Ten Cheap Ways to Upgrade a Teen's Room
Upgrading your teenager's bedroom does not mean you have to spend a lot of money -- or time -- in the process. Changing a few key items in the room can make a huge difference in the look and feel of the room. Use neutral colors and a style she favors for the big details, such as furniture. Sprinkle in color and themed details through small accent pieces you can easily update when her preferences change. Does this Spark an idea?
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Paint
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Painting his room may take some time but is generally one of the least expensive ways to make the biggest impact in a room. Keep three walls neutral, and paint only one wall for even less time and expense. A bold or bright color can add a large impact, or give your teen the chance to choose any color he wants since it won't completely overtake his room. For example, one black wall with white furniture in front of it won't create the dark, depressing space an entire black room would.
Wall Decor
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Frame posters or pictures, and hang them on the walls. When your teen wants a fresh look, simply hang new ones in the same frames. Decorate the room with her own artwork if she's a budding artist. Alternatively, paint the frame of an inexpensive mirror, or hang a cork board that she can easily update.
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Bedding
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Make your own duvet covers using flat sheets or fabric. Use a different color or pattern on each side to give him a reversible duvet, and then sew the pieces together or use fabric adhesive. Slide his old comforter inside the cover for comfort and warmth. Close the fourth side of the duvet cover with snaps, buttons or fabric adhesive if you don't mind cutting it open to retrieve the comforter when you want a new look.
Pillows
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Change the pillowcases, or add a few throw pillows in bright colors, interesting textures or novelty shapes. The pillows can alter the look of the bed even if you use the same bedding. Cover her old pillows with old concert T-shirts or fabric in the colors and patterns she currently prefers.
Window Treatments
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Update the window treatments for a fresh look in the room. Simple shades, mini-blinds or rollers can add privacy, while simple curtain panels can add style. Tie bows around the panels, or add a window scarf to dress them up. Alternatively, hang beaded curtains in colors or shapes your teen enjoys. Turn old sheets into curtain panels if you don't want to purchase new ones.
Furniture
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Add a new chair, bean bag or storage ottoman to the room. Creating a place to sit will make the room more comfortable for him and his friends. Reupholster a pair of chairs from elsewhere in the house, or pick some up from a second-hand store or yard sale. Paint the furniture to add color and interest to the room. For example, a bright blue desk will stand out among dark wood furniture.
Shelves
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Add inexpensive bookshelves to the room. A regular standing bookcase and floating shelves are two options. Your teen can create different displays using her trophies, pictures of friends, collectibles or awards. The shelves can also serve a purpose by giving her a place to store and organize her belongings.
Lights
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Update the light fixture in your teen's bedroom. Use an interesting fixture from a flea market, thrift store or yard sale if you want something unusual. Spray-paint an old chandelier for a new look. Alternatively, use novelty bedside lamps, or hang strings of novelty lights around the room.
Baskets, Bins or Containers
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Decorative boxes, bins or containers can keep things organized and put away while adding style and color to the room. Dress up a simple photo or shoe box by gluing decorative scrapbook paper or wallpaper to it. Redecorate the boxes as often as you want. Add the containers to shelves to keep things organized and to decorate the room.
Accessories
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Accessorize the room with small details throughout the space that reflect your teen's personality. If he's a baseball fan, display some of his favorite baseball cards in protective cases. Find interesting items at flea markets or yard sales that your teen likes. Candles, flowers, sculptures or old collectible toys are some options.
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References
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