Creating a harmonious space in a child’s bedroom is something every parent strives for. Thanks to the rules and principles established by Maria Montessori, as well as practical solutions, this goal becomes entirely achievable, regardless of the room’s size. These principles are universal and timeless, working in any interior, and equally suitable for both boys and girls.
Sleep Area: Choosing the Right Bed
The bed is the foundation of the bedroom, so it’s best to begin organizing the room by selecting this essential element. Getting a child used to sleeping in their own bed can be a challenging task. Many children dislike sleeping in high beds with bars. While bars protect them from falling, they also prevent children from freely getting in and out of bed whenever they wish.
An alternative is a Montessori bed house, car-shaped beds, minimalist floor beds, or sporty models that serve both as a play area and a sleeping space. These options offer a low sleeping surface, close to the ground. The key advantage of such a solution is that it gives children the freedom to move, helping them adjust to sleeping separately from their parents much more quickly. Additionally, it fosters self-confidence from an early age, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps establish a healthy sleep routine.
Sporty models or Montessori bed houses with interesting headboards and top beams allow you to save space in the room. They combine a sleeping area with a space for fun activities and beneficial exercises.
The sleeping area should be surrounded by soft rugs to create an extra layer of safety and reduce the risk of injury. Here are the key requirements for the bed:
- Low height, promoting independent use by toddlers.
- Absence of sharp corners.
- A sturdy, reliable, and durable construction.
- Quality mattress support to ensure proper body alignment during sleep.
- An attractive design that the child likes.
- Easy-to-maintain surfaces.
Montessori beds meet these requirements and offer additional benefits. Many come with bedside tables, pull-out drawers for storage, and more.
General Recommendations for Designing a Child’s Bedroom
Bright colors, a wide variety of elements, and intense lighting can overstimulate and eventually overwhelm the nervous system. Therefore, designers recommend replacing these with the following solutions:
- Use pastel, neutral shades for the walls and furniture. Soft tones create a calm space that promotes rest and relaxation.
- Avoid overloading the room with too many design accents. You can personalize the space with wall art, a few photos, or shelves displaying favorite toys and books. This way, the room can easily evolve as the child’s tastes mature. The goal should be to create a clutter-free environment that encourages peace and sleep.
- The lighting in the room should be soft and close to natural light. If necessary, place a nightlight with dimmed lighting near the bed. In general, it’s best to replace harsh central lighting with lamps that emit warm, yellow light. This will help the child relax and feel comfortable in the evening.
- Choose furniture and décor elements made from natural materials. The main reason is that they last longer. Additionally, using materials such as wood, cotton, wool, and other natural fibers is more eco-friendly and safer for a child’s health. This applies to the choice of bedding as well. Soft, breathable fabrics will be gentle on the child’s skin, won’t cause irritation or allergic reactions, and will ensure excellent temperature regulation.
Finally, it’s crucial to prioritize safety measures in the bedroom. This includes childproofing the space and keeping hazardous appliances, sharp objects, and small items out of reach.
Maria Montessori emphasized that children should be free to explore their environment. However, in today’s reality, their environment can include items that might pose a risk, such as household appliances like irons or electric heaters. Ensuring that all your child’s discoveries are safe is vital.
We wish your little ones sweet dreams and comfort in their cozy, harmonious bedroom!
