Let’s be real - most teachers fall into one of two categories as far as classroom setup goes: it’s either one of your very favorite things to do or you despise it. Which one are you?! I have always been the teacher who LOVES setting up a classroom, and often spent a good chunk of time over the summer thinking about it and prepping. My husband used to tell me all the time to stop, relax, and enjoy the summer - but I genuinely enjoy planning for a classroom setup, so it’s fun for me.

If you’re here, I bet you’re starting to think about and plan for your classroom for the upcoming school year. I’m SO excited you’re here, because this is the first in a 4-part series all about how to create a classroom space that is beautiful and functional! Did you know you can do both?!

Alright teacher friends, part 1 of this classroom decor and setup series is all about creating a beautiful classroom. Here are my top 5 tips for achieving a classroom that has a cohesive look that you and your students will love spending time in.

start with a neutral base color

Choose a base color that will stand the test of all classroom trends - I like the basics black and white because you will have no problem finding things to match! Use this base color for anything “big” in your classroom - extra bookshelves you may bring in, crates, bulletin board backgrounds, etc. Definitely go neutral with things that will be a staple in your classroom for years to come, so it can continue to mesh with any new colors or theme you may choose.

White, base accessories will pair well with any classroom theme!

2. Choose colors, not a theme

(But if you do choose a theme, integrate it like this…)

I know, I know - some of us love to choose a new classroom theme every year. If that’s you, and you love it - hear me out. I suggest browsing the aisles at Dollar Tree, Target and Big Lots to check out the different colored baskets they offer. Then choose a color scheme that you love and won’t get sick of anytime soon. Build your classroom around these colors. You’ll want to use these colors for things like baskets, bulletin boards, banners, etc.

By deciding ahead of time on the colors you want to use, you’ll be able to create a cohesive looking classroom. If you already have a nice collection of baskets going in your classroom (don’t we all?!), you can always use spray paint to make them match. This is a wonderfully cheap and easy way to pull your classroom together! I personally love to keep things basic and simple so I can reuse them every year, and just switch out a few elements for fun. (If that’s your jam too, you’ll love this Basic & Bright printable decor set!)

If you are going to use a theme, I highly suggest finding a printable one on TPT that you enjoy. If you’re doing a donut classroom, print and prep some fun donut decor - but don’t go out and buy anything and everything you can find that has donuts on it from Target. Chances are that after a year or two, you’ll be sick of it and ready to move on. The problem is that now you’ve invested so much money in donut decor, and no longer want it in your classroom. It’s expensive to go out and rebuy things every few years! If you keep your theme to printable things only, you can cheaply and easily swap it out the next year when you want to switch it up.

3. keep bulletin boards consistent

An easy way to pull your classroom together is to give your bulletin boards a similar “look” with the same background and borders. I personally love using black fabric as bulletin board backgrounds, and adding color through the borders. You can grab fabric for cheap at Walmart or using a coupon at a fabric store. (Bonus - you have precut fabric to stick up on your bulletin boards every year…because cutting bulletin board paper is the worst, right?!)

Then, choose a border you love that brings in your colors and use that on all of your bulletin boards as well. If you don’t want it to be too matchy matchy, you can add a double border - make it a solid color and switch that solid color out on your different boards. Or just switch out the color of your bulletin board letters at the top!

4. don’t fill every space

I used to struggle with this - bad! I would find the cutest things on TPT and print them all and find a space for it in my classroom. Hang it on the walls, the cabinets, the bulletin board, my desk…you get the picture. Resist the urge! It makes your classroom look crowded and busy, but even more importantly - there’s no way your students can take it all in. Only include the things that are must-haves for learning in your classroom. An inspirational poster or two is always okay in my book, but do you really need a whole set?! Your students should be able to learn from what’s around them, so don’t distract them with lots of fluff and filling up any available wall space.

5. get organized

Okay, I know I said these were quick tips, and getting organized is not necessarily a quick and easy solution. But hear me out - an organized classroom not only looks better, but functions better. For everyone.

Use storage bins to hide clutter: Clean up paper piles, classroom materials, books, supplies, ALL THE THINGS - by organizing them in all those color-coordinated baskets we talked about earlier. This cleans your classroom right up, and gives everything a home.
Label everything: Add labels that are clear and easy for you and your students to read. This helps them be accountable for keeping the classroom organized as well. Also, you’re busy - who needs to be searching through contents of bins and baskets looking for something?!
Put away things you don’t use daily or weekly: Most classrooms have cabinets or a closet, and these are perfect for storing all the things you don’t need frequent access to. Things like seasonal read alouds, decor, art supplies, manipulative, etc. Keep them stored somewhere that you can easily grab them when you need them, but they don’t need to be taking up prime real estate in your classroom all year long. This helps to clean up your classroom from looking cluttered with ALL THE THINGS!

To help you get started with organizing your classroom this coming school year, I have some free monthly labels that you can use to start organizing your lessons and materials by month! Grab yours for free below.