Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Tips and trending topics for the teacher who's always learning

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Podcasts
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    smiling teacher helps out students at their table, colorful classroom decorations in the background

    Back to School

    8 DIY Classroom Decorating Ideas That Will Make Kids Smile

    You can transform your classroom into an exciting learning space with fun classroom decor. The best part is you don’t need to spend a lot of money on these DIY classroom decorating ideas that will make kids smile each time they enter.

    Try out one of our favorite DIY classroom decorating ideas or mix and match to create a fresh look and learning experience to start the year!

    1. Transform Filing Cabinets into Bright Spots of Color

    You likely still need filing cabinets for organization, but they can look drab in a classroom environment. Transform them into bright spots of color with some art paper and Mod Podge®. Choose complimentary colors or have fun with decorative papers for an explosion of color.

    Read More: How to Use Mod Podge® for DIY Decor

    2. Paper Pom Classroom Trees

    Adding a fun paper pom tree to your classroom will offer a woodsy look and a great space for reading or relaxing. Learn how to make your own tissue paper poms and then add green ones to a paper tree trunk for the perfect addition to your classroom.

    baskets on a desk decorated with blue and green decorative paper
    Image from Another Glorious Day by LaNesha Tabb

    3. Mounted Board Game Storage

    Board game boxes are easily crushed. Instead of storing games in boxes on a shelf, turn them into classroom décor by mounting them on the wall. You’ll save storage space and have some interesting wall art!

    board games mounted on a wall as decoration
    Image from Infarrantly Creative

    4. Jazz Up Bookshelves with Contact Paper

    Add flair to plastic or wooden shelves with contact paper in fun colors to jazz them up. Choose colors that go with the rest of your classroom décor. Art tape in fun colors and designs can be added to the edges to contrast your contact paper designs.

    5. Easy Chalkboard Paint Wall Border

    Grab some chalkboard paint and paint a border on the wall in the classroom. This allows you to draw and write things on the border, or you can let kids have fun decorating the wall border with their own designs and colored chalk.

    6. Get Artsy with Crayons

    Crayons don’t cost much and you can create artistic decor that will look great in your classroom. Hot glue some crayons to old frames for a customized, colorful frame that adds to your classroom decor. Make your own wreath out of crayons of different colors.

    7. Add Color with Paper Lanterns

    Paper lanterns are cheap and easy to find, or you can make your own with colorful transparent paper. Use some ribbon and attach it to the lanterns to hang them from the ceiling.

    Choose lanterns in different colors and hang them at different heights to add interest and visual appeal to the room. You can even make some fun wall art by attaching crayons to a canvas and melting them with a hairdryer.

    8. Classroom Banner

    classroom banner across the teacher's desk
    Image from First Grade Blue Skies by Jennifer White

    Add color to your classroom by creating a fun banner that can be personalized in any way you choose!

    Hungry for more? Find more classroom decorations for more ways to add color and fun to your classroom with bulletin board decor and other fun ideas!

    Tagged With: Classroom Decorations

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Recommended

    How to Survive Your First Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Back to School

    How to Survive Your First Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Spruce Up Your Bulletin Boards

    Learning Spaces

    Spruce Up Your Bulletin Boards

    Plan Now for Success Next Year

    Inspiration & Planning

    Plan Now for Success Next Year

    Kits for Kidz®Helps Students in Need

    Back to School

    Kits for Kidz®Helps Students in Need

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2025 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Podcasts
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube