How to Do a Graffiti Theme for a Teen Bedroom

Graffiti art can be created on the interior walls of a bedroom.

Graffiti is often related to urban culture. Some graffiti represent gang signs, others are simply tags of a particular artist. Some graffiti rises to the level of fine art, with highly stylized lettering, images, graphics and sometimes a story being depicted. The graffiti artist is usually looking for community recognition by borrowing public viewing on stationary and mobile surfaces. Graffiti art is often considered illegal because the paint is applied to property not owned by the artist. In this way, the paint is viewed as a form of vandalism. Some graffiti art is now shown in upscale galleries and museums as a form of modern revolutionary art. Bringing this art form into a young person's bedroom as a theme can create a vigorous bedroom experience.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• String curtains
• Graffiti artist
• Rubber flooring
• Tires
• Plywood
• Spray adhesive
• Quilt batting
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Metal furniture
• Garbage cans

Instructions

1. Paint the walls and ceiling of the bedroom a strong color. Select a color the teenager likes, but avoid black, dark brown or deep red, as these can compress the space or conflict with the art, which should take center stage. Hang string curtains from metal tracks mounted to the ceiling. The curtains should stop an inch or two from the floor.

2. Hire a graffiti muralist to design a piece of art that will flow at an angle across two walls and part of the ceiling and over at least one window. This trick will distort the corners of the room and make the art more dramatic. Tape over the windows but allow the string curtains to be spray painted with the walls. Use a wide variety of colors in the artwork to allow you the greatest flexibility in using other colors in the room.

3. Remove the room's carpeting. Lay down industrial rubber flooring panels. These are often sold by the foot. Using these tiles over an existing wood floor will create an industrial urban look.

4. Create a platform-type bed by positioning tires flat-side down 4 inches back from each edge of the bed. Cut plywood 2 inches larger than the bed. Apply spray adhesive to the plywood and wrap the plywood in quilt batting. Cover the quilt batting with a faux-leather or metallic fabric. Staple the fabric to the underside. Position the platform over the tires with the mattress on top. Use a fitted cover over the mattress during the day and loose covers at night.

5. Bring in metal desks, chairs, lamps, lockers and other items to enhance the urban loft/street look. Use inverted metal trash cans for tables. Keep clutter stored out of sight to keep the room from looking messy. Add neon signs or lines to the walls without art.

Tips & Warnings

• Creating a powerful urban graffiti-style bedroom is a way to discuss the urban culture with your teenager. Involve them in the design, color and planning of the room so that they feel empowered by their choices.

References

• Graffiti Info: Graffiti Themed Bedroom
• Rafter Tales: 25 Cool Teen Bedroom Themes
• String Curtains