Tropical Decorating Ideas for a Kid's Room

Paint and Colors

• "Jungle green" crayons serve as inspiration for the wall color, though in small rooms the shade might be overwhelming. Use a softer green for three walls and jungle green as an accent wall, or give a wainscoting effect by painting half of the wall a sandy brown and half green, with a leaf-print wallpaper border connecting the two. Not only will the neutral shade keep the room looking open, the use of brown and green mimics lush tropical trees.

Textiles

• Printed sheets and comforters in leaf patterns, bright hibiscus or fun swirls of teal, green and orange create a focal point in the space without costing a lot of money -- ideal for children whose tastes change rapidly. Reversible bedding in a solid color coupled with a print can tone down the decor for guests or older kids. Have fun with textured materials for curtains, including shaggy or furry animal prints, feather trim, rainbow tie dye or an aquarium or reef print.

Furniture

• A loft bed can double as a tree house or hut for playtime, while repurposed surfboards or tiki-style bars serve as funky, thematic desks and dressers. Thatched palm roofs or raffia and grass skirts form fun trim to dress up simpler dressers, desks and tables. Paint furniture in bold colors, or use smaller accents like ceramic knobs in interesting shapes. Rattan and wicker baskets, stools and chairs add an island flair for storage or seating.

Props and Accessories

• Vinyl wall decals, artificial aquariums, plush birds and animals and inflatable palm trees are fun props for playtime and add depth as bedroom decor. A moon lamp that cycles through the phases of the moon coupled with glow in the dark stars and bugs keep the fun going at night. CDs of nature sounds or ocean waves and air fresheners in tropical scents extend the fun to all senses.