BEDTIME STORIES

With most children now out of the way back at school, this might be a good time to brave the bombsites that are their bedrooms, suggests Jacqueline Wake Young

P art nest, part obstacle course, a child’s bedroom can be one of the most unmanageable rooms in the home.

Just opening the curtains may involve battling through a sea of toys and clothing while trying not to step barefoot on any treacherous bits of Lego. After months of youngsters being off school, their rooms are probably either (a) beautifully tidy and ordered because they have had little else to do or (b) more of a bombsite than ever.

Now that most children are returning to school – and are out of the way for a lot of the day – it seems like a good time to give those hard-working, well-used rooms a refresh.

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to make a big impact is simply by swapping in a different duvet set.

Personalised cushion, dinosaur, £19.99, Getting Personal.

With lots of people taking up crafts during lockdown, many may feel confident enough to take on a major project, such as a quilt.

The other benefit of making a special piece of bedding is that children can help in the process and it becomes something precious and filled with love and memories.

Lighting for this room deserves particular attention, because young people do so much in their rooms (aside from making a monumental mess).

They may need lighting for reading and homework, low lighting such as a bedside lamp for bedtime and even a nightlight for very young children.

Finally they need a laundry basket and a wastepaper bin, because then they will be properly equipped to keep their lovely new surroundings in check.

LEFT: Bright Tiger reversible duvet cover and pillowcase set, £18-£28, Next.

RIGHT: Glow In The Dark Mono Dino duvet cover and pillowcase set, £18-£28, Next.

Children’s blue rocket wall light, £16.99, Lights4fun.

Zebra stool, £14.99, Homesense.

Astronaut bedside table, £99, Next.

Bear laundry bag, £20, Next.

Locker bedside table, £85, Next. Dalmatian faux fur bean bag, £39.99, Homesense.

Tufted Star duvet cover and pillowcase set, £20-£42, Next.