Decorating Ideas Using Fables

The Hare and the Tortoise Fable

• Create a hare- and tortoise-inspired bedroom for a whimsical look. Paint the bedroom walls a soft taupe color reminiscent of a hare's fur. Choose a comforter featuring charming hare and tortoise designs, and place a turtle-shaped rug in the center of a room featuring hardwood or tile floors as a warm touch. If you're on a decorating budget, decorate a plain white lamp shade yourself using acrylic craft paints and tortoise- and hare-shaped stencils.

The Swallow and the Other Birds Fable

• Give a child's bedroom a sweet look using The Swallow and the Other Birds as a starting point. If you're crafty, decorate one of the bedroom walls with a large bird-inspired mural. Paint a sky blue backdrop, and design a large tree in the center of the wall. Use stencils to create swallows, cardinals, blue jays and other types of birds on the tree's branches. Hang curtains featuring bird patterns, and complement it with a matching bed quilt.

The Dog and the Shadow Fable

• If your child loves dogs, delight her with a bedroom design inspired by The Dog and the Shadow. Since the short story doesn't depict a specific type of dog, use your pet or the child's favorite breed, such as pugs or poodles, as a decor theme. Enhance boring neutral walls by installing wooden, dog-inspired hooks for hanging clothes, jackets or towels. Place a dog-shaped pillow on the child's bed for a whimsical look. Customize a plain white light switch plate by painting dog designs on it.

The Peacock and Juno Fable

• Decorate a room with The Peacock and June fable in mind to give the space an exotic look. Paint the walls a deep turquoise shade to reflect a peacock's feathers. Choose a bedspread featuring gold, blue, turquoise and green peacock feather patterns, and enhance the look by placing a glue or green lamp on the bedside table. Gold touches, such as walls sconces, picture frames and drawer pulls, will complement the peacock-inspired design.