Redecorating your child’s room is always a bit of a challenge, and never more so then when they hit those teen years. Teenagers have very set ideas about who they are and what they like. Therefore, make sure you include your teenager as much as possible and reasonable as you revamp their bedroom.
Set aside a reasonable amount of time for this task as it is not a quick and easy job. Remember that the room you create needs to last for the remainder of their teen years at home. The following list includes suggestions for how much time to allow for each task.
Allow at least one full day for this task. Start by going through everything and sorting your teen’s belongings into three piles:
#1 Rubbish
This includes everything and everything that is no longer usable by anyone.
#2 Donate or Give Away
Clear out any clothes that no longer fit, old toys, and outgrown furniture to make way for upcoming teen activities and interests.
#3 Keep
You need to determine which clothing, furniture, and personal items your teen wants to keep so you can revamp or update if needed.
- Replace, Repaint, and Rearrange Furniture and Purchase Some New Items
- Remove furniture your teen has outgrown and replace it with more age-appropriate items. The study area probably needs updating with a larger desk and chair. If you teen’s room is big enough, consider swapping out the single bed for a double.
- Repaint old furniture to match the new color scheme.
- Simply rearranging the furniture can give the room an entirely new look. Place a single bed against the wall and add some colorful pillows to create a daybed. Create zones dedicated for specific activities – sleep, study, and vegging out for example.
- Add some furniture items. Consider comfortable seating for friends such as beanbag chairs, or even a small couch. Teens love clothes, so consider adding a second dresser or freestanding wardrobe.
- Choose a New Color
- Neutral colors instantly add a look of maturity. Try beige or light grey for walls. Remind your teen they can use any color they wish for bedding and accessories.
- Remember that you will not be living in your teenager’s room, but they will. If you can handle it, let them pick their own color. Remind them that dark colors grow old over time – maybe they will not choose black, dark bed, or deep purple.
- Suggest they pick a color that they not only like, but that also goes well with other colors, so that they can easily add or change accessories.
- Improve the Floor
- Use small, colourful, area rugs to designate areas of the room.
- Consider removing old, worn, wall-to-wall carpeting if tile or hardwood is underneath. Alternatively, if you can afford it, install new hardwood or laminated flooring.
- Provide Plenty of Storage
Although the toys are gone, your teenager still needs plenty of storage for clothes, shoes, video games, and toiletries. Providing adequate storage is the first step to helping your teen keep a neat and organized room.
- Repurpose the shelves and closet space for your growing child.
- Rearrange clothing racks, rod, and shelves, making sure you adjust heights.
- Consider under-the-bed storage for extra bedding and pillows.
- Add a bookshelf if necessary close to the desk or bed to encourage reading and completion of homework.
Tips:
- If your teen has one piece of furniture they love, try building the theme and colour palate around this favourite.
- Consider adding some age-appropriate and fun lighting, such as a lava lamp or a string of clear, white holiday lights.
- Make sure your teenager understands the changes in their room must last throughout their teen years.
- Accessorize with posters – fun and easy to change if your teen moves on to a new favourite band or theme.
A child’s bedroom style grows old over time. Revamping your teenager’s bedroom can prove to be challenging when your child changes from childhood to adolescence. Involve your teen in decisions about furniture, style, and colour as much as possible to create a room they will enjoy throughout their teen years.
