Newsflash: classrooms don’t have to feel clinical and ‘school-like’. In fact, they can be designed to feel like an extension of the home. 

At YPO, we believe that classrooms should feel warm and inviting, as well as being practical and purposeful for their learning and wellbeing.

That’s where classroom decor trends come in, which prioritise natural materials, reduced clutter, a sensory-first learning environment and optimum comfort.

And decor trends you already know and love like Scandi, Boho, Japandi and Minimalism have already started making their way into school classrooms.

From hygge early years classroom decor to low-stimulus EYFS design, we’re here to inspire your 2027 classroom. 

Looking for a tailor-made Furniture Design Service instead? Get in touch with our Expert Team today for your design and decor needs. 

Discover the trends shaping classrooms for 2027 and the top picks from YPO to match…

Reggio Emilia style

Reggio Emilia is a classroom philosophy derived from the city it’s named after in Northern Italy. The idea is that the classroom setting should act as a third teacher, encouraging pupils to explore and learn while nurturing their interests. When it comes to a Reggio Emilia reception layout, a typical set-up would see teachers observing children through play and continuous provision, having quiet areas that encourage independence and personal development as well as more collaborative spaces for group projects like role-play furniture, art hubs and nature corners. 

Looking for your go-to classroom layout sheet? Laura from EYFS With Mrs S has designed a guide with everything you need to create your Reception classroom here. 

What to buy: 

For low, accessible shelving: Cosy Mobile Crate Shelving Set of 3 Mobile Units (D32140)
For easy interactions between pupils and teachers: Millhouse Semi-Circular Horseshoe Table (D53617)
For imaginative, child-first play: Cosy Small World Cable Drum Duo (D32439) 

Hygge Early Years classroom 

Hygge is a viral home decor trend making its way into school classrooms (quickly). Why? Hygge comes from the Danish concept of warmth, cosiness and the feeling of home - and we believe the classroom is the perfect place to have a hygge makeover, especially in Autumn/Winter. So how do you create a hygge early years environment? Soft, fleece cushions, warm lighting, cosy reading nooks, natural and pastel colour schemes, ultra-soft rugs, comfy seating and calming activities. A hygge classroom serves as a space that helps children connect with each other, feel less stimulated and put their wellbeing first. 

What to buy: 

For a cosy, homely role-play space : Community Playthings - Complete Home Corner (D75762)
For fairy light magic: Warm White LED String Lights (427761)
For an ultra-soft rug: Soft Touch Faux Fur Rug (D58777)

Low Stimulus EYFS design 

A low-stimulus classroom is one with reduced sensory and visual ‘noise’, which can lead to less distraction and more focus on lessons and activities. Create a low-stimulus nursery aesthetic by using neutral classroom decor themes like Scandinavian, Rustic and Soft Minimalism, while ensuring there’s less clutter and mess around (labelled trays and storage make for a respectful learning environment). You’ll love low-stimulus classrooms for introducing mindful hubs (where children can check in with their emotions), giving your classroom space and making the room feel calm instead of clinical. 

What to buy: 

For structured learning routines: Beechwood Hexagonal Table (D18276)
For intentional display boards: Roomscapes Display Board Panel (D26558)
For soft, comfy cushions: Neutral Soft Scatter Cushions (D76205) 

Neutral tones classroom setup 

What do we love most about cream, beige, muted brown and dusty green shades in a classroom? They create a less visually stimulating, calm classroom aesthetic. Coupled with natural wood learning spaces and nature-inspired accents, it brings a Scandinavian EYFS design into your learning space. The benefits? Neutral early years decor can make children’s work really stand out on walls and give the space versatility if the teacher wants to add any specific themes, like Woodland Wonders or Dinosaurs Week.

What to buy: 

For wooden book, toy and stationary storage: Community Playthings - Display & Discovery Shelf With Clear Carry Crates (D75764)
For a natural loose parts sorting tray: Heuristic Loose Parts Wicker Sorting Tray (D57896)
For tree stump seating: Tree Stump Log Seating Pads (D84542)

Biophilic Primary School Aesthetic

A biophilic classroom is all about bringing nature indoors, whether that’s installing a plant display on the windowsill or designing a sage green and burlap classroom. Here’s what a biophilic classroom looks like - botanical classroom decor, forest school sessions, earth tone play areas, natural wooden textures and themes inspired by the great outdoors. Biophilic themed learning environments can actually help children feel relaxed and less stressed - in fact, a study published by Kenneth Fisher from the University of Melbourne found that there were around 70 health and wellbeing benefits of biophilic design in a school, such as mental restoration, improved mental health and boosted mood. 

What to buy: 

For botanical leaf cushions: Seasonal Leaf Cushions (D79048)
For rustic loose parts play: Cosy Complete Natural Treasure Collection (D49351)
For a biophilic carpet: Woodland Hues Classroom Carpet with Anti Slip Backing (D85110)

Cosy reading nooks

Reading nooks are a cosy, comforting addition to your EYFS or primary school classroom. They’re also known as reading corners and are created to be quiet spaces that give children independence when reading. When children feel overwhelmed or anxious, they can also be used as a calming corner. EYFS classroom teacher needing nursery reading nook inspiration? Kit your reading nook out with a rug, cushions, comfortable chairs, bookshelves and books. The best part? Whatever classroom aesthetic or theme you’re going for in the classroom, a reading nook remains timeless. 

What to buy:

For a cosy couch: Reading Couch With Cushion (D57861)
For a reading arch den: Cosy Wooden Rafiki Reading Arch (D75644)
For toddler-friendly book storage: Toddler Low Book Display (D57242)

Minimalist primary classroom

Less is more, but is it true in a classroom? The answer is often yes. A soft, minimalist primary set-up doesn’t mean you have to take any character away - it means it’s designed in a more intentional way for learning. For example, less visual designs on the walls means more room for showcasing incredible work. Top tip: furniture that doubles up as something else (like a bookshelf and seat in one) is also characteristic of a minimalist classroom as it can be hugely practical, versatile and save you space. 

What to buy: 

For 2-in-1 counting cushions: Back to Nature Counting Ladybird Cushions (D18932)
For a play space rug: Aerial Landscape Carved Rug (D79047)
For simple wicker storage: Cosy Mobile Basket Shelf (D76316)

Sensory-friendly spaces

A sensory-friendly classroom set-up is one that takes a child’s senses into account. What can they see? What can they hear? How does this object feel to them? By creating a sensory-friendly classroom, it caters to their demands and helps you understand what environment they learn best in. For example, natural lighting instead of harsh lighting can help children concentrate, a calm corner can reset a child’s nervous system before a lesson starts and introducing tactile learning environments like tuff trays can reduce feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. 

What to buy: 

For texture exploration: Toddler Texture Loose Parts STEM Kit (309461)
For sensory lighting: Sensory Light Visual Glitter Lamps (D79591)
For sensory investigations: Yellow Door Loose Parts Play Collections (D85161)