Children's bedrooms need redecorating every few years to keep up with their changing needs. What may have been appropriate for your little one a few years back has now become too babyish three years down the line. The room that you originally designed had ample packing space for his toys, but you did not keep track with how they would accumulate in such a short space of time. Suddenly every time you walk past his room all you see is clutter. And a bed that is difficult to keep tidy because where must the poor blighter play with all of these toys?

If you have decided that this time round you are going to plan your redecorating efforts better then you should firstly consider what both of your long term requirements will be.

* A child needs an environment where order can be created out of what we as parents conceive to be clutter. They must be taught to keep their rooms tidy and be proud of their personal space, but we must supply them with the means to do this. This is an important lesson in life and it is basically teaching your child respect. Respecting towards their own belongings and respect towards the person responsible for keeping the household neat and tidy.

* At some stage, faster than you think, your child will need a place where he can study in quiet and comfort. Not lying on his bed as so many of the young ones choose to do. All children should have the privilege of owning their own desk at which they can do their homework.

* A child's bedroom must be their own private sanctuary where they can dream of days to come and days gone by. They must feel comfortable and safe in their bedroom and they must want to be there. There bedroom's should be designed so that the design can be adapted at a minimal cost as they go through the various different stages of growing up.

* We all need a place where we can entertain our friends. Adults entertain in various different ways and children love to invite their mates to sleep over. Although this is not essential it is a part of growing up that helps them to bond with their peers. If at all possible a second bed should be considered for this purpose.

* And lastly, but not least, in fact the most important - the bedroom must be a place where they can rest and sleep peacefully.

Fortunately space is no longer a limiting factor when it comes to designing the best bedroom for kids. There is so many multi-functional furniture available today. A good idea is to use the bed as the starting point as this is the focal point of most bedrooms. The vast array of children's bunk beds on the market today simplify the task of fulfilling all your requirements.

Bunk beds are not what they used to be - the two old slatted wooden beds with a ladder joining them. These days you get children's bunk beds with desks, storage space and additional options such as trundle beds for extra accommodation for sleepovers. And the beauty of these bunk beds is that they do not occupy much more space than that of a twin bed, leaving ample space for your child to play.