warmth, and personality to the space.

My biggest advice? Don’t overthink it. Start with something you love, let it guide the room, and trust your instincts. At the end of the day, your child’s room should feel like them—and if it makes you smile every time you walk in, you’ve done something right.

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