Middle School Classroom Design Ideas

When it comes to decorating the middle school classroom, it's not always easy.  That's because middle schoolers themselves aren't always easy.  They're in flux!  Their needs are unique!  Their opinions are strong!  So, it's important to find just the right balance of whimsy and maturity when it comes to setting up a middle school classroom.  Since this balance isn't always easily achieved, I thought I'd put together some classroom mood boards with middle schoolers in mind.  (Of course, these ideas could work in any setting.)  

Each mood board is meant to appeal to middle school students.  You'll even notice that the mood boards have some common elements.  For instance, most mood boards include...

A classroom rug - Even in a middle school classroom, 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, a work area, 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!

Storage baskets - 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.

Alright, are you ready to set up a super fun classroom for middle schoolers? Then, check out the classroom design mood boards.  If you'd like to learn more about any of the items, just click on the links below the mood boards.

Quote Poster /// Tissue Fans /// Metal Desk Organizer /// Metal Stools (Pack of 2) /// Rug /// Light Cube /// 12 Drawer Storage Cabinet 

Reading Corner Wall Decal /// Silver Floor Lamp /// Quote Poster /// Bookcase /// Foil Tassel Garland /// Reading Pillow /// Owl Bookend /// Books Basket /// Geometric Rug

Pencil Holder /// Fabric Garland /// Clock /// Quote Poster /// Book Shelf /// Lamp /// Polka Dot Pouf /// Modern Rug /// Lime Green Trays

Quote Posters /// Large Gold Paperclip (set of 5) /// Black Floor Lamp /// Black and Gold Banner /// Hanging Chalkboard Signs (set of 6) /// Black Comfy Chair /// Gold Rug /// Gold Chevron Tote /// Golden Name Tags

I'm so in love with the Gold and Bold theme, that I even created a classroom decor pack!  That's right, you can instantly infuse the Gold and Bold theme in your classroom with this set of 200+ pages of decor!

You'll find ready-made resources including posters, labels, signs, rules, passes, banners and so much more.  Plus, there's 25 pages of templates that you can customize for your classroom!  Check it out HERE!

Book Shelf /// Gray Desk Organizer /// Quote Poster /// Fabric Bookcase /// Gray Rug /// Metal Chair (set of 2) /// Storage Basket

So...what do you think?  Are you feeling inspired to create a fun middle school classroom?  I sure hope so!  

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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