7 Tips for Creating a Sustainable Bedroom for Your Little One

I was that child that always left the lights on. When you’re tiny, life is filled with friends and toys and exploring the world (as it should be!), so there’s little time left for thinking about insignificant tasks like reaching for the light switch.

But now I’m a parent, and I see the energy bills and the future I want for my little ones, I want their spaces to be filled with ways to protect the planet we love. Just as for adults, a child’s bedroom is their sanctuary, so making it calm, natural and warm is so important. Here are 7 ways you can create a sustainable bedroom for your children.

1. Start with energy efficiency

Energy efficiency might not be the most exciting of things, but it’s the best place to start when you’re seeking a sustainable home. Double glazing is one of the most impactful changes, making the most of the energy you’re using to keep your home lovely and warm. Upholstery choices also make a huge difference - thicker curtains, comfortable carpeting or a rug can all help keep a room warm whilst creating a beautiful cosy feel.

2. Consider upcycling

One of the most wonderful ways to reduce your impact on the earth is to upcycle and repurpose things, to give them a new life. Toys can become decor, old boxes become storage, and lacklustre furniture can be reupholstered. If you’re feeling brave, you can involve your little ones in simple projects. Children love making, and will learn new skills whilst (hopefully!) enjoying valuable time with you.

3. Choose long-lasting furniture

If your little ones are anything like mine, their bedroom furniture will need to be hardwearing. Choosing strong, natural materials like solid wood helps your furniture to live through multiple children, without wearing out or looking dated. Antique furniture tends to be beautifully made, but some new companies also make lovely, high quality furniture, like these bunk beds from Cuckooland.

Linen is my preferred choice for sustainable bedding

For more ideas for creating an eco-friendly home, you might like this blog post,
or you can find more tips over on Instagram.

4. Choose sustainable bedding

Linen is my preferred choice for sustainable bedding. While it can be dear, it is one of the most sustainable fabrics, and, if you look after it, can last a lifetime. Our childrens’ linen bedding is from Kalusha - a beautiful, boutique brand that ensures every step of the supply chain is ethical and sustainable. If linen is a little too expensive, look for ethically made, organic cotton options instead - they’ll work wonderfully too.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and sustainably made baby sleeping bag, I love the all-season bamboo sleeping bag from Pure Earth Collection.

Layering up with blankets and quilts is also a great way to keep little ones warm without overusing the heating. I love to make my own quilts from scraps, or if buying, these recycled cashmere blankets from Kind&Kozy are beautiful and environmentally friendly. You can get 15% off with the code ‘aboderie’ too.

5. Introduce plants

Recently Clem and I have begun cultivating some little plants together. He is still too little to fully understand, but he likes to see the water going into the pot, and loves that he has a plant friend that’s all his. Alongside the joy of seeing your child learn, houseplants provide so many benefits, from helping a space to feel calm, to purifying the air. Do make sure to check that any plants are non-toxic and, if needed, keep them out of reach of little hands.

6. Choose paints wisely

Paint can be totally transformative for a space, helping to make it calm and cosy without spending much at all. Yet many paints contain volatile chemicals which are harmful to the environment and to your little person. To protect your space, choose non-toxic paints, like this 0% VOC paint from Lakeland Paints. Paint is also one of the most wasted products - if you only need a small amount, ask friends or family if they have any leftovers, or check eBay or Gumtree for secondhand options.

7. Declutter

I sometimes feel like there is a constant stream of new toys and clothes coming into our home. Between birthdays, Christmas, visiting grandparents and special occasions, the children wonderfully receive so many beautiful gifts. Yet having a cluttered and crowded space is proven to add to stress, for children as well as adults. Once a month, I sort through what we have and either repurpose or donate anything we’re not using regularly. Increasingly, I also involve Clem in this, helping him to learn how to let go of things he doesn’t love, and taking satisfaction from the idea of giving to others who need them more than him.