Designing a child’s room can offer plenty of possibilities for fun color choices and creative ideas, but there’s more to the process than meets the eye. If you want to create a space that will help your offspring grow well physically, mentally and emotionally, it’s worth considering a few key planning essentials.

Consider Ergonomic Needs

Adjustable chairs, are a great investment, as they will grow with children from their toddler years through elementary school. Having a chair like this will help a child sit well at a height that’s right for the table.

For the optimum sitting position at a desk, knees should not be bent less than 90 degrees; the head should be looking forward not down; the upper arm should be close to the body, with elbows bent no less than 90 degrees; wrists should be straight, bent no more than 15 degrees; and feet should be flat on a surface. The chair also should have back support.

Create Zones for Sleep, Play and Work

How do you establish good sleep habits for your child? Instill the idea that the bed is for relaxing and sleeping by zoning the bedroom according to function.

Provide a proper space for the desk, so your child will not be tempted to do schoolwork on the bed. Establish a separate corner for play too, to avoid clutter in the restful sleep area.

Provide the Right Lighting

You can help your child retain good eyesight by providing proper lighting. This means a good amount of natural light, a warm white light for general illumination of the room after the sun goes down, and a task light for schoolwork.

Some children may also need a night light for anxiety or nighttime fears, while others may be comfortable enough knowing that the light switch is within arm’s reach of the bed.

Provide Color Therapy

You can use color to enhance your child’s sleep, concentration and psychological comfort. Children with a lot of energy, for example, may benefit from a soothing color in the environment. “If a room is super fun, bright and stimulating, some children may have a harder time winding down for rest.

Some psychologists believe these hues promote certain feelings, so use them accordingly:

◦Red: passion, aggression

◦Orange: pleasure, optimism

◦Yellow: creativity, fun

◦Green: balance, harmony

◦Blue: peace, calmness

◦Violet: meditation, imagination

Let Them Add Their Own Touches

Pinboards allow children to decorate using their favorite things, while a world map prompts them to think of travels and adventures.It’s important to give your child some ownership in the design of their room. This allows the child to express his or her personality and creativity, and encourages taking responsibility for the room’s upkeep.

When you’ve had an especially trying day, there’s nothing quite so restorative as slipping into a freshly made bed. Sinking into crisp sheets, cozy blankets and fluffed-up pillows soothes the spirit and encourages a restful night’s sleep. Here are a few suggestions to make your bed as delightfully comfortable as possible.

Need A Little Boost? Change The Sheets

Whether your day didn’t go well or you’re feeling a bit under the weather, changing the sheets is like giving yourself a present. Smooth, fresh, clean sheets; lowered lights; and a good book can help your evening end on a brighter note.

Start With The Best Mattress You Can Afford

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you’ve probably heard the advice to get the best one you can, and with good reason. A mattress with proper support can help you sleep better and wake with fewer kinks in your back.

Add A Mattress Topper to Increase Comfort

Even if you aren’t buying a new bed, adding an ultracomfortable mattress topper can transform the way your bed feels. Try out memory foam, merino wool or a classic feather bed.

Choose Breathable Natural Fibers

Pure Egyptian or Supima cotton, brushed cotton flannel and linen are the best choices; choose the one that feels best on your skin. Be willing to experiment too — you may be surprised to find you prefer the feel of nubby linen over extra-smooth sateen.

Consider A Silk Pillowcase

While silk is too slippery to make for comfortable sheets, pillowcases are another matter entirely! The luxuriously smooth fabric is especially gentle on the skin and hair.

Roll Out A Soft And Fluffy Bedside Rug

When you need to get up to grab a glass of water, make that first step plush and warm by laying a sheepskin or a fluffy shag rug beside the bed. If you want to use a larger rug in the bedroom, choose a large flat-weave one and layer a small, fluffy rug on top.

Prop Up Extra Pillows For Reading In Bed

Big Euro-size square pillows look smart sitting in front of regular, standard-size bed pillows and make sitting up to read in bed more comfortable. Don’t forget to change the shams on your Euro pillows when you change the sheets — regular laundering will keep your bed fresh and dust free.

Devote A Seat To Extra Pillows

A chair in the bedroom is a convenient place for tossing extra pillows before climbing into bed. If you don’t have room for a chair, try to find another nearby spot to keep pillows and extra covers off the floor — perhaps the dresser top or in a basket behind the door.

Go Euro And Skip The Top Sheet

In much of Europe, it’s common to use the duvet cover in place of a top sheet. If you find that your sheets often get tangled around your legs, you may want to consider adopting this method.

Dust And Declutter Your Nightstand

It’s easy to forget about the state of the nightstand, but a quick cleaning can get it spick-and-span in no time. Wipe up those coffee rings, dust the lamp base and clear away the clutter. Your nightstand should be a helpful little spot that holds only what you want close at hand while you’re in bed — your current reading material, a glass of water and perhaps a candle, for instance.

Don’t Forget The Throw

A soft and cuddly throw adds a touch of softness to the foot of the bed, and can come in handy when you’re sitting up in bed to read on a chilly night.