Discover 7 creative and budget-friendly kids bedroom makeover ideas using wallpaper—perfect for transforming your child’s room without overspending.
I will admit I am possibly a little addicted to wallpaper… There are worse things to be addicted to though so there’s that.
So when I started designing E’s new bedroom I knew I wanted to incorporate a fun, kid friendly wallpaper.
E’s bedroom got a very quick makeover when we first moved into our forever home and I have added and changed a few things here and there but nothing major.
Know that our bathroom renovation is complete I am ready to really tackle making over his bedroom.
There are so many amazing ways to utilize wallpaper in a kids’ bedroom I thought I would share 7 budget-friendly kids bedroom makeover ideas using wallpaper that are both fun and functional.
From accent walls to furniture upgrades, these ideas will help you create a space your child will love—without breaking the bank.
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Why Wallpaper Is the Ultimate Budget-Friendly Makeover Tool for Kids’ Rooms
Wallpaper has made a huge comeback in kids’ room design—and for good reason.
It’s affordable, renter-friendly (especially peel-and-stick options), and instantly transforms plain walls without the mess of paint.
Whether you’re decorating a nursery, a toddler’s room, or a tween’s space, wallpaper allows you to bring in personality, pattern, and color on a budget.
Plus, most modern wallpapers are easy to install and remove, making it perfect for families who love to switch things up as kids grow.
Create a Fun Accent Wall with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
One of the easiest ways to give a kid’s bedroom a designer feel is by adding a single accent wall.
Choosing a peel-and-stick wallpaper makes this project fast and affordable. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the ultimate beginner friendly DIY.
It’s also a great option if you are worried about overwhelming the room with a busy wallpaper.
We even went the wallpaper accent wall route in our dinning room makeover!
Here are two fun wallpaper accent wall option (with paint colors) that would be perfect for a boy or girl kids’ bedroom:
Vintage Map Wallpaper
Woodland Creatures Wallpaper
Use Wallpaper to Define a Cozy Reading Nook
If your child has a small corner for reading or playing, wallpaper can visually define the area and make it feel extra special.
This technique works especially well in shared bedrooms or small spaces where every corner matters. It’s also perfect if the room has a small bump out or little nook.
Add soft lighting, cozy seating, and a comfy rug for a complete nook makeover.
Here are some ideas for a cozy wallpapered reading nook:
Hot Air Balloon Wallpaper Reading Nook
Stripe Wallpaper Reading Nook
Transform a Furniture or Bookshelf with Wallpaper Accents
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls—use leftover scraps to give furniture a fun, custom look.
Peel and stick wallpaper can be easily applied to the back of bookcases, drawer fronts, or chair backs to add pattern and color to a kids bedroom.
This is a great way to tie the furniture into the room’s theme without buying new pieces, making it a budget friendly choice too! I even used this method during our IKEA built-in hack.
Here are some wallpaper ideas to update any kids bedroom furniture:
Add Character to the Ceiling with a Bold Wallpaper Design
Ceilings are often overlooked, but adding wallpaper overhead can create a magical, immersive effect in kids’ rooms.
Think starry night skies, clouds, or subtle patterns for a dreamy vibe. Because ceilings typically use less material than walls, this is a fun way to splurge on a higher-end design without breaking your budget.
Another option is to add peel and stick decals to the ceiling instead of using whole rolls of wallpaper for a budget friendly version.
Fun kids ceiling wallpaper ideas:
Pair Wallpaper with Wall Paneling/Molding
One way to save money on wallpaper costs is to pair it with paneling or wall molding. This way you are cutting the amount of wallpaper you need by half.
I am a huge fan of pairing wallpaper with board and batten or wainscoting. In Eli’s our playroom (our future nursery) I paired a beautiful plaid wallpaper with beadboard for a vintage inspired look.
In Eli’s current room makeover I plan to incorporate checkered wallpaper above bead board also!
This method is also a great way to utilize wallpaper on all the bedroom walls without it being too overwhelming.
Here’s the design for Eli’s current room makeover:
Frame Wallpaper Panels as Budget-Friendly Wall Art
Framing wallpaper is a wonderful way to utilize scrap wallpaper or a budget way to add wallpaper to the space.
If you are wanting to use large sections of wallpaper you can display the pieces in large poster frames or in DIY wood molding frames.
Another option is to frame smaller pieces of wallpaper and create a custom gallery wall.
This technique is renter-friendly and lets you change out patterns as your child’s tastes evolve.
Wallpaper perfect for framing:
Choose Timeless Wallpaper Prints That Grow with Your Child
To get the most out of your wallpaper investment, opt for wallpaper designs that will age gracefully.
Neutral geometrics, subtle botanicals, or classic stripes can work for toddlers and tweens alike.
This way, you won’t feel the need to redo the room every couple of years—just update accessories like bedding, wall art, and rugs as their interests change.
Here are some timeless wallpaper finds:
Tips for Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Kids’ Bedrooms
- Look for removable or repositionable wallpaper for easy updates.
- Choose washable or wipeable finishes to handle sticky fingers and art projects.
- Consider the scale of the pattern—large patterns make bold statements, while smaller prints feel soft and timeless.
- Order samples first to see how colors look in natural light.
Budget Hacks: How to Get a Designer Look for Less
- Check online outlets and clearance sections for discounted rolls.
- Use wallpaper strategically (accent walls, furniture, half-walls) to stretch your budget.
- Mix high-end designs in small doses with budget-friendly basics.
- Don’t overlook DIY installation—it’s easier than ever with peel-and-stick options.
Easy Wallpaper Installation Tips for DIYers
I have an in depth wallpaper install guide you can check out here, but here are some quick tips to get you started!
- Clean and smooth your walls before applying.
- Use a smoothing tool to remove bubbles and ensure a tight seal.
- Take your time around corners and trim edges with a sharp utility knife.
- Use a laser level for easy positioning
Budget-Friendly Kids Bedroom Makeover Ideas with Wallpaper
A kids’ bedroom makeover doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
With a little creativity and the right wallpaper, you can transform any space into a fun, personalized haven your child will love.
These budget-friendly ideas prove that design magic is all in the details and a little bit of wallpaper!
Follow along as we tackle Eli’s big boy room makeover.
You Might Also Like These Wallpaper Ideas:
How to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper on Ceiling
Vintage Inspired Peel & Stick Wallpaper Ideas: Plus Install Tips
Dining Room Board and Batten with Wallpaper
10 Ways to Use Wallpaper to Elevate Any Room
The post 7 Budget-Friendly Kids Bedroom Makeover Ideas with Wallpaper appeared first on Southern Yankee DIY.
