This will come as a surprise to no one, but my absolute favorite thing about a new school year was always coming up with classroom decor ideas and pulling together a coherent classroom theme. Trust me, it wasn’t always as easy as it is now to decorate your classroom (picking a bundle of printable resources in a super cute theme and you're all set!) Back then it required a lot of researching, mixing, matching and DIY-ing, but seeing a new class settle into their learning environment always made the effort oh-so worth it.
We all know how much preparation goes into planning a new school year, and classroom decor can feel like just another job to add to the endless list during that back to school season. To check off the decor part, I’ve put together some of my essential classroom decorating ideas to help you get started, and create a fun, beautiful and inspiring place to learn.
Starting off with my favorite step, picking your classroom theme! I’m a big believer in less is more, and picking one theme for the year ahead will help your classroom feel consistent and make the decoration process easy and seamless.
You don't want your classroom to appear overwhelming with too many things going on, but mixing and matching decor themes similar to each other is definitely an option – especially if you wish to recycle a theme from a previous year.
If you’re in for a fresh start, I guarantee you'll find a decor theme from the MJLL collection that fits your aesthetic this year.
Also on the blog: My top picks for the best classroom decor combinations.
If you want to transport your students to a different world entirely, these themes are all about imagination and storytelling. They create a "cozy-magical" vibe that makes the classroom feel like a sanctuary.
Forget the cold, dark void of traditional space themes! This is all about soft galaxy hues, twinkling stars, and a sense of wonder. It’s perfect for a calming "out of this world" vibe that isn’t too overstimulating. You can take a peek at how I set up my classroom using the dreamy space theme classroom decor collection
Think mossy greens, fox cub illustrations, and a "cabin in the woods" feel. This woodland theme, with cozy forest animals, brings the outdoors in—but with a touch of storybook charm that younger learners absolutely adore. You can absolutely check out how this collection came to life here, where I answered questions about the inspiration behind these forest friends!
There are so many perks to picking a nature-themed classroom: they are timeless, fit every season, and bring a calm, natural energy to your learning environment.
Calling all my plant-lovers, this is the theme for you! My botanical bundle is the way to make your classroom evergreen and alive with fresh, calm, and natural prints.
Classroom Door Display in Botanical.
This decor collection has a special place in my heart, featuring beautiful Australian native flora and fauna. Your little learners will love seeing the kangaroos, platypuses, wombats and other cute Australian animals as part of their classroom.
Australiana bundle in beautiful colors of Australian flora.
Fans of animal print, I heard you when I designed this decor collection filled with earthy jungle tones, leafy greenery, and animal imagery that your students will be obsessed with.
My Modern Jungle Bundle, featuring wild animals and jungle greens, will make your classroom feel like another world.
My collection of Boho decor themes includes Boho Rainbow, Spotty Boho, Simple Boho, Boho Plants and Boho Vibes. What connects all these decor themes are stylish and calm neutral colors, perfect for that timeless classroom look.
Boho Rainbow classroom by @mycozyclassroom looking so cute!
There’s something about pastel that just fits any and every classroom, and will give your space enough color without being too overwhelming. Whether you’re after that polka dot look or a more retro vibe, I’ve got you covered.
Featuring a mix of black and white spots with muted rainbow colors, this collection remains one of my most popular ones.
Spotty Pastel Bundle lighting up this whole classroom wall!
My newest decor collection is a mix of daisy themed elements and soft pastel gingham prints that just happens to go perfectly with summer dresses – just saying!
Daisy Gingham Pastel wall by @miss_grosse.
If your classroom needs a good pick-me up, a good splash of color might just do the trick. I have a few vibrant yet coordinated themes for a colorful and fun classroom vibe.
Cutesy Composition Notebook (The Nostalgic Trend)
This one is for the teachers who love that "old school" stationery aesthetic but want to give it a modern, colorful glow-up! Featuring that iconic marble texture mixed with doodles and pastels, it’s a fun, academic-chic look that feels organized yet playful.
My Tropical decor theme brings the holiday feels year round to your entire classroom, with bright colors and fruity imagery. If summer was a decor theme, it would be this one!
Tropical Reading Group Labels keeping your classroom supplies organized.
Spotty Bright is an eye-catching theme made out of a beautiful rainbow color palette mixed with spots.
Spotty Bright Bundle will have everything you need to create a pretty and colorful classroom.
Now you’ve got a theme, it’s time to bring it to life. All of my bundles come with editable resources, so the sky is your limit with ideas on how to bring your classroom to life with a new decor collection. I’ve gathered some of my must-haves that work for any classroom.
Decide and decorate your learning areas
Establishing learning areas in your classroom helps make the space for students more engaging, educating and fun. Start by creating a few different designated areas for different activities around the room. My Bulletin Board Lettering Packs are perfect for this (see this blog for bulletin board ideas if you need some inspiration).
Boho Vibes classroom by @miss_grosse.
Boho Plants Affirmation Station
I’m sure if there were studies done on this, they would find that having a beautiful decor theme as part of your classroom organization makes it so much more enjoyable to tidy up, keep school supplies organized and yes, I’ll say it, even to mark, file and do all your other classroom admin. Some classroom organizational tools that come in every decor theme are:
Daisy Gingham – Neutrals Binder Covers
Classroom decor can also be one of the best ways to make it more fun for your students to learn about classroom rules, jobs, and voice levels. Setting these resources up is a great opportunity to involve your students in the decor process while going through the importance of rules and expectations set together as a team.
Spotty Boho Voice Level Display by @learning.with.ms.lindsay
I know it might seem like there is a LOT you can include, but starting from a few different classroom areas with the help of my decor resources will already get you on your way to a beautiful and engaging classroom environment. Your classroom should look and feel unique to you, so don’t forget other decorating ideas and finishing touches like plants, cute rugs, wallpapers, or lights.
A warm and inviting learning environment where you feel motivated to teach and work will help engage students, enhance learning, and inspire creativity.
Happy decorating!
Teacher and Founder of Miss Jacobs Little Learners. If you’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of your students – I’m here to help you.
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