It is a truth universally acknowledged that kids — especially boys — are prone to making a mess. Avoid spillages or stain-related disasters by fitting your boy's room out with wipeable painted floorboards rather than brand new carpet. As well as being a much cheaper option, painted floorboards look super chic and will see your kid through to their late teen years and beyond. To get started, source a wood-friendly paint in your local homeware store that matches your chosen color scheme. White is a popular shade that looks great.

Even if your child hasn't learned their first word yet, it is a great idea to surround them with books at an early age. Setting up a few curated bookshelves will signal to your child that learning and reading is a worthwhile activity, potentially preparing them to flourish as the next great writer or scientist! Even if your boy does not take to the written word as you'd hoped, bookshelves add an atmosphere of calm, sophistication, and balance to a room, and they're great for holding bins of toys, too.

Kids are notoriously indecisive. If you ask them what their favorite color two days in a row, there's a good chance they'll tell you a completely different answer both times. To avoid any design-related tantrums, therefore, it is best to stick to neutral-colored walls — think grays, whites, or beiges — pastels if you're feeling a little daring. Neutral walls also allow you to get experimental in other, easier-to-update spots, such as floor coverings, furniture, or wall art.

If you're decorating a room for a couple of boys, or you are often the sleepover home of choice, why not invest in a bunk bed? On top of saving floor space and creating more room for play, bunk beds represent a great way for brothers to bond. Indeed, the unique structure of bunks means they will feel safe and cozy in their own space, but will also have the opportunity to chat with someone if they're lonely or have had a nightmare. Just remember to be calm and diplomatic when they argue about who gets the top bunk!

It is not only adults who appreciate beautiful wall art; framed pictures and photographs can help to make a kid feel calm, cozy, and relaxed. Depending on the age of your child, try sticking to simple themes that fit with their interests. This could include anything from cute pandas to fancy cars. It is worth noting, however, that the simpler the pictures — even abstracts — the less likely your kids are to want to change them every few months or so.

No matter the age of the child, one thing is for sure — he's going to have a lot of stuff. In the early years, boys often have heaps of big toys such as cars, plushies, and art materials. As he grows up, this will start to be replaced by fashionable clothes, textbooks, and new guitars. To ensure that all of these possessions stay safe, you will need to install plenty of storage space. For toys, big trunks tend to work very well. You should also try to add some shelves that allow for some degree of organization.

Creating a themed bedroom can be a recipe for disaster, particularly if your boy is very young. If he asks for a cowboy theme at aged four, for example, he'll probably develop an obsession with rockets and space exploration by age five. Having said this, however, there is no harm in including a few themed elements that tie the whole room together. If your kid has expressed an interest in boats, you could invest in some nautical-themed bedcovers and a model ship. Just make sure that overhauling the theme will not require major redecoration.

Getting the lightingright in a boy's bedroom is very important, particularly if he is scared of the dark. To make sure the room feels soothing and atmospheric at night, try hanging some gentle fairy lights. For play and homework-related purposes, you should also try to include a bright desk lamp.

If your child is reaching the age where homework becomes a daily reality, making space in his room for a desk is a great way to give him a quiet place to work that's away from the distractions of the kitchen table. Most boys don't want anything particularly fancy — just make sure that it is big enough to store a laptop, a few books, and a sturdy reading lamp. The accompanying chair should also be comfortable and adjustable to accommodate growth!