The Best Classroom Themes for a Fun School Year

Are you looking for a new classroom theme to try for the new year? If so, I've collected the top classroom themes this school year and I'll show you gorgeous classrooms with these themes as well as some easy ways to incorporate them into your class this year.

This includes classroom theme ideas for gorgeous bulletin boards, reading nooks, fun classroom management ideas, organization ideas and even pretty teacher spaces! Get inspired by some amazing classrooms and learn how to transform your classroom into the space your students will love to come to every day.

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Popular Classroom Themes 2024

Here are some of the top themes I've seen this year.

• Composition Notebook Classroom
• Retro Theme
• Rainbows
• Sunshine Themed Classroom
• Camping
• Cactus Themed Classroom
• Tropical Theme
• Daisy
• Safari Theme

Classic School Classroom Theme Ideas

Here are some themes that are always fun and never go out of style.

• Beach Classroom
• Zoo Classroom Theme
• Space Theme
• Superhero Classroom Theme
• Monkey or Jungle Theme
• Farm Theme
• Coastal or Ocean Theme

We'll explore all these and more in this post.

Fun Classroom Themes

The first classroom themes that I want to show you are really fun and I think your students would enjoy.  Check them out below.

Beach Classroom Theme

Take your beach theme to the next notch by making your students feel like they are chilling at the beach in Adirondack chairs under an umbrella.

Calm Coastal Theme

For a calm coastal theme add pretty ocean blues and sandy tan tones.  You can incorporate shells, sand and Sealife like fish and turtles.

Composition Notebook Classroom Theme

One of the most popular themes this year is the composition notebook theme.  I got inspired and created a cute classroom decor bundle with this theme that includes everything you need for your classroom.  If you want to transform your classroom into this theme you can check out the composition notebook bundle here.

Zoo Class Theme

Bring your zoo theme to life with a play zoo set that younger students would enjoy as they are learning about new animals.

Space Classroom Theme

Inspire your students with a space theme.  There are tons of fun puns that you can use for your décor like, the sky isn’t the limit, your work is out of this world, first grade is blasting off for a few ideas.

Space Classroom Theme Decor Bundle

I am loving the space theme this year so I created a cute space themed decor bundle in my Etsy shop that you can check out here.  It is an instant download that you can print.  It is editable so you can customize it for your class.

Superhero Classroom Theme

If you want a bright colored, positive and fun theme that students love then you might want to try the superhero class theme.

Monkey Classroom Theme

For a fun touch in a monkey themed classroom hang a few stuffed monkeys from the ceiling on green nets to appear that they are swinging through the jungle.

Farm Classroom Theme

If you have a farm classroom theme, then you may want to take some inspiration here and add an incredible farm play area for your students.  This is one of my favorite class themes for young students.

Pastel Classroom Theme

I am also loving a simple but pretty pastel theme.  I created a printable, editable decor bundle for this theme too.  You can find the complete pastel bundle package in my Etsy shop here.

Retro Classroom Theme

The retro look has been everywhere lately from our clothes, home décor and even our classrooms.  I’ve been seeing a lot of teachers jumping on this trend and finding creative ways to add a 70’s vibe to their classroom.

If you love this style too then check out some ideas to incorporate it into your classroom.

Soft Colors for Retro Themed Classroom

One of the funniest parts of a retro theme is choosing the colors to work with.  You can choose to use soft colors like Melanie from School Girl Style did here or a bolder color scheme would work great too.

All of the little details and fun decorations help bring this theme to life like the tassel garland, and the classroom door that’s on point and on theme.

Golden Bar Stools and Retro Posters

Adding bar stools is an easy way to add another flexible seating option to your classroom. I love how the bar stools even fit in with the color scheme of the class.  The retro posters with positive saying are one of my favorite parts of this room.

My Favorite Retro Classroom Decorations

If you got inspired to add the retro theme to your learning space this year, then check out my favorite finds below to pull it off.

RETRO CLASSROOM THEME DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | 18 PIECE PAPER LANTERNS

TWO | RETRO VIBES CLASSROOM POSTERS

THREE | 50 PIECE GROOVY WALL COLLAGE SET

FOUR | PERSONALIZED CLASSROOM SIGN

FIVE | THIS CLASSROOM IS BETTER BECAUSE YOU ARE IN IT PILLOW

SIX | BE HAPPY HALL PASS

SEVEN | DAISY AND TASSEL GARLANDS

Rainbow Classroom Themes

One of my favorite classroom decor themes that I'm seeing this year is the rainbow class theme. You could take this theme literally and have pictures of rainbows in the class or just the rainbow color scheme.

I love the idea of incorporating both together. You will see a lot of boho rainbows this year too, which I am also loving. I'll show you some ideas for that in this post too.

If you love the rainbow theme read on to discover how to incorporate it into your learning environment including bulletin boards, class décor, your organization and even your own teacher space.

Rainbow Bulletin Boards

An easy way to start a new theme is with bulletin boards. Below are some fun rainbow bulletin board ideas that are sure to brighten up your classroom.

This Year is a Rainbow of Possibilities Bulletin Board

You can’t go wrong with a rainbow bulletin board.  It will be sure to add some color to your class!

Rainbows and Flowers Bulletin Board Idea

This bulletin board is pretty and positive and would make a perfect addition to a rainbow themed classroom.

Top Picks for a Rainbow Bulletin Board

Check out my favorite finds below to create your own rainbow bulletin board in your classroom this year.

RAINBOW BULLETIN BOARD DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | RAINBOW SCALLOPS BORDER

TWO | RAINBOW ART SET OF 4

THREE | RAINBOW CONFETTI BORDER

FOUR | BE A RAINBOW IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CLOUD CLASS BANNER

FIVE | RAINBOW FELT PENNANT 5 PACK

SIX | GROWTH MINDSET POSTERS

SEVEN | WE ARE A RAINBOW OF POSSIBILITIES BULLETIN BOARD SET

EIGHT | BRIGHT PAPER GARLAND

NINE | COLORED PENCIL BORDER

Rainbow Display for Student Work

Here's an easy, colorful display that you can create to show of your students’ works or art. Simply start with rainbow sheets of paper and clothespins then add a colorful border and you're ready for their masterpieces.

Rainbow Classroom Theme Décor

You can create a cozy rainbow reading nook in your class with a pretty rainbow rug and rainbow-colored book bins. What kid wouldn’t love to read here?

Rainbow Name and Table Tags

Here's an idea to add some rainbow décor to your tabletops. You could also create something similar for desk name plates.

Rainbow Classroom Themes Organization

There's something I love about organizing with rainbow colors. It is just visually satisfying, do you agree? Check out some of the best rainbow organizational ideas below and get inspired to try them in your class this year.

Rainbow Colored Teacher Cart

An easy way to start your rainbow organization journey is with a rainbow teacher cart. Here is my favorite 10 drawer cart and my favorite 20 drawer cart can be found here.

If you like these organization ideas you should also check out my post- Genius Teacher Cart Ideas for Your Classroom

Rainbow Log in Cards

This teacher created rainbow log in cards with students’ names. Who said organization can’t be pretty? Do you have a need for a key chain storage system like this? If so you can find similar colorful key chain storage here and here.

Best Finds for Rainbow Classroom Organization

Below check out my favorite rainbow organization tools and where you can get them.

RAINBOW CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | RAINBOW STORAGE BASKETS

TWO | KEY TAG HOLDER

THREE | SET OF 35 DRY ERASE POCKETS

FOUR | HANGING FILE ORGANIZER & COLORFUL FILE FOLDERS

FIVE | 6 PACK COLORFUL SUPPLY CADDIES

SIX | 12 PACK PENCIL BASKETS

SEVEN | KEY TAG RACK

EIGHT | 20 DRAWER TEACHER CART

If you're loving the idea of rainbow classroom organization then check out this post, 83 Best Classroom Organization Ideas that has even more rainbow organization ideas.

Rainbow Talking Sticks

This teacher used jumbo paddle pop sticks and rainbow washi tape to create these one-of-a-kind rainbow talking sticks!

Rainbow Space for the Teacher

If you really want to take it up a notch create your own personal teacher space to match your rainbow theme. This teacher created this space with all of her favorite items, pens, and pretty accessories as her spot to work. I think I could do some creative work there!

Rainbow Classroom Decor

These are my top picks for rainbow classroom decor that are available online.

RAINBOW CLASSROOM DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | HUGE 10’ RAINBOW CARDBOARD CUTOUT

TWO | COLORFUL MASKING TAPE

THREE | LARGE COLORFUL CRAYONS TAPESTRY

FOUR | RAINBOW LIGHT

FIVE | RAINBOW WALL DECAL

SIX | PAPER POM POMS

SEVEN | DRY ERASE CIRCLES

EIGHT | RAINBOW RIBBON GARLAND

NINE | RAINBOW LETTER BOARD

TEN | RAINBOW LIBRARY POCKETS

ELEVEN | RAINBOW DOORMAT

Boho Rainbow Classroom Theme

Another popular theme that I'm seeing this year is the boho rainbow theme.  This is similar to the traditional rainbow theme, but the color scheme is a little more muted and natural.

If you like this idea, then check out some inspiration below to pull it off in your classroom.

Boho Rainbow Décor for the Classroom

Choose Colors for Your Boho Rainbow Theme

One tip for creating a boho rainbow theme is incorporate some of the colors from the rainbow into different aspects of the room.  That’ll help to carry the theme throughout the room in a more subtle way.

Like here the wall paper on the back bookshelf and the cubbies match the rainbow colors.

Boho Rainbow Bulletin Board Idea

There are tons of fun bulletin board options with a boho rainbow theme.  This bulletin board with job charts and the calendar can stay up year-round.

Top Finds for a Boho Rainbow Theme

I'm loving the boho rainbow designs, how about you? Here are cute rainbow name tags and signs. Check out below some of my favorite boho rainbow finds and where you can get them.

BOHO RAINBOW DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | RAINBOW PRINTABLE

TWO | LARGE WALL DECAL

THREE | ROUND RAINBOW SIGN

FOUR | COME IN AND PLAY

FIVE | SMALL RAINBOW WALL DECALS

SIX | SIMILAR SMALL WOODEN RAINBOW SIGN

SEVEN | BE KIND SIGN

I created these free boho rainbow printables to go with your theme.  Click here to download them!

Sunshine Classroom Theme

Sunshine is a cheerful theme that would work great in an elementary classroom.

Bright Sunshine Themed Classroom

As you can see in the classroom above the sunshine theme pairs perfectly with rainbows.  The huge bulletin board is definitely the star of this classroom.

To steal this look, use a rainbow bulletin border and spell out hello sunshine in large letters on the wall.  Then of course add plenty of sunshine and rainbows.

Notice the cute flowers on the desks along with the rainbow-colored supplies.  Wouldn’t your students get an instant mood boost walking into a class like this?

If you love this classroom then you should check out the Hello Sunshine Theme that is available on Amazon here.

My Favorite Picks for a Sunshine Themed Classroom

If you want to try this theme in your class, this year then check out my favorite finds below to get you started.

 

SUNSHINE THEMED CLASSROOM DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | WAKE UP TEACH KIDS BE AWESOME TEACHER PLANNER

TWO | ALPHABET SUNSET PRINTABLE SET

THREE | 36 PIECE SUNSHINE & RAINBOW CUTOUTS

FOUR | BE YOUR OWN KIND OF SUNSHINE PILLOW

FIVE | COLORFUL CALENDAR BULLETIN BOARD SET

SIX | HELLO SUNSHINE NOTEPAD

SEVEN | SUNSHINE & RAINBOW CLASSROOM POSTERS

EIGHT | SUNSHINE PILLOW

NINE | HELLO SUNSHINE BULLETIN BOARD BORDER

Camping Classroom Theme

Looking for more ideas for classroom themes? The next thing that I am loving this year is the camping theme. I love this theme because it is so fun, and you can fairly easily create an entire classroom that is a campsite.

This works especially well if you have some camping gear in your garage already! Check out below some amazing elementary school classrooms that have gone all out for this theme and get inspired to add it to your room this year.

Add a Tent to Your Camping Themed Classroom

Kids love tents and why not add it to the classroom? This could be a calm down area, a fun reading spot or a place for small group activities, the possibilities are endless.

Outdoor Mural for Camping Classroom

This classroom has a log cabin reading area and a stage area with an outdoor mural that makes you feel like you are in the great outdoors. What a fun way to bring this theme to life!

Log Cabin Reading Center

This teacher created a happy camper theme with a camper tent, a campfire reading center, a picnic table listening center and even has a mountain backdrop for her class. I love how every detail in this classroom fits her theme.

Camping Themed Reading Nook

This would be the perfect book nook for a camping themed classroom. Your students can sit at the tree stump table or grab a book and read in the tent.

One of my favorite finds are tree stump pillows. They actually look pretty real. You can place them on the floor to create a reading spot that looks like a campground! You can find those here.

Create Camping Spots in Your Classroom

This teacher takes the camping theme to the next level by creating several camping spots in her classroom.  This look was pulled off with the fake trees, campfire and numerous tents.

Some of us already have supplies for this theme in our garages. Do you have folding camping/sport chairs that you can borrow for your classroom?

Camping Classroom Theme Bulletin Boards

The next thing your classroom needs is a bulletin board to fit your theme. Below are my favorite finds to create a camping themed bulletin board for your class.

Welcome Campers Bulletin Board Idea

There are tons of options for cute camping theme bulletin boards like this one created by Ashley McKenzie.  I’m loving the calming neutral colors.

Look closely and the cameras have student pictures in them.  If you like this bulletin board, you can purchase the Camping Adventure Bulletin Board bundle here.

My Top Picks for Camping Theme Bulletin Board

Check out below some more of my favorite finds for a camping themed bulletin board.

CAMPING THEMED BULLETIN BOARD DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | CAMPING THEME BULLETIN BOARD BORDERS

TWO | VINTAGE TRAILER CUT OUTS

THREE | WOODLAND FRIENDS CUT OUTS

FOUR | BURLAP BULLETIN BOARD PAPER

FIVE | TWIG LETTERS

SIX | CAMPING BULLETIN BOARD PACK

SEVEN | SET OF CAMPING THUMBTACKS OR MAGNETS

Fun Touches for Your Camping Themed Classroom

I have collected some more fun ideas that I found that will really bring the camping theme to life in your classroom. Check them out below.

Fireflies Classroom Management Tool

Here's a great camping themed classroom management idea. This teacher created this behavior scoreboard. When students are doing well, they get more fireflies in the jar.

Fireflies can be made easily with a pompom, googly eyes and a round magnet.  I think these would definitely get the students' attention!

Smores Goodie Bags for Students

This teacher created a goodie bag to go with her camping theme for her students on the first day of school. They are filled with delicious smores treats!

Smore Compliments Classroom Idea

Here's a simple way to add a class reward to go with your theme. These are felt smores that the class can earn when they receive compliments from others. The class gets a party when then earn a certain amount of smores.

Camping Themed Classroom Décor

If you want to try out the camping theme in your classroom this year check out below my absolute favorite finds for camping classroom décor.

CAMPING CLASS DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | LARGE FOREST WALL TAPESTRY

TWO | MINI CAMPER TENT

THREE | TWIG PENCILS

FOUR | TREE STUMP THROW PILLOW

FIVE | LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN PILLOW

SIX | WOOD NAME PLATE HOLDER

SEVEN | TEEPEE TENT

EIGHT | CARDBOARD CAMPFIRE

Cactus Themed Classroom

One of the final classroom themes that I'm seeing everywhere is the cactus theme. What I love about this is there are so many learning puns that you can use for your class décor and bulletin boards.  Here's some of my favorites.

Puns for Cactus Themed Classroom

• Stick with it
• This class is on point
• You can't touch these math skills
• We are going to grow this year
• Sharp Work

Check out below some gorgeous cactus themed classrooms so you can steal some ideas for your class this year.

Cactus Themed Classroom Inspiration

This teacher went all out with her cactus theme. Look at the details like the labels for the tables and supplies, the banners, and cute cacti everywhere.

Cactus Bulletin Board Ideas

As I mentioned there are so many good cactus puns that work great for cute bulletin boards and decor for classroom walls. Check out my favorites below.

Sharp Work Cactus Themed Bulletin Board

Here's a gorgeous way to display your students’ best work, to fit in with your cactus theme!

Stick With It Cactus Bulletin Board

This first-grade teacher created this bulletin board to help her students track their goals. For her class it is used to track each student accelerated reader goals, but you could use it to track any of the goals you set for the class.

The students get to move up their clothespin when they get closer to completing their goal!

We are One Sharp Bunch Bulletin Board

Here's another adorable bulletin board idea. Follow the link above to check out this teacher’s TPT cactus décor pack bundle.

We're Going to Grow This Year Cactus Bulletin Board

Here's a cute bulletin board idea for your cactus themed classroom. Each pot says my goal for growth is… This would be perfect for the beginning of the year when talking about goals and expectations for the next year in your classroom.

Best Cactus Themed Classroom Decorations

Below check out my favorite cactus themed classroom decor.

CACTUS BULLETIN BOARD DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | CAN’T TOUCH THESE MATH SKILLS

TWO | SIMILAR CUSTOM WELCOME TEACHER SIGN PRINTABLE

THREE | CACTUS PRINTABLE BULLETIN BOARD BORDER

FOUR | STICK WITH KINDNESS DIGITAL FILE

FIVE | LLAMA & CACTUS BULLETIN BOARD DECOR

SIX | OUR CLASS IS ON POINT DOWNLOAD

SEVEN | CACTUS PUSH PINS

EIGHT | SIMILAR LOOKING SHARP SIGN

NINE | CACTUS BULLETIN BOARD BORDER

Classroom Jobs for Your Cactus Theme

A classroom job chart is another opportunity to show of your cactus theme. Beneath each classroom job you can place either a magnet or a Velcro strip with each student’s name to easily swap them out.

Cactus Classroom Theme Door Décor

Here's an easy classroom door display to show off your cactus theme.

Cactus Flip Sticks

This first-grade teacher from Texas created this cactus flip sticks to go with her class theme.

Cactus Name Tags

Pretty classroom labels and name tags are a great way to incorporate your theme throughout the classroom.

Cactus Teacher Space

Why not take your one of your classroom themes into your desk as well? You can find stylish desk accessories to fit your theme here.

My Top Picks for a Cactus Themed Classroom

If you're loving this theme as much as I am check out some of my favorite cactus classroom finds below.

 

CACTUS ACCESSORIES | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | TEACHER PLANNER

TWO | CUSTOM SET OF HALL PASSES

THREE | IN THIS CLASS WE STICK TOGETHER CACTUS PILLOW

FOUR | SET OF 30 CACTUS PENS

FIVE | CACTUS GARLAND AND PAPER LANTERS

SIX | BOHO CLIPBOARD

Tropical Theme for Classroom

If you love bright and cheerful colors, then the tropical theme might be right for you.  To incorporate this theme, add pineapples, flamingos, flowers and plenty of bright colors to your decor.

Check out a little inspiration to pull it off in your classroom below.

Bright Tropical Themed Classroom Inspiration

Melanie created this fun tropical theme for this kindergarten classroom.  The bright colored paper lanterns add a playful touch to the room.  The bench seating on the left is full of bright pillows to help tie in with the theme.

Of course, all of the wall décor and bulletin boards incorporate pineapples, bright pink, yellow and teal and there are even little flamingos on the desks.  If you’re loving this theme the School Girl Style Simply Stylish Tropical themed classroom décor can be found on Amazon here.

My Top Picks for a Tropical Themed Classroom

Check out my favorite finds to pull off the tropical theme in your classroom.

 

TROPICAL THEME CLASSROOM DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | PINEAPPLE BORDER

TWO | GREEN & PINK TASSEL GARLAND

THREE | PINK STRIPED PILLOW COVERS

FOUR | MOTIVATIONAL BULLETIN BOARD SET

FIVE | COLORFUL PAPER LANTERNS

SIX | WELCOME TO THE FLOCK BULLETIN BOARD SET

SEVEN | CLASSROOM FLAMINGO PILLOW

EIGHT | FLAMINGO CUT-OUTS

Daisy Theme

The daisy theme is another popular one this year.  I love it for the simplicity of the color scheme and also how cheerful it looks.  Check out some inspiration below to add it to your class this year.

Black, White & Pink Daisy Themed Classroom

If you want to try this theme in your classroom you could either stick to the black and white color scheme or add your favorite color for an accent.

Here the pink wall looks stunning with the black and white theme.  The cute daisy rug can be found on Amazon here.

Oh Happy Day Class Banner

The Oh Happy Day Banner goes right along with the cheerful vibe that you would except in a daisy themed classroom.

The bumble bee rug (that you can find here) is a fun touch that fits perfectly with this theme.  The throw pillows and paper lanterns add a pop of color to the room.

The details really make this theme come to life like the daisies in polka dot vases on the tables.

Polka Dots and Daisy Classroom Decor

Polka dots and daisy cut outs on the wall help carry the theme throughout the entire classroom.  It doesn’t look too busy or over done because the black and white help to ground the space.

Flowers on the Windowsills in Daisy Themed Classroom

High Bar stools add a fun seating option for students. The flowers on the windowsill with bumble bee letters in them add a cheerful touch to the classroom.

Top Finds for Daisy Themed Classroom Décor

If you want to add this theme to your classroom this year, check out my favorite picks to pull it off.

DAISY CLASSROOM THEME DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | BUMBLEE BEE PUSH PINS

TWO | 4 BUNDLES FAUX DAISIES

THREE | BEE CLASSROOM AREA RUG

FOUR | PAINTED DOTS BULLETIN BOARD BORDER

FIVE | AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU TRY DAISY PILLOW

SIX | DAISY GARLANDS

SEVEN | DAISY AREA RUG

EIGHT | BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED BORDER

NINE | DAISY FLOOR CUSHION

Safari Theme

A safari theme is really fun and younger kids especially love it.  If you like this theme then add animals, natural colors and animal print in your classroom.  Check out a little inspiration below to get the look.

Soft Color Scheme for Safari Themed Classroom

The safari color scheme is incorporated into all the details of the room. You can see the color scheme in the soft orange wall, the light pink stools and the paper lanterns.

Animal Print Wall in Safari Class

In this Safari themed classroom, a pattern painted on the walls gives an animal print feel but in the classroom color scheme, of course.  Animal print is also incorporated in a leopard area rug. The floral details add a pretty touch to the theme.

Safari Themed Cutouts for Decor

To make this theme come to life add papercut outs of animals, flowers, and incorporate them into your bulletin boards and on your walls.

My Favorite Safari Themed Classroom Decorations

Next, check out my top picks to add to a safari themed classroom.

SAFARI THEME CLASSROOM DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND

ONE | SAFARI ANIMAL MOTIVATIONAL POSTERS

TWO | LEOPARD PRINT BULLETIN BOARD BORDER

THREE | FRINGE BORDER FOR BULLETIN BOARD

FOUR | BLACK ANIMAL PRINT BULLETIN BOARD BORDER

FIVE | SAFARI THEMED TEACHER PLANNER

SIX | WILD ABOUT SCHOOL BULLETIN BOARD SET

SEVEN | SAFARI THEMED CALENDAR SET

EIGHT | ANIMAL BULLETIN BOARD CUTOUTS

NINE | COLORFUL ZEBRA PRINT BORDER

 

Are you interested in creating your own unique theme for your classroom and then creating professional looking classroom decor and resources to match your theme?  If so, check out Canva Classroom Design School.

Now you have seen my absolute favorite classroom themes.  I hope you got inspired to try a new one in your class this year.  Feel free to save your favorite classroom theme ideas to your Pinterest boards just click on the P on the picture.

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