by Stacy Kaaki

Created on: June 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 26, 2008

Decorating a girl's bedroom to reflect their personal style can be a fun and rewarding experience. While there are many options out there to choose from, princess themes remain a popular choice among young girls. So how do you go about creating a princess room? First of all, try to imagine the room from the child's viewpoint. What is her favorite color? It doesn't have to be pink! Princess rooms can be purple, blue or green. Any color will do, as long as you find a color that compliments the princess accessories and bedding.

To create a soft, comfortable room with just a touch of color, try painting the upper half of the walls pink (or whichever color you choose), and apply beadboard wainscoting to the bottom half of the wall, painted in a soft white. By only painting the top half of the wall pink, the color will not overwhelm the space and creates a cozy environment.

Bed linens will really make the room pop if you use bright colors. You can even find character-themed bedding with her favorite princess' likeness. The bed is a great place to use color if you leave the walls neutral. Layer sheets, blankets and comforters for a plush and luxurious look. Throw pillows can really compliment the bedding by adding interest and texture.

The walls should be decorated with pictures and mirrors. Hand-painted pictures add a touch of whimsy and personalize the space. If you are not comfortable drawing freehand, trace a castle scene from a book and paint it in. Be sure to hang a full-length mirror, so that she can see herself in all of her princess outfits. Both pictures and mirror should be hung fairly low so that they are at her level, rather than yours. An important thing to remember when decorating a child's room is to make it a safe and comfortable space that they can call their own by using kid-friendly pieces and placed at a comfortable height.

Boring light fixtures can be replaced with a small, crystal chandelier scaled down to the size of the room. The small ones made for an entry-way would be an appropriate size for a small bedroom. Crown molding at the ceiling can also add drama and give the room a grand appearance.

No princess room is complete without a nightstand and small lamp. This is also a good place to display a few small items that she treasures. Good pieces for this would be a little princess figurine, unicorn, or a decorative brush and mirror (depending on age).

Last, but not least, be sure to consult the child for their input on the color, accessories and layout. It is usually best to give them a couple of choices, "Do you like this bright pink, or this soft pink?" rather than overwhelming them with too many choices. Having a choice in the decorating will make them feel like the space is truly theirs and reflects their unique style.

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