For many teachers, choosing a classroom theme idea and decorating to the hilt is one of the best parts of being an educator! Some pick one theme and go all out, re-using it year after year. Others like to switch things up, looking for new classroom themes each summer and starting all over again. And a few brave souls even change their themes midway through the year. No matter what type of teacher you are, you’ll find plenty of themed classroom ideas here for inspiration. The hardest part will be choosing just one!
Animal Classroom Themes
Whether you choose pets like dogs and cats or think bigger like lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), kids will love these animal classroom theme ideas!
More Animal Classroom Theme Ideas
- Safari
- Farm
- Zoo
- Butterfly
- Cow
- Dog
- Cat
- Frog
- Bee
- Ladybug
- Flamingo
- Llama
Nature & Outdoors Classroom Themes
If you’d rather be indoors than out, these themes are for you! For more, see 14 Soothing Nature-Themed Classroom Ideas.
Enchanted Forest
Whether you put a fairy-tale spin on it or just focus on the different woodland creatures, a forest theme is a fun and engaging way to dress up your learning space.
See more: Enchanting Forest-Theme Classroom Ideas
Sunshine
Hello, sunshine! This incredibly cheerful style is bright and happy without being too cute. Even if your classroom lacks windows, every day will feel like summer.
See more: Sunshine Classroom Theme Ideas
Jungle
If you go for a jungle theme, you can include all sorts of fun animals like lions, elephants, and plenty of monkeys. Hang some faux vines from the ceiling for an extra cool touch.
See more: Wild and Crazy Jungle Classroom Theme Ideas
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another plant that’s right on trend, and it has such a calming vibe. Plus, it’s the koala’s favorite food, so it gives you an excuse to make a koala your classroom mascot.
See more: Cute and Calming Eucalyptus Classroom Decor Ideas
Beach
Every day can feel like a vacation when you plan a beach theme. Tip: Shop end-of-summer sales for lots of decoration deals just in time for school to start!
See more: Sand-sational Beach-Themed Classroom Ideas
More Nature
- Woodland
- Sunflower
- National parks
- Under the sea
- Ocean
- Garden
- Mountain
Sports and Game Themes
Whether you choose a mix of sports or focus on one personal favorite, there are so many ways to incorporate this theme into your room. Check out our All-Star Ideas for a Sports-Themed Classroom.
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Candyland
- Monopoly
Food Themes
Donuts
Is there any sweeter theme than donuts? Sprinkle your classroom with kindness and joy with these delightful decorations.
See more: Donuts Are the Sweetest Classroom Theme, and We’re Here to Prove It
More Food Classroom Themes
- Ice cream
- Pineapple
- Starbucks
- Coffee shop
- Lemon
- Apple
- Candy
- Cafe
Pop Culture & Characters
Superhero
Make every student feel like they’ve got superpowers with this incredible theme. The time to be awesome is now!
See more: Pow! Superhero Classroom Theme Ideas
Eric Carle
Eric Carle books are a staple of childhood and for good reason: They combine delightful, easy-to-read stories with beautiful illustrations. His stories make for the perfect jumping-off point for a classroom theme whether you are using large pom-poms to assemble a Very Hungry Caterpillar or adding suns and flowers to represent those in The Tiny Seed. There are a lot of great ideas to be found on this fun and engaging theme.
Mo Willems
Mo Willems has so many beloved book characters, like the pigeon from Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and, of course, Piggy and Elephant. Places like Etsy have so many Mo Willems–themed decals, you can really get into plastering your classroom with everyone’s favorite friends.
More Pop Culture & Character Themes
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
- Fairy tales/Enchanted ForestÂ
- Winnie-the-Pooh
- Pete the Cat
- Alice in Wonderland
- HollywoodÂ
- Disney
- Sesame Street
- Marvel/Superhero
- Little Mermaid
- Minion
- Finding Nemo
- Super Mario
- Toy Story
- SpongeBob
- Mickey Mouse
- Bluey
- Star Wars
- Snoopy
- Pokemon
- LEGO
- Rock & Roll
- Cowboy/Western
Patterns & Styles
Rainbow
This is actually a really easy theme, since all you need are lots of bright-colored decorations and school supplies. You’ll really appreciate the vivid hues when the darkest days of winter arrive.
See more: Rainbow Bulletin Board Ideas To Brighten Your Classroom
Farmhouse
Barnyard themes with piggies and moo cows are terrific for little ones. But when you’re ready for something a little more grown up, switch to farmhouse decor instead.
See more: Simple Ways To Bring Farmhouse Decor Into Your Classroom
Burlap
Need an inexpensive way to add a little flair? Burlap is a budget fabric that provides a lot of texture and interest. Plus, it’s durable, so you know it will last from year to year.
See more: Budget-Friendly Burlap Decor Ideas To Dress Up Your Classroom
Minimalist
Some teachers and students thrive best when you keep distractions to a minimum. You can still make your room a comfortable and engaging place to learn, with a lot less effort.
See more: A Minimalist’s Guide to Classroom Design
More Classroom Patterns & Styles Themes
- Animal prints
- Stars
- Rainbow
- Polka dots
- Black and white
- Pastel
- Colorful
- Stars
- Glow in the Dark
- Confetti
- Crayon
- Nautical
- Tropical
- CalmingÂ
- MinimalistÂ
- Boho
- Smiley Faces/Emoji
- Burlap
- GroovyÂ
- Chalkboard
- Retro
Travel & Culture Classroom Themes
World Traveler
Geography teachers aren’t the only ones who will love these travel-themed ideas. Hit the thrift store for old suitcases and globes to dress up your space.
See more: Travel Classroom Theme Ideas
Space
Space travel may not be commonplace yet, but who’s to day what will happen in your students’ lifetimes? Their feet may still be on the ground, but students’ imaginations can soar to space with this exciting theme.
See more: Out of This World Space-Themed Classroom Ideas
More Travel Themes
- Hot-Air Balloon
- Around the World
- Adventure
- Specific City or Country
- Airplanes
- Trains
Classroom Themes by Subjects & Grades
Science
Periodic table on the ceiling? Why not?! A science theme encourages students to experiment, explore, and seek out new information.
See more: Best Science Classroom Decor Ideas
Math
Need a new theme? Count on math to add in some fun! Math might not be everyone’s favorite subject, but unique classroom decorations can help kids see how important it really is.
See more: Math Bulletin Board Ideas That Make Learning Fun
Preschool
Welcome the littlest learners with bright colors and over-the-top decorations that will delight all their senses. Include lots of interactive elements around the room, and don’t forget plenty of dress-up clothes so kids can get into the spirit of things.
See more: Preschool Classroom Themes Perfect for Little Learners
Middle School
Middle school is a time to grow up a bit, so avoid overly cutesy classroom themes. Instead, look for ways to make the environment comfortable, while also including inspirational decor that supports the subject/s you teach.
See more: Fabulous Middle School Classroom Decorating Ideas
High School
Personalized touches make a classroom more welcoming for kids of any age. Think about how you can create a comfortable space to support students while they learn.
See more: Creative Decorating Ideas for High School Classrooms
More Classroom Themes
Bitmoji
This is the kind of theme you can really use at any age. Students will get a kick out of seeing your face scattered around the room, especially when you use some of the sillier Bitmoji options.
See more: Super Creative Ways To Use Bitmojis in Your Classroom
Anti-Bullying
Want to promote an anti-bullying atmosphere? Use it as inspiration for classroom decor! The more kids see it, the more they’ll believe it.
See more: Anti-Bullying Posters, Decor, and Incentives You Can Buy on Amazon
Inspiring Quotes
Fill a big empty wall with some of your favorite quotes. This is one of the best ways to deal with cement block walls, whether you use paint or vinyl letters.
See more: Our All-Time Favorite Classroom Quotes
Collections
Take what you collect and turn it into classroom decorations! Just be careful—once kids realize you love something, they’ll likely bring you more and more for your collection.
See more: Cool, Cute (and Even a Little Crazy) Teacher Collections
Calming
Create a sense of calm with neutral colors and cozy touches like a big area rug. Keep clutter to a minimum, and don’t forget that empty spaces are restful for the eyes.
See more: Ways To Bring Some Calm to Your Classroom Decor This Year
And a few more …
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Collections
- Construction
- Gnome
- Circus
