How To Decorate & Organize a Teen's Bedroom

Create an organized teen bedroom.

At some point in time, your teen is going to ask for a bedroom makeover. Your teen needs a room to call his own that reflects his personal interests. He will thrive in a room where he is surrounded by all the things that he loves in life. This room should also be designed with your teenager's needs in mind. Designate areas in the room for studying, socializing and sleeping. Keep this room organized by giving your teen different ways to keep his stuff in its place.

Instructions

1. Brainstorm ideas with your teen about the look he wants to give his bedroom. Some teens want to decorate their room with a sports theme like soccer, baseball, cheerleading or hockey. Teenage girls might opt for a theme with flowers, princesses or fairies. If your teen is into music, consider a rock star theme. Or choose a design, like stripes or polka dots. Select a theme that will last a few years.

2. Choose a color scheme for the room. Tell your teen to come up with a main color and two accent colors, then select paint chips in those colors. The main color will go on the walls, and the other colors will be used throughout the room in accessories such as rugs, lamps and frames. Let your teen spend a few days thinking about the colors and looking at the paint chips.

3. Update the furniture, if needed and if you can afford it. If you can't add a new bed, for example, consider a new lamp or window treatments that will give your teen privacy, such as blinds or roller shades.

4. Purchase bedding that complements the main color in the room. Popular bedding sets for teens include brightly colored animal prints, tie-dye colors, ladybugs, hearts, sports or stars. You also can choose bedding in solid colors, stripes or geometric shapes.

5. Add elements that help your teen keep her room clean. Install shelves for gadgets, stuffed animals and memorabilia. Plastic bins can hold clothes, games and other stuff. Put a shoe organizer on the bedroom door or in the closet. Add magazine racks and bookshelves so magazines and books don't end on the floor. Use a decorative laundry hamper to keep dirty clothes in their place.

6. Create a comfortable place in the room where your teen can relax with his friends. Place bean bags or lounge chairs that match the overall color scheme, and add a large rug to give the room a cozy feel.

7. Personalize the room with things that your teen loves. Show off a collection of knickknacks or figurines on a shelf. Add a corkboard where he can post a to-do list or fun photos. Pick up inexpensive artwork or posters. Stencil a favorite quote on the wall. Let your teen have fun as she makes her room her personal space.

References

• Raftertales: Teen Bedroom Designs, Bedroom Decorating, and Furniture Ideas