As your child grows older, she may have some definite ideas about what she wants her bedroom to look like. You can work together to create a space that you both can take pride in. Adding a coat of paint and some themed accents has the potential to delight your child as the things she loves take shape in her very own space. Learn about some painting techniques and work together to create a brand new bedroom.
Step 1
Brainstorm with your child about some possible themes for the bedroom. Make a list of your child's ideas, including favorite characters, favorite television shows or personal interests, such as bugs, flowers or cats. Narrow down your choice based on your child's favorite colors or objects already in the bedroom.
Step 2
Choose two or three paint colors that align with your child's chosen theme. Take your child to a home improvement or paint store and allow him to choose paint samples of some colors he likes. Match the paint samples to his furniture, bedding and themed objects and encourage him to select his favorites.
Step 3
Wash the walls. Use warm, soapy water to remove any visible dirt and grime, recommend Sunny Goode and Kip Dawkins, authors of "Paint Can! Children's Rooms: Patterns & Projects for Colorful, Creative Spaces," so the paint adheres well. Pay close attention to areas where you plan to paint themed pictures. Allow the walls to dry completely before applying paint.
Step 4
Tape off doors, windows, trim, light switches and electrical outlets with painter's tape. Apply a base coat to the walls, paying close attention to areas where you plan to stencil or paint themed pictures. Allow the base coat to dry completely.
Step 5
Apply the first coat of paint using a roller in a "W" formation until all surfaces are covered. Use a paintbrush to paint corners and trim. Apply a second coat if needed.
Step 6
Tape the themed stencil to the wall where you want the picture to appear. Use a small paintbrush to paint inside the stencil. Apply the paint using a gentle brush stroke to help prevent paint from leaking under the stencil.
Step 7
Paint additional accents using freehand. Add accents, such as eyes, leaves or dots to enhance the appearance of your child's chosen theme, recommends Goode and Dawkins.
Step 8
Allow the stenciled and freehand accents to dry completely. Examine the pictures from all angles to ensure that they enhance your child's chosen theme. Touch-up any mistakes as necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Encourage your child to choose a theme that will grow with her so she enjoys all your hard work for many years to come. Consider painting a line of themed pictures in the middle of the wall to separate the top of the wall from the bottom. Use one paint color on top and one on bottom to help enhance the colors of the theme. Use pictures of the theme to help you choose colors and add accents.
- Do not remove the taped-on stencil until the paint has dried to prevent the paint from smearing or smudging and ruining the design.
Things You'll Need
- Painter's tape
- Paint
- Paint roller
- Paintbrushes
- Stencils
References
- "Creative Kids' Murals You Can Paint"; Suzanne Whitaker; 2006
- "Paint Can! Children's Rooms: Patterns & Projects for Colorful, Creative Spaces"; Sunny Goode and Kip Dawkins; 2008
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