Sorry to break it to you, but the 2025 - 2026 school year is just around the corner. Eek! Don’t worry, though – I’m here to bring you all the upcoming classroom trends so you and your little learners can ring in the new year in style. After all, what’s more exciting than an opportunity to refresh your space?! The big 2-5 is all about supporting wellbeing, boosting creativity and championing individuality, and at Miss Jacobs’ Little Learners, we’ve got everything you need to do all of the above (and more) within your classroom!

Consider social-emotional learning (SEL) spaces

Imagine a classroom that feels like a warm hug! SEL-focused classrooms are just that: spaces specifically designed to support students’ emotional wellbeing. Think calming corners, cozy reading nooks, comfy rugs, collaborative furniture layouts… All things that turn your classroom into a haven for comfort and connection. Set up areas for mindfulness where your little learners can gather their thoughts or dive into a good book. Utilize soft colors like greens, blues and neutral tones that are easy on the eyes - our Modern Ocean classroom decor range is perfect for this. Add plush cushions, gentle lighting and matching decor, creating a cohesive space that makes your students feel safe. The goal is to provide a foundation for emotional support and growth, so your little learners can flourish in the classroom and beyond!

Pastel vibes are here to stay

Soft, soothing and seriously cute, pastel-themed classrooms are one of the biggest decor trends for 2025. These calming tones help create a more relaxed learning environment without sacrificing style or fun. Whether you’re into dreamy rainbows, playful patterns, or sweet florals, we’ve got a pastel palette to suit every teacher’s vibe.

At MJLL, we’ve created three different pastel classroom collections so you can find your perfect match:

• Simply Pastel - soft, clean, and classic

• Spotty Pastel – a playful twist on a calming colour scheme

These themes are ideal for teachers looking to create a welcoming, low-stimulation space that still feels vibrant and inviting.

Get back to nature

Nothing brings a sense of calm quite like natural elements. That’s why in 2025, we’re going beyond potted plants (although those are also awesome!) and thinking about earthy tones, natural fibers and botanical touches. Soft browns and greens throughout the classroom will make your space feel like a little indoor oasis, grounding your students and getting them ready to learn. Get inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, and add natural materials like stones, leaves and shells for counting, sorting and exploring. Finally, use our Modern Botanical Decor collection to help you bring the outside in with fresh, leafy designs – no maintenance needed!

Promote equality and inclusion

For your classroom to truly feel welcoming, it’s essential to demonstrate that you celebrate diversity. By representing your little learners’ unique backgrounds, cultures and abilities, you’ll ensure they feel supported to be themselves – and what’s more important than that? Add inclusive artwork and inspirational quotes, along with classroom decor that fosters a sense of belonging. Oh, and don’t forget to make sure the classroom itself is adaptable, accessible and able to accommodate your little learners’ different needs. Psst… Our Everyone Belongs Bulletin Board is the perfect way to ensure your students feel seen, valued and celebrated!

Nurture creativity

A classroom that fuels creativity is one that kids love to be in. And what better way to encourage your little learners’ creativity than with a classroom that feels like a canvas? This trend embraces open-ended art stations, flexible seating and designated areas to showcase student work. Imagine a rotating gallery wall where your little learners’ creations can be admired or an art corner where they can explore colors, textures and ideas. Keep art supplies readily available so your little learners can easily dive into their projects, and inspire them with versatile posters scattered around their learning zones so the creativity never stops flowing!

Add a pop (or a lot) of color

Something your classroom won’t be able to do without is color. Whether you’re looking to energize your students with a burst of bright yellow or blue, or ground them with calming pastels, well-placed splashes of color can transform a classroom and be key to keeping your little learners engaged - our Back to School Cutesy Collection will do the trick! Add playful accents with throw pillows, rugs or eye-catching bulletin board borders. Create walls of color with matching informative Math or English posters (Psst… If you’re going for vibrant colors, be sure to balance them with neutrals, to prevent overstimulation). Finally, be sure to tie it all together with bunting and lettering packs that align perfectly with trending classroom themes!

Less is more

In 2025, we’re seeing more teachers embrace a minimalist classroom aesthetic, swapping cluttered walls and jam-packed displays for intentional, functional decor. This trend is all about ditching the overwhelm and choosing a few high-impact pieces that bring both beauty and purpose to your space.

If you're not sure where to start, here are 6-7 classroom essentials we recommend to get that effortless, styled-but-not-stressful look:

• A curated set of alphabet posters and number posters (even last year’s set will do!)
  

• A welcoming door display to set the tone
  

• Classroom labels to keep things organised
  

• A birthday display to foster a sense of belonging
  

• A few editable posters for everything from rules to motivational quotes
  

• And daily slides to use on your smartboard for instructions, group tasks, or even parent info nights
  
  

That’s exactly why I created my Classroom Essentials Decor Packs. They include five of the most-used decor resources—no fluff, just the practical pieces you’ll reach for every day. It’s a simple, budget-friendly alternative to purchasing an entire decor bundle and a great way to avoid visual clutter while still creating a cohesive, welcoming space.

Whether your vibe is soft and calming, bold and playful, or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone. Our Classroom Essentials Decor Packs come in 24 fun and on-trend themes—think rainbows, hot air balloons, frogs, bees, donuts, cookies, and more —so it’s easy to find a look that reflects your style and delights your students. Each pack includes five teacher must-haves: a birthday display, door display, classroom labels, editable posters, and daily slides. It’s all the fun, without the overwhelm (or the pressure to fill every inch of wall space).

Create a classroom that thrives in 2025

Ready to make 2025 the year of the inspiring classroom? The trends we’re seeing are less about doing more and more about doing what matters. 

By prioritizing social-emotional learning, celebrating diversity, incorporating natural elements, nurturing creativity, and adding intentional pops of color, you’ll be creating a space that feels just right for your students and you.

If you’re feeling unsure where to start, don’t worry. Start small. Pick a few key areas. Maybe your classroom door, a reading nook, or your student display wall–and build from there. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be a space where your students feel safe, seen, excited to learn, and where you feel happy to teach.

Can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for you and your classroom—you’ve got this! 🧡