FT NEWS

Designing a child’s room can offer plenty of possibilities for fun colour choices and creative ideas, but there’s actually more to the process than meets the eye. If you want to create a space that will help your offspring to grow well physically, mentally and emotionally, it’s worth considering a few key planning essentials.

Consider their ergonomic needs
Adjustable chairs, such as the Tripp Trapp one pictured here, are a great investment, as they will grow with your child from their toddler years till they’re at their own desk working on their primary school homework. Having a chair like this will help a child to sit well at a height that’s right for the table.

For the optimum position when a child is sitting at their desk, Fiona Kim suggests:

• knees should not be bent less than 90 degrees.
• the head should be looking forwards (not down).
• the upper arm should be close to the body, elbows bent no less than 90 degrees, and wrists straight (bent no more than 15 degrees).
• feet are flat on a surface.
• the chair should have back support.

Create zones for sleep, play and work
How do you establish good sleep habits in your child? Train them that the bed is for relaxing and sleeping by zoning the bedroom according to function.

Provide a proper space for the desk, so your child will not be tempted to do their schoolwork on the bed. Establish a separate corner for play, too, so he or she won’t clutter their restful sleep area.

Provide the right lights
You can help your child retain good eyesight by providing proper lighting. This means a good amount of natural light, a warm white light for general illumination of the room after the sun goes down, and a task light for schoolwork.

Some children may also need a night light for anxiety or night-time fears, while some may be comfortable enough knowing that the light switch is within arm’s reach of the bed.

Give them colour therapy
You can use colour to enhance your child’s sleep, concentration or psychological comfort. Children with a lot of energy, for example, may benefit from a soothing colour in their environment.

Some psychologists believe these hues promote certain feelings, so use them accordingly:

• Red – passion, aggression
• Orange – pleasure, optimism
• Yellow – creativity, fun
• Green – balance, harmony
• Blue – peace, calmness
• Violet – meditation, imagination

Help to expand their imagination and creativity
Pinboards like this one allow children to decorate using their favourite things, while a world map (like the one below) prompts them to think of travels and adventures.