Child care center interior design is often an afterthought when preparing a new center. When we think of child care centers, we think of kids running on a playground, or playing with toys in a carpeted room.
But rarely, if at all, do we stop to consider the importance of interior design in children’s lives. Which really we should since the child care industry is such a growing field. You’re going to face a lot of competition and need to stand out.
After all, a building’s design sets its mood. No parent would want to bring their child to a dark, dilapidated building. It’s essential that your design is focused on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Not sure where to begin? Here are some tips on child care center interior design that will delight children and adults alike.
Establish A Cohesive Theme
Have you ever walked into an area of a building that didn’t seem to mesh with the rest? Maybe it had a different color scheme or even a separate room shape.
Odds are the architect and client didn’t have a cohesive design in mind during the process. As a result, two different people expressed their visions in two very different ways.
The basic rules of design still apply to child care center interior design, to establish a single theme for the entire center. Not only will a fractured design look bad, but it may also confuse the children, resulting in wandering.
A quick word of warning, though. Some of the most popular designs revolve around the use of famous cartoon characters.
Sure, they’re cute. But copyright law suggests that you should think twice about painting Mickey Mouse on your wall.
Keep Your Child Care Center Interior Design Bright
A child care center needs to be someplace that parents and kids can both feel comfortable. The perfect care center creates a warm, homey atmosphere that can be felt the moment people enter the door.
One of the best (and oldest) ways to do this is through your color scheme. Pick bright, fun colors to set a mood. Check out some research on color psychology to learn how different colors affect moods differently and work from there.
Be Careful with Furniture
Of course, design and color are only part of the atmosphere. You’re going to need furniture — and lots of it. And as anyone who has spent time around kids can tell you…don’t expect it to last too long.
When shopping for furniture, make sure to keep a few factors in mind.
Are there any sharp edges where a child can accidentally hurt themselves?
Try and buy furniture with rounded edges to avoid any injuries. Generally speaking, the fewer the corners, the better.
Is the furniture comfortable?
Be it a rug or a couch, whatever you pick needs to be comfortable as well as safe. Kids are going to spend a lot of time on this furniture, so test it with them in mind.
What is the furniture made of?
You’re going to need to clean your furniture several times a day, make sure it’s made of a durable enough material that it won’t deteriorate quickly.
Want Expert Help With Your Child Care Center Interior Design?
There’s a lot of thought and care that goes into creating a great child care center. And sometimes, it’s best left to the professionals.
If you could use some help designing the perfect interiors for your child care center, get in touch! Whether your scope is big or small, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
Rebecca is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience. She owns and operates an architectural firm, Calbert Design Group, and educates her clients through the commercial real estate development process with online content at SaveOnBuilding.com. Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them from what they don’t know.
Designing Delight: How Interior Design Transforms Child Care Centers into Inspiring Spaces
When we think of a child care center, we imagine kids laughing on playgrounds, stacking colorful blocks, or rolling around on soft carpets. What we don’t often consider is the role the space itself plays in shaping those moments. Interior design, in these settings, is an afterthought at best—a curious omission, given how the right design can transform a room into a world of wonder. And in a field that’s growing as fast as childcare, where every new center is competing for attention, the look and feel of your building can be the deciding factor for parents.
Imagine walking into a dark, drab space with peeling paint and mismatched furniture—would you leave your child there? Probably not. A center’s design sets the mood, creating an environment where children feel safe and curious, and parents feel confident. To start, establish a cohesive theme. Ever been in a building where one room feels like it was designed by an entirely different person than the next? That fractured experience can confuse children and make the center feel disjointed. A well-designed space, on the other hand, uses color and flow to create harmony throughout the building. And while cartoon characters might seem like an easy win, think twice before plastering Mickey Mouse on the walls—Disney’s legal team may not appreciate your creativity.
Next, think about brightness. Kids thrive in environments that feel lively and warm, and nothing achieves that more than a well-chosen color scheme. Study up on color psychology: bright, fun colors like yellow can bring energy, while blues and greens can add calmness. The goal is to create a homey atmosphere, one that feels inviting the moment a child steps through the door.
Now, let’s talk furniture—because no child care center is complete without it. The problem is, furniture in these environments is as much a target for spills and scratches as it is for tired little bodies. Opt for pieces with rounded edges to avoid accidents and make sure they’re comfortable and durable enough to withstand daily use. That soft couch might look great, but if it stains easily or frays after a few months, it’s not the right choice.
Ultimately, designing a child care center is an art. It’s about more than choosing paint colors and furniture; it’s about crafting an environment where children can thrive. And if this feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Sometimes it’s best to bring in experts who understand both the aesthetics and the practicalities of childcare spaces. If you’re ready to take your center to the next level, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
