Midcentury Style Is The Secret Ingredient That Your Kids' Bedroom Idea Is Missing

If you look at old photos of your childhood bedroom, you'll likely see a gingham blanket, baby animal prints on the walls, and your most treasured stuffed animals. Don't get us wrong — these things are adorable, but we're also here to tell you that times have changed.

Nowadays, kids' bedroom ideas look just as cool (if not cooler, let's admit it) than the grown-up portions of the house. They embrace current design styles, display OMG-where-did-you-get-that lighting, and a sense of whimsy that still looks streamlined and current. Midcentury-inspired kids bedrooms definitely fall under this category. Even though they're loaded with throwback elements — think Sputnik-style light fixtures, linear detailing, and period furniture — there's something about them that looks so, well, modern.

We spotted these seven midcentury kids' bedroom ideas that beautifully demonstrate how you can bring the classic style into your little one's sleeping quarters, too.

Not only will vintage furniture look unique and distinctive in your child's room — it might even save you a few bucks if you're sticking to a budget. Cruise resale shops, flea markets, and antique stores to discover a midcentury dresser or nightstand for your tiny tot's bedroom. We love the midcentury cabinet that Mandi of Vintage Revivals went with in this space. Bonus points for stylish pieces of decor, like a pair of cameras and contemporary ceramic objects.

Get the look: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera, $118

Linear design is one of the hallmarks of midcentury design, and kids' bedroom ideas are no exception. Bring that smooth and polished look to your child's bedchamber with a chandelier, wall decor, furniture, and shelving — elements all seen in this bedroom setup by Joni of Lay Baby Lay.

Get the look: Joss & Main Soho 6-Light Sputnik Chandelier, $189.99

You'll undoubtedly need to buy some new stuff for your kid's space (we're guessing your children probably won't want to play with vintage toys all day long). So mix their new playthings with midcentury accents, like a vintage dresser or Eames rocker. The best of both worlds.

Get the look: Eames Molded Plastic Armchair Rocker Base, $580 and Eames Hang-It-All, $295

Much to your little one's dismay, homework is part of being a kid. But that doesn't mean that their workstation has to be boring. Infuse a little magic into their desk area like Erin from Sunny Circle Studio did in her son's bedroom with blue constellation wallpaper and an out-of-this-world planetary mobile.

Get the look: West Elm Slope Leather Swivel Office Chair, $499 and West Elm Chasing Paper Constellation Map Removable Wallpaper, $40 per panel

Kids' spaces should never be serious, in our opinion, a rule that certainly applies to midcentury kids' bedroom ideas, too. Weave in a fanciful feel with spirited accents that hearken back to the midcentury era, like a hot air balloon-inspired lamp and authentic paint-by-numbers, as seen in this bedroom designed by Emily Henderson.

Get the look: Gatto Table Lamp with Cocoon Exterior, $725

Midcentury design is big on symmetry, an approach you can incorporate in your kiddos' room. For a pair of twin beds, style them identically and punctuate with a midcentury nightstand complete with futuristic lighting, visuals that Jenny of Juniper Home perfected in this adorable space.

Get the look: Juniper Print Shop Dino Print, $20 – $160

We really, truly believe that a midcentury space — any midcentury space — isn't complete without some period-appropriate lighting. Whether you choose to buy new or score a vintage fixture, mid-mod illumination is practically a requirement. Brittany Chinaglia of The Vintage Rug Shop demonstrates this rule in her son's midcentury-inspired bedroom. The lighting acts as the cherry on top of the dramatic navy blue space.

Get the look: Rejuvenation Cypress Double Swing Arm Sconce, $549