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 design ideas and pulling together a coherent 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.

Picking your classroom decor theme

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.

Nature inspired themes

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.

Botanical

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.

Australiana

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.

Modern Jungle

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.

Boho themes

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.

My Spotty Boho Trolley Labels

Boho Rainbow classroom by @mycozyclassroom looking so cute!

Pastels themes

There’s something about pastels that just fit 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.

Spotty Pastels

Featuring a mix of black and white spots with muted rainbow colors, this collection remains one of my most popular ones.

Spotty Pastels Bundle lighting up this whole classroom wall!

Daisy Gingham Pastels

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 Pastels wall by @miss_grosse.

Bright themes

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.

Tropical

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 Brights

Spotty Brights is an eye-catching theme made out of a beautiful rainbow color palette mixed with spots.

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).

• Reading corner: Use my Bulletin Board resources for wall decorations and quotes to create a cozy reading nook. Grab some baskets and use the editable labels to keep your classroom library organized.
• Affirmation Station: All you'll need is a mirror and my resources, and you've created a place for your students to learn about their strengths, abilities and positive self-talk. 
• Calendars and Birthday Displays: This is an easy way to add some daily excitement and a routine of changing the days and celebrating birthdays together with your students.
• Wow work wall: Use my Bunting and Lettering packs and Amazing Work Coming Soon Posters to set up a place on a wall or whiteboard dedicated to all the great student work.