Quick Tips to Refresh Your Early Childhood Classroom Aesthetics

Small changes, big impact.

You don’t need a complete room makeover to shift the vibe in your classroom. A few intentional tweaks can help create a calm, beautiful, and inspiring space — one that reflects your philosophy, respects children as capable learners, and communicates that their play and work are truly valued.

The way your environment is presented is more than decoration; it sends children a daily message:
You are respected. Your ideas matter. You deserve a space that honours your presence.

Here are some quick wins that can transform your classroom without a lot of effort:

1. Display Children’s Art with Respect

Do you have paintings taped to every wall? While it’s wonderful to showcase children’s work, how you display it matters. A respectful display communicates that their creations are important and worthy of care.

Try:

• Framing selected pieces

• Hanging artwork at child height

• Displaying smaller works on easels or shelf tops
  

This honours their effort, builds their sense of pride, and lifts the overall aesthetic of the room.

2. Remove Adult-Focused Wall Clutter

Take a look around — how much information on your walls is for adults, not children? Routines, rosters, and policies might be necessary, but children deserve a space designed for them first.

Try:

• Moving staff rosters, policies, and checklists to a designated communication board

• Using clipboards, folders, or digital tools for planning documentation
  

This declutters the room and reinforces that the environment belongs to children, not paperwork.

3. Add Books as Décor and Provocations

Books aren’t just for the book corner. Scattering beautiful picture books throughout your space not only invites literacy but also enhances the visual tone of the classroom.

Use:

• Wooden book stands or plate holders

• Books that connect to current interests or seasonal themes
  

When books are woven into the learning environment, they become provocations for curiosity and signals that knowledge and imagination are valued.

4. Swap Plastic for Natural Containers

Something as simple as changing out plastic jars can dramatically shift the feel of your space.

Try replacing with:

• Ceramic cups

• Glass jars

• Timber containers

• Woven baskets
  

These materials soften the visual tone of the classroom, encourage careful use, and reflect the message that children deserve beauty and quality in their learning environment.

5. Bring in Indoor Plants

Plants breathe life into classrooms. They don’t just decorate; they remind children they are part of the natural world.

Benefits:

• Clean the air

• Add beauty and softness

• Invite children into nurturing routines
  

Choose earthy, neutral pots or woven baskets to complete the look.
A thriving plant tells children: this space is cared for — and so are you.

6. Use Lamps and Natural Light

Harsh ceiling lights can feel clinical and overstimulating. A softer, calmer atmosphere communicates warmth and respect.

Try:

• Turning off overhead lights when possible

• Adding soft lamps, salt lamps, or fairy lights

• Letting natural light do the work during the day
  

A gentle glow helps children feel settled, respected, and at home.

7. Leave the Windows for the World

Windows are children’s natural connection to the outside world. Covering them with stickers, posters, or cluttered displays blocks that connection.

Instead:

• Keep windows clear

• Let in natural light

• Encourage children to look out and observe the world
  

Clear windows tell children that the outside world matters, sparking curiosity about weather, seasons, birds, and movement.

Keep it Simple

You don’t have to transform everything at once. Start with one or two changes this week and see how children respond.

Remember: an environment is not just a backdrop — it’s a powerful teacher. The aesthetics of your classroom send a message to children every single day: you are respected, and your play is important.

Creating beautiful, intentional learning spaces doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. It’s about aligning your environment with your philosophy and choosing design that honours the children at the heart of your work.

Want Help Bringing Your Vision to Life?

At Play & Purpose Co., we create tools that take the stress out of planning and leading in early childhood education. From classroom design guides to leadership resources, our products are designed to support you in creating meaningful, intentional environments for children and educators.

Explore resources like:

• Your Planning Guide to Re-Architect Your Playspace (step-by-step support to reimagine learning spaces)

• Make it Matter: 12 Months of Meaningful Staff Meetings (ready-to-go reflective tools for teams)

• Play & Purpose Co. Leadership Bundle (the ultimate package for leaders ready to create real change)
  
  Check out the full range here and take the next step in creating spaces where children — and educators — thrive.