It is an understatement to say that having children is expensive. Whether you have one or eight (aawwwkkk!), finding ways to dress up their room(s) on a budget can be challenging. More and more people are seeing the wisdom and ecological benefit of the old tradition of "hand me downs." Make use of previously used (usually for a just short time) items can cut the cost of raising a child - a least until he/she is old enough to keep up with the latest styles and knows the meaning of "charge it." Here are some more tips on preparing a space for your newest addition or additions.
- Bags or Baskets. About halfway up the wall, install coat hooks for each child or children. You can decorate baskets with the child's name and fun designs. Use the basket for personal items like comb and toothbrush. When they are older, make a bag out of a pillow case and some rope or ribbon. This larger container can be decorated with stencils and the child's name. Use it for dirty clothes, toys, or personal items.
- Paint. Paint the room a lively, but calming color - a green or yellow will work with both sexes. To add a little interest, paint one or two walls a lighter shade of the main color. Painting the walls a calm and neutral color will help if you decide to move or switch bedrooms - no major redo!
- Stencils or Stick-ons. To add fun and interest to your room, make stencils from clip art available online or a simple coloring book. You have several choices. You can make stencils from your choice of art and tape to the wall. On the lighter walls, fill in the stencil with the color of the darker walls. On the darker walls, fill in the stencil with the lighter color. You can also cut out the figures from calico or gingham. Roll laundry starch onto the back and adhere to the wall. These are removable when the children outgrow them.
- Rugs. Handmade rag rugs are perfect for a kids room. Not only are they easy to launder, they are cheap and are a great way to recycle bath towels. You can make them as big as you have the patience to make. Just tear the towels into strips. Then baste the strips together into lengths you need. Then braid the strips and coil into a bigger and bigger circle. Sew the coils together as you go with a simple overhand stitch.
- Curtains. Plain sheers would well in a child's room. Use the stick-on idea, only this time use iron-on backing to adhere the figures to the sheers. Layer figures and fabrics until you create the look you want. You will get color and interest for very little cost.
- Roll-up Shades. You can also use the stick-on idea for roll-up shades. This time use a spray adhesive to adhere the figures to the shades. You can also use ribbon remnants, lace and felt to add a creative and original look to the shades.
- Chalkboard. To keep your budding Picasso or Monet from using his or her artistic skills on your newly painted wall, let his/her have their own canvas. Just paint from the floor to about halfway up the wall with chalkboard paint. They can draw all they want and you can just erase and let them draw anew.
- Cribs. The only thing you should not skimp on is the crib. New cribs are built to new safety standards. Old cribs can have lead paint and are more prone to be more dangerous to your child. So spend your money for a quality and safe wood crib and go budget for everything else!