We would love to share our simple and easy 8 step process of how to decorate your classroom! There are an order of steps that I take to design and decorate my classroom. I used this flow when I taught for 20 years, and now I apply it to classroom makeovers that I gift to […]
We would love to share our simple and easy 8 step process of how to decorate your classroom!
There are an order of steps that I take to design and decorate my classroom. I used this flow when I taught for 20 years, and now I apply it to classroom makeovers that I gift to teachers. By the way, make sure you apply for a classroom makeover! I pull from a running list a few times a year! You just never know what the universe has lined up for you.
Step 1: Assess what the classroom already has.
I want to play on the strengths of the room. What color paint do the walls have? What color are the floors? I really lean into that and I use the existing colors of the room to help guide what color scheme or classroom decor theme I want to go with. You can find several collections under Schoolgirl Style themes to find the one that flows perfectly with your room.
For this classroom, we LOVED the blue accent wall. We decided to use that as a focal point for the classroom and ultimately chose our Sprinkle Kindness Classroom Theme to compliment it perfectly.
Step 2: The making of a floor plan!
I make a list of needs and wants for my classroom. Do I need centers? Do I need small groups? Do I have a student teacher that needs his or her own space? Where do I organize supplies and student items? What about a classroom library? Think about your space and get everything down on paper so you can see what you need.
Step 3: I group my furniture together either by color, finish, or wood type when decorating my classroom.
I like to keep alike furniture pieces together. If you are restricted in painting your walls, consider painting a few key pieces of furniture to make it cohesive.
Step 4: Time to move that furniture!
Rearrange your room based on that list you made in step 2. Don’t worry about anything else in this moment except moving your furniture to create the spaces you need. Don’t be afraid to keep moving and rearranging until it makes sense and feels good in your space.
Step 5: Pick out your border combinations.
Whether you use one border, or layer two or three together, pick out the main border combos you would like to use around your room. I use the same border combination in 80% of my space to keep it cohesive, and then I will use accent borders in those fun little detail spaces around the room like on my teacher desk, on a bookshelf, or to accent cupboards. Find your favorite borders HERE!
Step 6: Now it’s time to put up your fadeless paper around your room and then your borders.
Mavalus tape is my go to for hanging paper and borders, but I will also use a hot glue gun, magnets, and stikki clips. Hanging your fadeless paper and borders will create the space for you to put up all of the items in your classroom that you and your students need. It helps give you space to organize what you have in a new way and aid in decluttering what no longer serves you.
Here are some videos to give you inspiration!
Step by step when hanging a bulletin board
How to nail those border corners
Pro tips! Our holding hands border is the MOST forgiving on those corners. It is such a fun black and white border that coordinates with almost everything!
Step 7: If space allows, a student work wall is a must!
Displaying student work is a great way to boost their self esteem, their sense of belonging, and it also helps them to draw inspiration from their peers.
Step 8: Put everything back up on the walls and into the different spaces you created and watch your classroom transform into your second home!
This is where the real magic happens. Put on the official Schoolgirl Style playlist and have fun with it! Your classroom is an extension of you. Your energy and your warmth and your kindness. It should make you excited to walk in everyday and do the job you were born to do. I hope you loved these tips on how to decorate my classroom!
Bonus Tip!
Choose what you LOVE about your classroom. Accentuate that. Take the best part of your classroom or whatever the strength of your room aesthetically is and play off that.
Explore Schoolgirl Style Makeovers
Shop Schoolgirl Style Classroom Decor
Apply for a Classroom Makeover Here!
You might also like more posts from the Schoolgirl Style Blog:
10 reasons to bring a classroom rug into your learning space
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