Decorating Ideas for a Kid's Room With a Whimsical Fish Theme

Walls

• There are two ways to approach the walls in a fish-themed bedroom. The first is to keep the base color neutral -- choose from shades of white, beige, taupe and the like. This approach will make changing the space over time significantly easier and will be less trouble later if the home goes to market. The second approach is to embrace the theme with a mural on one wall or one which wraps around the whole room. This feature can be painted on or on wallpaper with an underwater theme. For a compromise between the two, utilize ocean-based colors such as soft blues, purples and greens, and a sponging technique to create a soothing water feel in the room. Apply a border of brightly colored fish along the top of the wall or along a chair rail. Keep the stencil feeling childlike by using cartoon-like colors and designs.

Bedding

• Bedding is one area where a bit of boldness is ideal, as bedding is simple to change over time. Select bedding which embraces the underwater feel -- lots of blues and purples, a particularly good option if the walls are decorated with a mural or heavily patterned wallpaper. If available, find a blanket or sheet set with a fish or underwater motif. Bold bedding with an ocean or fish theme is an excellent addition when the walls are neutral. Ideally, these pieces will incorporate a similar style as the one which is stenciled on the wall or found in the mural.

Accents

• Fish-themed accents are fairly easy to come by, and are available from a number of online resources as well as home décor stores. Start with small details, including light-switch plates and drawer pulls with a fish or ocean theme. Curtains, lamps and mirrors will help complete the look and keep it whimsical for young children. Finish off the fishy theme with a throw rug, pillows and a few cartoon fish prints in bold colors. For hints on color and texture, seek inspiration from children’s books and artwork.

Alternative Style

• Another idea for fish-related décor is to opt for something a bit more realistic instead of cartoon-oriented. Choose to decorate with the style of a fishing cabin in mind, a particularly intriguing idea for children who enjoy fishing. Choose neutral tones for the wall -- white and beige are ideal -- and keep furnishing simple but rustic. Knotty pine is an ideal choice. Select fabrics which are rough-hewn -- cottons and wools are perfect, and keep them simple in color and pattern, particularly solids and plaids. The key to perfecting this particular look is nature: utilize lots of natural materials and scenes to complete the space.