14 Nature-Themed Classroom Ideas To Create a Soothing Space

Connect with the outdoors.

Examples of nature themed classrooms

Change things up and make your classroom feel minimalist with a nature theme. A space that includes a multitude of colors and decor can be cluttered, causing a distraction for both teachers and students. Instead, decorate your classroom with natural light, soft colors, and plants to create your nature-themed classroom. This gives your space a fresh, clean, and soothing vibe. Here are some of the best ideas for creating a nature-themed classroom.

1. Incorporate nature-themed learning tools

Cubbies with green plant details as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Confetti and Creativity

Toss out your mismatched posters, number line, and word wall, and pick up a nature decor bundle to streamline your learning resources.

Buy it: Nature Classroom Decor Bundle at Etsy

2. Add inspirational plant posters

Decor that reads "Be you" with plant designs as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Confetti and Creativity

Continue your theme with motivational posters that include beautiful illustrations of plants.

Buy it: Plant Classroom Decor Bundle at Etsy

3. Trim bulletin boards with leafy garland

Bulletin board with vines hanging as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Leap of 4th Class Decor

Every nature-themed classroom needs greenery. A simple option is to add vines or leafy garland to decorate the edges of your bulletin boards.

Buy it: 4-foot Floral Garland Green Leaves & Vine at Dollar Tree

4. Place plants by the windows

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Classroom with hanging plants from the ceiling

Image: The Awesome Foundation

If you are like me and lack a green thumb, no worries! Artificial plants are a no-hassle, mess-free option and will last an eternity in your room.

Buy it: 32-inch Faux Real Hanging Plant in Metal Basket at Michaels

5. Hang students’ work on a garden trellis

Organized cubbies with plants as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Carson Dellosa

A simple garden trellis is a creative background for hanging student work. Just add some planters with real or artificial greenery.

Buy it: Floral Garden Pastel Greenery at Dollar Tree

6. Fill corners with potted plants

Large potted plants in corner of a room

Image: The Gifted Gabber

Need something to fill an awkward corner in the classroom? Potted plants are the perfect solution.

Buy it: 4-foot Potted Golden Cane Palm Tree at Michaels

7. Plant seeds of inspiration

Fake potted plants- Nature Themed Classroom

Image: Dollar Tree

These little inspirational pots with decorative succulents can be placed throughout your classroom to give it a homey feel.

Buy it: Small Faux Decorative Succulents at Dollar Tree

8. Use wicker storage baskets

Classroom with fake palm tree as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Miss Jacobs Little Learners

Don’t let storage challenges affect your nature vibes. Wicker, soft pastels, and/or greens are what you will want to look for.

Buy it: Large Hanging Basket Container at Michaels

9. Shell-ebrate nature on your bulletin board

Sign that reads "lets SHELLebrate nature!"

Image: Pacon Gallery

Bring some humor into your nature-themed classroom with a fun bulletin board like this one that encourages students to shell-ebrate nature.

Buy it: Boxwood Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll at Amazon

10. Incorporate wooden benches

Classroom with chairs arranged in a circle

Image: Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds

Consider the subtle classroom decor changes you could make for your nature-themed classroom vibes, such as adding wooden benches for flexible seating.

Buy it: Feeling Natural Classroom Rug at Oriental Trading

11. Roll out the green carpet

Classroom with green rug resembling grass as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Bridget Mulvaney on Pinterest

Roll out the green carpet to bring nature vibes to your reading nook.

Buy it: Artificial Grass Rug at Amazon

12. Cover walls with birch tree wall paper

classroom with plants and tree wallpaper as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Building Book Love

Paint or add wallpaper to one (or all) of your classroom walls. If it’s too pricey, consider grant writing for other items to elevate your theme.

Buy it: Birch Tree Wallpaper at Amazon

13. Soften your space with netting

Classroom with calming lighting

Image: Fairy Dust Teaching

If you’re allowed, hang netting, plants, and garland/vines from your ceiling.

Buy it: Luxury Mosquito Net Bed Canopy at Amazon

14. Relax on woodland cushions in your reading nook

Classroom with green grass rug and stump stools as an example of a nature themed classroom

Image: Action Based Learning

Take your nature theme to the next level with some exotic decor ideas like a faux-grass rug and plush tree stump pillow cushions.

Buy it: Tree Stump Pillow Soft Cushion at Amazon

Are you looking to take it a step further and incorporate nature into your learning curriculum? Check out our list of 50 Tricks, Tips, and Ideas To Teach With Nature!

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