Kids’ rooms are no longer just a bed and a toy box. In 2025, kids room trends Canada are all about flexible play-and-learn spaces, calmer palettes with bursts of fun, safety-first materials, and easy updates that grow with your child. Whether you live in a Toronto condo, a Vancouver townhouse, or a Calgary bungalow, this guide walks you through the top themes, practical how-tos, budget tiers, real-life examples, and where to shop in Canada — all in plain, easy English so you can act on the ideas today.
Opening — what the “kids room trends Canada” wave looks like right now
Parents and designers in Canada want rooms that do three things well: spark imagination, survive real life (pets, snacks, school projects), and adapt as kids grow. The biggest trends we’re seeing for kids room trends Canada in 2025 are multi-use layouts (play, sleep, study), nature- and story-based themes (jungle, space, coastal), tactile textures (bouclé, wool), gender-neutral palettes, renter-friendly solutions (peel-and-stick wallpaper, modular furniture), and an emphasis on safety and acoustics. Retailers from IKEA to Pottery Barn Kids are responding with lines and kits that make these looks easy to build. (IKEA)
Quick list — the top kids room themes and trends in Canada (at a glance)
- Nature & jungle rooms — leafy, plant-friendly, with soft animal accents. (One Step Beyond Flooring)
- Space & science — planets, glow stars, constellations and learning corners. (Covet Edition)
- Scandi & minimal playful — neutral base, wood, soft textures — modern but child-friendly. (Interior Company)
- Whimsical fantasy / storybook — castles, mermaids, and fairytale nooks for imagination. (Covet Edition)
- Activity zoning & study nooks — clear zones for play, rest and study, essential for hybrid learning. (Gal at Home® Design Studio)
- Sustainable & non-toxic — low-VOC paints, FSC wood, recycled textiles. (Pinterest)
- Renter-friendly & modular — peel-and-stick wallpapers, modular storage and fold-away desks. (IKEA)
Theme 1 — Nature & jungle: calm greens, soft animals and sensory layers
Why it’s popular: Nature themes feel peaceful and work well through different ages — a leafy mural or plant shelf can be playful for a toddler and still cool for a tween. Indoor plants (real or faux), woven textures and wood furniture create a warm, grounded look that’s popular in many Canadian homes. (One Step Beyond Flooring)
How to build it:
- Paint one wall a soft green or use removable jungle mural wallpaper. (Peel-and-stick murals make changes easy.)
- Add a low wooden bed, a woven rug, and a shelf for stuffed animals.
- Use plant-safe pots and keep real plants out of reach of toddlers — or use high-quality faux greenery.
- Add nature-themed books and a small tent or teepee for cosy reading time.
Where to buy in Canada: IKEA Canada and Pottery Barn Kids Canada carry nature-themed bedding, rugs, and storage that suit this look. Local plant shops and nurseries are great for sourcing houseplants suited to your light level. (IKEA)
Real-life example: A Vancouver family painted a soft sage accent wall, installed a low pine bed from IKEA, and added a hanging hammock chair for reading — the room looked calming and was easy to adapt as their child grew.
Theme 2 — Space & science: curious, educational and glow-ready
Why it’s popular: Space themes combine imagination with learning — star maps, planet mobiles, and constellation lights make learning tangible and fun. Many educational trends in 2025 encourage play-based STEM learning, which this theme supports. (Covet Edition)
How to build it:
- Use a dark navy or charcoal accent wall and add glow-in-the-dark stars or a removable planet mural.
- Create a learning corner with science books, a simple telescope, and labeled bins for “space” toys.
- Add constellation string lights and a soft rug to keep floors comfortable for stargazing sessions.
Where to buy in Canada: Retailers such as Crate & Kids and Pottery Barn Kids carry planet mobiles and themed bedding; specialty science kits can be sourced from local toy shops or online retailers. (Crate & Barrel Canada)
Real-life example: In a Toronto condo, parents used a peel-and-stick star mural, a compact fold-down desk for school projects, and a small telescope by the window — the teen can keep using these items into high school.
Theme 3 — Scandi & warm minimal: simple, tactile and long-lasting
Why it works in Canada: Scandinavian-inspired kids rooms are timeless and easy to update. Light wood furniture, linen textiles, and simple graphics create a room that feels calm and ages well. Many Canadian families choose this when they want a clean, high-quality room without bright, short-lived kitsch. (Interior Company)
How to build it:
- Go for a neutral wall base (warm white, pale grey) and add a wooden bed, woven basket storage, and a wool rug.
- Choose a few tactile elements (knitted throw, bouclé cushion) and keep toys stored in matching bins.
- Add a small art rail for rotating artwork.
Where to buy in Canada: IKEA Canada is an affordable option for Scandi basics; Pottery Barn Kids and boutique Canadian makers sell higher-end wooden pieces and textiles. (IKEA)
Real-life example: A Montreal family created a Scandi-style nursery using an IKEA crib, a local craft-market mobile, and soft linen bedding — cheap to start, but easy to upgrade later.
Theme 4 — Whimsical and storybook: castles, mermaids and theatrical play
Why kids love it: Storybook themes encourage imagination and dramatic play. They’re perfect for younger kids who love role-playing and make for great birthday-party backdrops. (Covet Edition)
How to build it:
- Use a feature wall with soft mural or removable decals (castles, waves, forests).
- Add a canopy, small stage area or low dresser repurposed as a pretend shop.
- Use color-cued bins (blue for ocean toys, green for forest toys) to make cleanup a game.
Where to buy in Canada: Crate & Kids, Pottery Barn Kids Canada and local mural artists or Etsy sellers who ship to Canada offer decals and themed textiles. (Crate & Barrel Canada)
Real-life example: A Calgary family installed a mermaid palette with a peel-and-stick ombré wallpaper behind a daybed and a low, weather-resistant toy chest — the room stayed bright and easy to refresh.
Trend — Activity zoning & study nooks: function that grows with them
Why it matters: With more hybrid learning and screen time, zoning the room into play, sleep and study areas helps kids focus and keeps the room organized. This trend is especially important for Canadian families living in small homes or condos. (Gal at Home® Design Studio)
How to set it up:
- Use rugs, bookshelves, or half-height screens to define zones visually.
- Install a compact desk with good task lighting and storage for school supplies.
- Keep sleeping areas separate and cozy — blackout curtains and a low headboard help define “rest” time.
Space-saving picks: wall-mounted desks, fold-away desks and compact modular storage systems are widely available — IKEA Canada has several options that work well in condos. (IKEA)
Real-life example: In a Halifax rowhouse, a family used a bookshelf as a room divider: toys on the play side, desk and school supplies on the study side, and a low bed in a quiet corner.
Trend — Safety, materials and sustainability: what Canadian parents care most about
Key concerns: non-toxic materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and durable items that stand up to heavy use. Canadian families increasingly choose low-VOC paints, FSC-certified wood furniture, and natural fiber rugs when possible. These choices are healthier for indoor air quality and often last longer. (Pinterest)
Practical picks:
- Choose low-VOC paints for walls and finishes (widely available at Canadian retailers).
- Pick washable fabrics, stain-resistant rugs, and removable cushion covers for easy cleaning.
- Avoid small choking hazards and ensure furniture is anchored to the wall (many Canadian manufacturers provide anti-tip kits).
- Consider acoustic panels or a large rug to reduce noise in apartments.
Where to buy safe and sustainable products in Canada: IKEA Canada and Pottery Barn Kids include certifications and safety info on their product pages; check labels for FSC certification and low-VOC claims before buying. (IKEA)
Trend — Renter-friendly & modular approaches: update without damage
Why it’s useful: Many Canadian families rent, so quick, reversible updates are essential. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, temporary floor decals, modular storage and over-the-door hooks make big visual differences while keeping a rental deposit safe. (IKEA)
Budget solutions:
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper for an accent wall.
- Removable decals (clouds, stars, cars).
- Modular cube storage that can be moved between homes.
- Clip-on lights or battery-powered string lights for mood.
Where to shop: IKEA Canada, Wayfair Canada, and specialty peel-and-stick sellers ship across Canada. Local mural artists may also offer temporary install services for renters. (IKEA)
Real-life example: A Toronto renter used peel-and-stick star decals and a rental-safe wall shelf for books — the landlord approved and the family could remove everything at move-out.
Textures & textiles — why tactile choices matter for kids
Kids respond to touch — soft throws, looped rugs and bouclé cushions give sensory comfort. In 2025, designers recommend mixing tactile pieces with washable materials to balance comfort and practicality. Wool rugs and natural-fiber textiles are popular, but ensure rugs are machine-washable or have a washable pad underneath for spills. (Classpop!)
Quick textile checklist:
- Machine-washable duvet covers and cushion covers.
- Stain-resistant rugs or rugs with rug pads to prevent slips.
- Soft blackout curtains with thermal backing for better sleep in winter months.
Tech & learning — subtle, not screen-first
Many parents want tech that supports learning without turning the room into a media den. The trend is for subtle tech: a small kid-friendly tablet stored in a basket for controlled use, a desk lamp with adjustable color temperature to support homework, and smart plugs on craft lights for safety. Avoid making the bed area a screen zone — keeping sleep tech-free helps routines. (Gal at Home® Design Studio)
Recommended tech:
- Child-safe smart plugs (with parental controls).
- A clip-on lamp with adjustable brightness for study.
- A simple, durable Bluetooth speaker for audiobooks and learning apps.
Budget breakdown — update a kids room in three tiers (Canada-focused)
Starter refresh ($150–$600)
- Paint one accent wall (low-VOC paint), buy new bedding, storage bins and a rug.
- Add one removable mural or decals.
- Ideal for renters or quick makeovers.
Noticeable upgrade ($600–$2,500)
- New bed (low bed or loft bed), compact desk, better storage, and lighting.
- Add a feature wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper or slat panels.
- Shop mid-range at IKEA Canada, Pottery Barn Kids Canada, Crate & Kids, and local makers. (IKEA)
Full room redo ($2,500+)
- Custom joinery, larger mural or painted theme, new flooring, quality mattress and layered textiles.
- Hire local carpenters for built-ins that maximize storage in small rooms.
Where to shop in Canada — trusted vendors and local makers
- IKEA Canada — practical beds, modular storage, and budget-friendly textiles (good for small-space solutions). (IKEA)
- Pottery Barn Kids Canada — higher-end bedding, lighting and themed decor for long-lasting style. (Pottery Barn Kids)
- Crate & Kids (Crate & Barrel Canada) — curated textile and decor options for kids. (Crate & Barrel Canada)
- Local makers & Etsy (Canada sellers) — custom murals, unique mobiles, and handmade textiles that add character.
- Specialty toy shops and bookshops — local shops are great for educational toys and Canadian authors.
- Local nurseries & plant shops — for child-safe indoor plants and planters.
When possible, test big furniture in-store (size and comfort matter) and order samples of rugs and textiles to check colour in your light.
Safety & practical tips every Canadian parent should follow
- Anchor tall furniture to studs to prevent tipping. Many Canadian furniture stores include anti-tip kits.
- Use cordless blinds or keep cords out of reach to reduce strangulation risk.
- Choose low-VOC paints and avoid strong chemical cleaners; air out new furniture when possible.
- Add washable mattress protectors and easy-to-clean surfaces for snacks and craft projects.
- If you have a balcony (common in condos), check building rules for planters and child-safe railings.
These small steps reduce accidents and keep parents sane.
Weekend plan — refresh a kids room in 48 hours
- Clear the room: sort toys into keep, donate and store piles.
- Paint one feature wall (or apply peel-and-stick wallpaper).
- Swap bedding and add a rug + a reading lamp.
- Create one learning corner: small desk, a few shelves and a task lamp.
- Add a finishing touch: a new wall decal, a plant (or faux), or a canopy.
This simple plan gives big visual impact with low disruption.
Final thoughts — make it playful, safe and flexible
The best kids room trends Canada for 2025 are practical and playful. Prioritize zones (sleep, play, study), safety-first choices, and a few high-impact elements (mural, textured rug, special lamp) that make the room feel personal. Use modular furniture and renter-friendly updates to keep things flexible — kids grow fast, and their rooms should be easy to update.
