Design Inspiration

Art for Kids Rooms: A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Our earliest memories often include the art we experienced as children. Whether it’s happy thoughts of your first mind-blowing trip to a big city museum or distant memories of running in the darkness past those stern portraits in the hall whose eyes always seemed to follow you (until you dove safely under the covers), our first encounters with art always stay with us.

Art can do more than fuel vivid imaginations. Exposure to a variety of art allows children a chance to experience someone else’s point of view while developing their own.


(Image: Photo by Susie Watson Designs, Courtesy of Houzz)

Living with art gives children an opportunity to develop their own visual aesthetic and offers them a unique view into other worlds.


(Image: Photo by Ofer Wolberger, Design by Mabott Seidel Architecture, Courtesy of Houzz)

Visual stimulation is an essential way to encourage early brain development for babies. Infants are especially attracted to art featuring faces and bright colors.


(Image: Photo by Hilary Walker, Courtesy of Houzz)

Toddlers and preschoolers may prefer art that tells a story… or art that lets them tell you a story. Talking about art can prove an entertaining and insightful way to interact with your children while helping them master language and the art of self-expression.


(Image: Photo by Chris Snook, Courtesy of Houzz)

Letting teens and older child choose some original artwork or prints to decorate their bedroom is a lasting way to personalize their own space and develop their own sense of style.


(Image: Photo by Stephani Buchman, Design by Shirley Meisels, Courtesy of Houzz)

Experiencing art can make us kinder and more attuned to other people’s feelings. A recent study at Crystal Bridges Museum of Art determined that students who were exposed to fine art showed an increase in critical thinking skills and demonstrated a higher degree of social tolerance.


(Image: Photo by Dayka Robinson Designs, Courtesy of Houzz)

Original artwork is a memorable and thoughtful gift for new babies and children of all ages. Treasured paintings, drawings and prints can be passed down and shared through generations.


(Image: Photo by Sean Litchfield, Design by Change & Co., Courtesy of Houzz)

Unlike so many other gifts children receive the gift of art is hard to outgrow. As they get older, children can appreciate artwork in different, more complex ways. There’s always a chance that childhood gifts of original art from today’s emerging artists will increase in value later, also.


(Image: Photo by Christian Garibaldi, Design by Karen B Wolf Interiors, Courtesy of Houzz)

Art has the power to magically turn bare walls into cozy galleries.


(Image: Photo by Tess Bethune Interiors, Courtesy of Houzz)

Bright prints are an inexpensive, easy way to freshen up your child’s room and make it feel special again.


(Image: Photo by Nanette Wong, Courtesy of Houzz)

Displaying large artwork in bright colors can help open up a small room…


(Image: Photo by Braswell Homes Inc., Courtesy of Houzz)

… And well-chosen art is a clever way to tie together your child’s favorite theme or color scheme.


(Image: Photo by Jackie Culmer Photography, Design by Anthology Interiors, Courtesy of Houzz)

Creating your own gallery walls with kids in mind is a great way to display a mix of smaller original artwork and prints, and can inspire children to make more of their own masterpieces…


(Image: Photo by Ninainvorm, Courtesy of Houzz)

Framing a collection of your children’s own artwork in similar frames also produces beautiful results, and helps nurture their creative spirit.


(Image: Photo by simple thoughts, Courtesy of Houzz)

When buying art for your children, don’t hesitate to think outside the bedroom. Colorful prints and drawings can add an innovative vibe and interesting focal point to playrooms and study zones, too.


(Image: Photo by Becki Peckham, Courtesy of Houzz)

Looking for a perfect gift to inspire or celebrate your favorite kids? Be sure to visit Saatchi Art’s collection of Art for Children