Ah, the cusp of a new school year..! What can be an exciting, preparation filled time for some, can often be a stressful, anxious period for others – and it is all totally normal! One thing that you may find yourself thinking about regardless of where you fall along that line is your 2024 Classroom Decor Theme. Will you go with the same theme you had last year? Do you want to shake things up with a fresh new design? Are you a first year teacher and not sure where to even start? I hear you! Whether you’re contemplating a revamp or stepping into your very first classroom, these five important considerations will help to guide you through the process.

1. Busyness of Design

First things first, the visual appeal of your classroom sets the tone for the entire academic year. Consider the busyness of your chosen design and the colors you incorporate. While vibrant colors and images can stimulate creativity and energy, an excessively busy theme might overwhelm young minds. Strike a balance between visual engagement and a calming atmosphere.

Why it matters: A well-balanced design fosters an environment that is both stimulating and conducive to learning, creating an atmosphere where students can focus and thrive.

2. Inclusions

Let’s talk about what elements will be part of your decor. From educational posters to interactive displays, carefully curate what will adorn your walls and shelves. Consider the educational value of each inclusion – are they aligned with your teaching objectives? Can they serve as both educational tools and decorative elements? Additionally, does the particular decor set include specific items that you need or want for your space, or at least the option to alter the designs to create what you need?

Often, the more inclusions that a decor pack has, the higher the price. A potential cost-saving approach here may be to look for decor packs that offer greater editability and freedom to customise, allowing you to create a multitude of resources with just one or a handful of products. In this case, look for decor packs that include a range of sizes, options, and layouts of items that could be adapted to create multiple resources.

Why it matters: Purposeful inclusions not only enhance the aesthetics but also contribute to the learning environment, making your classroom an engaging space for students.

3. Editability

As discussed above, flexibility is key. No two classrooms are exactly the same, so the ability to edit decor elements to suit your particular context is important. You might like to be able to change the wording of something, include additional text or images, or have the ability to type what you need directly onto the existing decor designs. Not all classroom decor packs offer this level of editability, so definitely a factor worth thinking about.

Furthermore, as the school year progresses, you might find the need to update or change elements of your decor. Choose a theme that allows for this easy editability. This could be achieved through interchangeable elements or a theme that adapts well to different topics and times of year.

Why it matters: Editability ensures that your classroom decor can be customised to suit your needs and particular context.

4. Versatility

A truly versatile theme goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about functionality and adaptability. Consider whether your chosen decor theme allows you to customise various elements and repurpose them for different displays, signs, and learning materials without the need for additional purchases.

Another factor in versatility is the ability to resize decor elements to fit your classroom. Whilst this can mostly be easily achieved through altering the settings with your printer, I love when a classroom decor pack allows me to resize elements such as labels directly in the document, enabling a more accurate sizing to fit the items that I am labelling. There is something just so satisfying about labels that are just the right size for your tubs.

Why it matters: Versatility in this context ensures that your classroom remains a dynamic space, offering the freedom to adapt and update displays without constantly investing in new materials. This not only saves resources but also encourages a sustainable and budget-friendly approach to classroom decor.

5. Fonts

While often overlooked, the choice of fonts can significantly impact the overall aesthetic and readability of your classroom materials. Opt for clear, age-appropriate fonts that enhance, rather than distract from, the educational content. Alternatively, choose a classroom decor theme where you have the ability to customise the fonts to suit your classroom context. Many teachers are required to use particular fonts in their classrooms (for example, state fonts) and therefore need the option to use these in their classroom decor elements.

Additionally, consider if the decor pack allows for some or all fonts to be edited if you require as such. Consistency in font usage creates a more polished and cohesive look for your classroom space.

Why it matters: Clear, consistent fonts contribute to an organised and visually appealing classroom, facilitating a positive learning environment.

My Favourite Classroom Decor Theme

With all of this in mind, let me share with you my absolute favourite classroom decor theme for 2024 – the Muted Rainbow Classroom Decor bundle. This pack uses a soft, calming rainbow colour palette that is both beautiful and inviting, but not too busy or overwhelming. Full of editable resources such as classroom labels, welcome signs, posters, student name tags and so much more, the Muted Rainbow Classroom Decor pack is sure to set you on your way to creating an organised and inviting learning space.

This bundle includes a range of decor elements that can easily be adapted and altered to suit the needs of your classroom. Choose your own fonts, resize the labels, create additional decor and display items – the choice is all yours. Customisation and editability were of paramount importance in the design process, whilst still maintaining the look and feel of simple yet beautiful classroom decor.

You can explore the entire Muted Rainbow collection and its inclusions here.

As you select and prepare your classroom decor theme for 2024, remember that each decision contributes to the overall learning experience of your students. By considering busyness, inclusions, editability, versatility, and fonts, you are not only creating an inviting space but also an environment that supports educational growth. Here’s to a vibrant and productive school year ahead!