One of the fun parts about being a teacher is getting to partake in classroom design. A teacher can convey their teaching style, personality, their hopes for their students, and so much more in the cozy home they call a classroom. Some teachers love to keep it simple with minimalistic, clean styles and other teachers relish in cozy spaces filled with flexible seating, lamps, and rugs. Other teachers may choose a bright, inviting classroom filled with bold colors, covered walls, and sunny decor. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of classroom design, there are a plethora of options out there for you to choose from.
If you’re considering revamping your classroom, we have done some research on 5 classroom trends that are making a splash in the teaching world for this upcoming school year.
#1 Pastels/Neutrals Classroom Theme
A classroom filled with pastel and neutral colors creates a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Pastel colors are easier on the eyes and can create a soothing vibe for students to feel safe, which positively impacts students’ moods and their behavior. If a pastel or neutral classroom is your style, check out these ideas. From the soft greens of a plant-themed classroom, to the pastel colors of boho rainbow decor, there are tons of ideas to go along with a pastel/neutral color scheme.
Check out our Pastel Rainbow Bundle here:
Here’s a sweet pastel-themed idea:
The blue color scheme is quite calming too:
#2 Coffee Classroom
A teacher’s best friend is coffee, so why not surround ourselves with it on the daily? If you teach upper elementary or middle school, chances are your students will love this theme too as I’m sure they’ve visited Dunkin’ or Starbucks themselves. A coffee-themed classroom gives a cozy, productive vibe. Make your classroom feel like a coffee shop that students can hunker down in and concentrate on their work. Twinkly lights and soft music make for a safe, peaceful environment. Put a coffee machine in your classroom and the smell of coffee will really make your students feel like they’ve stepped into the local coffee shop. A coffee shop focuses on conversation and connection, and a coffee-themed classroom can foster fellowship with students, building a stronger student-teacher relationship.
In more recent years, “Starbucks Time,” has been trending, in which teachers put on a cozy ambiance video on their projector, lower the lights, and students follow a set of rules in which they work independently like they are in a coffee shop. During “Starbucks Time,” I’ve even allowed older students to utilize my coffee maker for lattes or hot chocolate. A coffee-themed classroom will definitely complete the “Starbucks Time” approach.
Here is our coffee-themed bundle:
Teacher Review for Bundle:
“I changed grade levels and decided that it was time for a change of scene. This decor pack was perfect! I love all things coffee and was looking for a calm botanical pastel color scheme. This resource fit both of those things.” -Candice C.
#3 Country/Rustic Farmhouse Classroom
Thanks to the popularity of Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and the classic Dolly Parton, as well as other well-known country artists, country chic, cowgirl/cowboy, and rustic farmhouse classroom designs are exploding all over. This trend can be utilized in a variety of ways, such as cow prints and farm animals in a primary classroom. Cowboy boots, flowers, cacti, and other western elements make for a fun themed classroom for a country-music-loving teacher. This is why I love classroom design. You can instantly get a feel for a teacher’s personality when you walk into their classroom. Perhaps, a more classic farmhouse theme is more of your style for a timeless look. This can be achieved with wood elements, corrugated metal, flowers, and mason jars.
Check out our farmhouse classroom decor here:
Teacher Review for Bundle:
“After 10 years of chalkboard/brights theme, I have decided to switch to farmhouse. This resource is perfect! There is something for all your decoration needs.” -Karen H.
#4 Granny Chic Classroom
A return to tradition and warmth is making its way to classrooms all over. When you think of grandma’s house, you think of love, acceptance, coziness, and maybe the smell of freshly baked cookies. Translate that to the classroom with Grandma-Chic designs.
Designer Ashley Hardison, owner of FIG Design Company, says that granny chic spaces are “filled with patterns, texture, light, and moments to gather,” . This includes antique furniture, old books, candles, and plenty of color.
You might not be able to wallpaper your classroom, but bring in timeless antiques like a vintage wall-clock. Perhaps containers for school supplies, cozy lamps, old books, and lots of flowers.
Here are some of our most favorite flower classroom decor resources.
#5 Sustainable Classroom Themes
Teachers are extremely busy. There is just not enough time to always change out every bulletin board. With that, put up decor with every changing season and holiday, and redecorate every month. The truth is, some teachers don’t love classroom design. If that is you, choose something you can leave up all year. Consider something that will be timeless and never go out of style. Consider choosing a style that not only is beautiful but something that works with the changing seasons.
We just love this Kindness Bundle, because being kind never goes out of style. With blues and pastels, buzzing bees, and whimsical elements, this themed set will last you from year to year.
Another theme that can be carried throughout the year, if you love a bright and fun classroom is our Donut “Sprinkle Kindness” Decor.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to revamp your entire classroom this year with a fun new trend, or if you choose to stick to something more timeless, classroom design is something to be enjoyed. As you think about your classroom design, concentrate on conveying a warm, positive atmosphere for your students and have a ton of fun in the process.
