Think back to your days as a teen. For many of us, our bedroom served as our own private club, giving us the chance to exercise creativity, responsibility, and independence. We used this space as everything from a study room and movie theater, to an art studio and social hangout. Most importantly, our bedrooms served as the most comfortable space for quality rest. Our teenage years were full of experimentation in wardrobe, finding new hobbies, and our favorite music–we crammed, we cried, we laughed, we danced–having privacy and ownership over our environments was vital in shaping us into young adults.
Styling a teen’s room to match their personality is a wonderful way to help them flourish. Of course, in addition to reflecting their tastes and interests, a teen’s room has to be functional. Ideally, the features of the room will also be somewhat adaptable, as to evolve with them over time.
Encouraging your teen to steer the ship, while chiming in with guidance along the way will make for a beautiful and fruitful collaboration. As they find avenues of self-expression you can help inspire a balance of creativity and practicality–an excellent exercise in maturity. From neon lights and award medals to hanging chairs and house plants, we’ll cover a range of ideas for you and your teen to consider.
Theme
Themes are not strictly necessary, though they can make for a lot of fun. Before you and your teen decide on a theme, take a moment to consider how fickle or consistent their interests may be at this stage of life. Will they always be a New York Mets fan? Does their love of nature and adventure keep growing? Themes can be very specific, centered around a sports team or hobby; alternatively, your teen may wish for a broader theme, such as: retro, bohemian, vibrant and energizing, or relaxed and muted. Furniture, accent details, decor, and wall colors will all play a part in the chosen theme.
Movable or modular desk
Adaptable and functional, a movable desk is a win-win. Everything from studying to building science projects to designing artwork will be done on their desk–having the option to collapse and expand the surface to fit your teen’s needs is ideal. It goes without saying that an aching back will not make for good test-taking conditions, so be sure to find the most comfortable and ergonomic seating for all of those long cramming sessions.
DIY bulletin board
Making a personal bulletin board is easy, gratifying, and affordable. Using cork board or foam board your teen can choose a playful fabric or a frame to include color, pattern, and texture. Bulletin boards are especially useful for evolving interests. Your teen can post everything from photos and flyers to drawings, notes, and momentos. As an added bonus they can even buy custom pins to display their own special touch. Designing pins is an excellent way to add personalization and nurture their creativity all at once.
Textiles
If you or your teen are apprehensive about bold paint choices or furniture styles, a more flexible form of self-expression can be made through textiles. Keeping the walls neutral can offer a timeless, chic, and mature feel while textiles can add the perfect splash of flair without as much commitment. Your teen can experiment with small details such as throw rugs and throw pillows or anchor pieces including bedding and curtains.
Wall art
For pops of character, bedroom walls serve as the best canvas. Does a floral wallpaper suit your teen? Maybe stripes, or bold graphics are more their style. Does their favorite band sell the coolest poster? Maybe your teen likes the idea of added texture and unique details. Hanging custom medals that showcase achievements can bring the room to life, reflecting their unique personality. . Their own handprints in a contrasted paint color combined with thrift store art can help express their zany side.
Hanging chair or hammock
Beanbags and inflatable furniture had their time. The latest trend for teen seating is a hanging chair or hammock and it’s not hard to understand why. The laidback and breezy vibe that hanging furniture provides will set your teen up for a relaxing reading session, an afternoon of daydreaming, or chatting with friends. With a variety of styles on the market, surely your teen will find one that matches their aesthetic. Don’t forget, proper installation and safety are a must.
Shadow box or display shelf
A shadow box is perfect for showcasing special three-dimensional memorabilia and keepsakes. If your teen has built a collection, it can include a variety of items. For example, designing recognition coins make a unique addition. Other popular collectibles might be souvenir keychains, baseball cards, or action figures. A shadow box allows these treasures to be displayed beautifully while keeping them safe.
To add warmth and a personal touch to the room, you can also display sentimental heirlooms and family photos on a dedicated shelf. A thoughtful surprise might be gifting your teen a pair of their baby shoes or a framed baby footprint as a meaningful keepsake.
Plants
Plants quite literally bring new life to a room and they’re a fantastic way for your teen to engage with their responsible side while purifying the air. Small succulents or hanging pothos will make for lovely beginner-friendly options.
Lighting
Studying versus hanging out with a friend or watching a movie will call for different lighting. A range of lighting will allow your teen to take ownership of the vibe. Do they envision twinkling string lights at night? Perhaps a bright work light on their desk will allow for the most productivity. While it’s not official lighting, and maybe a bit nostalgic, we encourage you and your teen to consider glow-in-the-dark star stickers for the ceiling–nobody is too old for star gazing.
A space of their own
The best choices for a teen’s bedroom will provide an outlet of self-expression and creativity while still meeting their need to study, rest, and get to know themselves during this stage of life. Keep an open mind and an open dialogue to help your teen create a one-of-a-kind oasis with lasting memories.
