Back to School: Children’s Wallpaper & Fabric Ideas
Back to School? Refresh Your Kids" Spaces with Wallpaper and Fabric
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to reset and not just your schedule, but your child"s space. After a summer of toys, clutter, and chaos, their room might not feel ready for a new school year. The good news is that you can totally change the way the space feels, looks, and works with just a few well-considered fabric and wallpaper modifications. You don't have to start from scratch.
Why Wallpaper and Fabric?
Both wall coverings and soft furnishings are a lot more than simple decoration. They provide your child with something they will truly like spending time in and establish the mood.
Garden Friends wallpaper by Harlequin / Snow White pattern by Sanderson / Candy Stripe wallpaper and ABC fabric by Villa Nova
Wallpaper adds instant character, while fabric introduces comfort and softness and together, they help a room feel purposeful and personal, all while supporting your child"s everyday routines. Whether you"re updating a toddler"s room, giving a tween their own space, or helping a teenager create their sanctuary, here"s how to make wallpaper and fabric work for your family.
For Younger Kids (Ages 3–7): Soft, Imaginative, and Playful
At this age, the room should feel safe, cosy and fun without overstimulating visuals or hard-to-maintain materials.
Wallpaper Ideas
Pick soft, delicate designs like forests, clouds, animals, or delicate flowers like the Scandinavian designer Boråstapeter"s collection which is ideal for this age. It is modern, whimsical, and not overly "babyish." Additionally, Camengo also offers colourful murals in the narrative style that are appropriate for both kids and parents.
Ideas For Fabric
For bedding, stick to jersey or soft cotton with delicate characters, stripes, or stars. Add a quilt or light blanket that"s machine washable and for curtains, you could try Harlequin or Villa Nova for playful prints. We could add a blackout lining to your curtains to help with early bedtimes.
For Ages 8–12: Personality, Practicality, and Pattern
Your child should have a space that feels a little more grown-up and more personal because this is a wonderful time for them to start developing preferences and opinions.
Wallpaper Ideas
You could pick some bold patterns, colour blocks, or prints with a natural theme, such as those by Sanderson, who produces timeless designs that are creative without being overbearing. Also the Picturebook line from Villa Nova is a great choice, which combines creativity and colour with the ideal amount of maturity. For a subtle touch, you could even wallpaper a wardrobe's side or the back of shelves.
Fabric Ideas
Layer the bed with cotton sheets, a quilt or a cosy throw. Harlequin offers bedding and upholstery fabrics that feel bright and age-appropriate. Use curtains in twill or linen blends to manage light during homework and screen time and place some cushions in different shapes and textures.
Bonus: Add a fabric-covered pinboard for art, reminders, or small treasures. Personal, useful, and stylish!
For Teens: Texture, Mood, and Ownership
Teen rooms have to be more than just a place to sleep. They"re where teens study, hang out, and retreat so their room should reflect their individual style and evolving sense of self.
Wallpaper Ideas
Teens frequently choose minimalism or drama, and both can be quite effective. For walls with a mature yet stylish feel, Phillip Jeffries is excellent with metallics, textured grasscloth, or mural-style walls. Consider Harlequin Momentum lines or Boråstapeter"s Northern Soul for more striking designs.
A wallpapered feature wall behind the bed or around a study space can completely shift the vibe.
Fabric Ideas
Select bedding made of brushed cotton or linen blend with muted designs or solid colours. Those might be emphasised with corduroy, velvet, boucle, or washed denim cushions, and Camengo and Villa Nova have ideal fabric selections that provide comfort and personality.
Where to Use Wallpaper
You don"t have to paper the entire room. In fact, targeted use of wallpaper often has the most impact:
- Behind the bed — creates a cosy sleep zone.
- Around the desk — adds focus and definition for studying.
- Reading corner — makes a space feel like a mini retreat.
- Closets, shelves, or furniture fronts — unexpected but effective uses of pattern.
- Half walls or ceilings — more subtle, great for small rooms.
Wallpaper helps define space without adding clutter, which is especially helpful in shared or small rooms.
Fabric Ideas that Make Daily Life Easier
When it comes to kids" rooms, the right fabrics can make all the difference. Beyond adding colour and comfort, they should also work hard for daily family life. Easy-care, machine-washable, and durable fabrics mean less stress and more time to enjoy the space together.
Everyday Practical Choices
- Go washable: Fabrics made of cotton, linen blends, and soft polyester are hygienic and durable enough for everyday use.
- Use blackout lining: Whether for early bedtimes or teen sleep-ins, blackout is worth the extra step.
- Layer for comfort: Sheets, duvet, throw blanket, and decorative cushions offer flexibility for different seasons.
- Think tactile: Kids love texture. Mix smooth fabrics with fleece, waffle weave, or knits.
- Soft storage: Canvas bins, fabric drawers, and under-bed storage bags keep things tidy without plastic overload.
Recommended Brands
Several design houses create fabrics especially suited to children"s spaces, blending durability with playful design:
- Borastapeter Scandinavian wallpaper with clean lines and playful, modern prints.
- Harlequin Bold colour, coordinating prints, and versatile for any age.
- Villa Nova Fun, design-forward prints with fabrics made for real family life.
- Camengo French charm with cozy textures and joyful patterns for kids and teens alike.
- Sanderson Timeless florals, botanicals, and nature themes with a British touch that grow with your child.
By mixing comfort with practicality, you can create a space that looks inviting while standing up to daily life. The right fabrics and wallpapers don"t just decorate a room, they make it a true haven for children at every stage.
And Remember!
You don"t need to renovate your child"s room to make it feel fresh and functional. With the right wallpaper and fabrics, you can support their daily routines, express their personality, and create a space that grows with them.
Start small. One wall. One new duvet. Some updated curtains. If you let your child make some of the choices, you'll have a room that you both enjoy.