Today we’re going to design a zoo themed toddler boy’s room that will have an adventurous appeal that is sure to last until they move on to “big boy’s” (a.k.a. twin) bed. It’s a great theme for a toddler’s room because it involves animals, which can be layered throughout the room in a number of inventive ways, through the use of borders, stencils, murals, bedding and accessories, including wall art. To create the feeling that he’s spending a day at the zoo, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Not only because this is a boy’s room, I’ve chosen to start with blue because it is a versatile color that will be a perfect backdrop for our zoo animals. From deep blue to softer shades, this range of blues (from Benjamin Moore) also matches the area rug and the bedding selected to produce our zoo themed toddler’s room.

The Dream On Me Jenny Lind Toddler Bed in Cherry, while it does include decorative elements, can actually be used for a boy’s or girl’s room. While the bed isn’t specifically zoo-theme related, the turned spindles of the headboard and footboard, combined with the side rails create the illusion of the “bars” of the lion’s or monkey’s cage.

The room is designed with replacing the bed in mind. When your son is ready for a twin bed, you won’t have to redecorate all over again. The same principle applies to the bedding. When you no longer need the toddler bed and the crib bedding it uses like the BeBe Chic Monkey Business Collection Baby Crib Bedding Set, you can upgrade to twin bedding then.

A nightstand and dresser makes the room more functional with drawers and shelving space. The nightstand is also an ideal place to put a lamp, a book or other boy treasures, while the dresser is a must-have furniture piece for clothes and accessories. The Young America by Stanley GenAmerica Merlot Single Drawer Nightstand and the Young America by Stanley GenAmerica Merlot Single Dresser are good choices for a room designed to grow with him.

The area rug, featuring primary colors which are always a plus in a child’s room, ties everything together. The Fun Rugs California Kids Carved Zoo Kee Doo Rug makes the room warm and inviting, enhancing the wall palette and complementing the colors of the bedding.