Create a bold accent wall with black chalkboard paint, so kids can “redecorate” their room.

Black shelves disappear against the dark backdrop, making their contents appear to float. Conversely, bright colours pop: a red vintage store display has tiers of rotating shelves for keeping the floor clear of gear. Save space with multifunctional furniture: the bed frame has four built-in drawers below and the headboard hides shelves on both sides.

Get more decorating inspiration in our Trendy Kids’ Bedroom Ideas photo gallery.

Retro desks often include lots of built-in storage, such as drawers on both sides and retractable surfaces.

Plus, they add industrial charm to rooms. Update the look by painting one a fresh colour, then pair it with modern art and a bright chair.

Give sporting goods a stylish twist.

Unify trophies by spray-painting them all one colour; tape off any personalized plaques to ensure they remain legible. Lift skateboards from underfoot by resting them on shelf brackets installed to fit between the wheels. A pendant light hung from a shelf with a clamp frees up surface space on a bedside table.

Get more decorating inspiration in our Trendy Kids’ Bedroom Ideas photo gallery.

For more lighting options, see our Statement Lighting photo gallery.

Attach drawer pulls to the wall as hooks.

Stack cubes and crates to create cubbies for books, toys and collectibles. Combine new and used in a mix of materials, from weathered wood to glossy white plastic, for a cool, curated look. Secure boxes to the wall with nails or screws, then place heavier items on the bottom rows and lighter knickknacks up top.

Get more decorating inspiration in our Trendy Kids’ Bedroom Ideas photo gallery.

Create a magazine and comic book holder from maps.

Buy two plasticized world maps, sold at most office-supply stores, and cut one map in half (for displaying the halves vertically). Then, cut three squares out of the second map that are large enough to hold a magazine; these become the pockets. Position the pockets over the map halves so they line up perfectly, then machine-sew them in place using a straight stitch. Pin the maps on the wall with a thumbtack in each corner.

Get more decorating inspiration in our Trendy Kids’ Bedroom Ideas photo gallery.

Display inspiration as art.

Make a bulletin board — perfect for posters, stickers, buttons and more — from a sheet of cork. Found at most school-supply stores and cut to size, cork can be mounted with large-head nails. Frame the cork with a simple hand-painted border to give it a loose graffiti feel. A dresser anchors the display and provides valuable drawer space. (Learn how to make an affordable DIY veneer dresser, too.)

Get more decorating inspiration in our Trendy Kids’ Bedroom Ideas photo gallery.