Classroom Decor with a Theme

We all want our classrooms to be special places for students to learn, but sometimes it's hard to know where to begin...especially when it comes to setting up our classrooms.  Over the years, I've found that a great starting point for designing and decorating the classroom is to choose a theme. This tip actually sparked a whole bunch of classroom design mood boards based on...you guessed it...themes!  I've compiled a whole bunch of mood boards for a variety of themes to provide a little inspiration and maybe spark some creative decor ideas for your classroom!

You'll notice that the mood boards have some common elements.  For instance, most of the mood boards include...

A classroom rug - No matter what age group of students you teach, a rug is one of the quickest ways to make your classroom more appealing.  Once the rug is in your classroom, you can use it for class meetings, read alouds, a comfy reading corner, a space for partners to work together...the options are endless!

Fun classroom chairs - I love the idea of including at least two chairs in the classroom.  In my own classroom, the special chairs were part of my homework incentive program.  Students worked all week long to complete their homework so that they could sit in the special chair.  But, chairs are also great for flexible seating options, spaces for partners or groups to work together, a "sharing" chair, and so much more!

Hanging decor - Whether it's a fun banner, paper lanterns, tissue paper poofs, or 3-D shapes, an inexpensive and fun way to decorate the classroom is with something that you can hang.  Imagine displaying your banner along a bulletin board or chalkboard.  Or, perhaps you can string the lights in front of your teacher desk.  The options are endless and the impact is huge.  Here's a tip: once you find the hanging decor you like, purchase several of them.  Having multiple sets will have more of an impact.

Quote Poster - There's nothing better than a little inspiration in the classroom.  So, each mood board includes a quote poster.  These are great to hang on your classroom door, at the front of the classroom, or even in the center of a bulletin board.  If you're up for it, I'd suggest getting the posters in the biggest size possible.  The bigger the poster, the more classroom real estate it will take up, and the quicker your classroom will be designed.

A lamp - If you're looking to change the feel of your classroom, a lamp will do it!  Whether it's a floor lamp that you can place on your rug with the chairs or a table lamp that you can set out on your desk, there's just something so cozy about lamps!  If you'd like, you can even purchase a couple of lamps to spread out around the classroom.  Then, you can make it a habit to turn off those florescent overhead lights...what a difference!

Classroom Storage Ideas - What's a classroom without storage, right?  Well, if you're thinking of getting storage containers, I've included a few inspiration pieces on each design board.  

Fun design elements - You'll find unique elements on each design board, too.  Those have been added to provide even more fun ideas to tie in your classroom theme.

About the classroom decor items:

The items that I've placed on the mood boards are selected with a teacher's budget in mind.  That means that I really tried my best to ensure that no single item was more than $50.  Oh, and since they're sourced from Amazon, there's a chance that you'll be able to put some of the elements on a school purchase order.  Of course, the mood boards are mainly intended for inspiration.  However, if you do want to learn more about each of the items, just click the links provided.

Now...let's get to the themed classroom design mood boards...

Fish Net /// Quote Poster /// Storage Basket /// Striped Poufs /// Ship Wheel /// Rug /// Lantern

Hollywood Wall Decal /// Quote Poster /// VIP Door Sign /// Gold Stapler /// Kids' Director's Chairs /// Storage Baskets /// Rug /// Star Lights /// Movie Studio Lamp

Brain Poster /// Paint Splatter Ball /// Creative Binder Clips /// Stools /// Easel /// Supply Organizer /// Scissors /// Storage Baskets /// Rug /// Paint Lamp

Hanging Paper Soccer Balls /// Quote Posters (set of 4) /// Trophy Lamp /// Basketball Wastebasket /// Sports Rug ///  Football Bean Bag Chair /// Soccer Garland /// Baseball Garland /// Football Garland /// Basketball Bean Bag Chair /// Organization Tote

Hogwart's Banner /// Harry Potter Quote Posters (set of 4) /// Fabric Triangle Garland /// Plastic Cauldron /// Platform 9 3/4 Wall Decal /// Broom Pens /// Red Rug /// Owl Lamp /// Red and Black Baskets /// Wooden Stools

Quote Poster /// Wooden Pencil Holders /// Hammock ///  Evergreen Baskets /// Striped Rug /// Lantern /// Twig Pencils /// Camp Stools /// Log Pillows

Pirate Banner /// Anchor Light /// Quote Poster /// Hanging Parrot /// Telescope /// Plastic Treasure Chests /// Skull Rug /// Striped Poufs /// Fish Net /// Ship's Wheel

So...what's the verdict?  Did you find a theme for your classroom's design this year?  I hope so!  I'm partial to the Hollywood and Creative Space designs myself!  

CHECK THIS OUT!  I've put together a 100+ page guide for back to school for teachers. It includes tips, tools, and printables for classroom décor, classroom organization, lesson planning, community building, and planning the first day of school.  It's absolutely FREE!  

Just click here to sign up. When you sign up, you'll get access to 6 mini-courses that cover everything Back to School including classroom design, organization, curriculum planning, and ways to build a positive classroom community.  There's also a TON of exclusive freebies, bonuses, and videos!  If you'd like to learn more and sign up, just click HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

Looking for more classroom mood boards?  Check out these…

--- Colorful Classrooms (color-themed classrooms)
--- Classroom Sweet Classroom (home décor inspired classrooms)
--- Design for the Little Ones (mood boards for elementary classrooms)
--- Classroom Décor with a Theme (theme-inspired classrooms)
--- Middle School Classroom Designs (ideas for decorating in the middle school)
--- Classroom Design Inspired by the Decades (decades of décor)
--- Bright and Bold Classroom Décor (mood boards filled with fun colors)

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