3 Teen Bedroom Décor Upgrades That Won’t Kill Your Budget
It happens to every mom: Suddenly that pretty-in-pink bedroom your little girl loved so much (and that you spent countless hours decorating) is dubbed “uncool.”
Rather than spending thousands on an entire room makeover that they might hate by next year, we’ve come up with a few simple ways to upgrade your young teen’s room from kiddo to contemporary without breaking the bank.
Just Say No To Themes!!
While it’s tempting to choose a theme and run with it, this plan usually falls victim to the fickle nature of the average teen. If the pretty-in-pink thing didn’t last long, chances are the Paris-print obsession won’t either.
Compromise by using a scaled-down version of your teen’s favorite theme. For example, let’s say they really do love Paris-inspired prints. Instead of plastering the walls with Eiffel tower wallpaper, save the print for statement pieces around the room.
There’s nothing wrong with a statement image on the wall and a warm grey rug or throw blanket draped across a tub chair. Bedding works great too. It’s an easy place to make a statement and it can be switched as your teen’s taste matures.
Whatever their interest is, find a way to make it swappable in the future. Think: pictures and posters with consistent frames, pillow covers, curtains and lampshades—anything to cater to your teen’s changing taste.
Freshen Your Teen Bedroom With Paint
At this stage of the game, paint is a practical choice. Wallpaper is beautiful and we love it for lengthier décor projects, but paint is a lot quicker and certainly more affordable for a quick upgrade. (We all know how impatient teens can be!)
Be sure to hit the paint store with a plan in mind. Your teen should already have a color palette in their head and it’s your job to help them refine it.
For instance, if they’re set on purple, help them explore complimenting shades and keep in mind their current furniture and accessories. It’s important to choose a paint color that still works with their existing bedroom pieces so you don’t have to overspend trying to match the new paint color.
Also keep in mind you can paint more than just the walls. If their old wooden desk is more of an eyesore than a statement piece, grab a brush and give it an upgrade.
(an !nspire tip: If you decide to paint the furniture, invest in Annie Sloan chalk paint. It goes seamlessly over any surface (wood, waxed wood, particle board, metal, terra cotta, etc.) without the need to prepare the object first e.g. sanding or priming. Just make sure you seal it with the soft wax for a durable finish.)
Have your teen work with you to bring their vision to life so that you don’t get in trouble later for “ruining their room” and their life! (Ohh, the drama.)
Accessories Your Teen Will Embrace
You might be surprised at how adding stylish mature accessories to a room gives it a whole new feel.
Have you thought about changing the hardware on your teens’ nightstands and dresser? Switching from plastic pink knobs to sleek silver handles is an easy way to add a contemporary twist to their space without spending a fortune.
The same goes for things like desk lamps, mirrors, curtains and door hooks. Small upgrades make all the difference.
If you do have a little extra money to spend on a new accessory, consider one upscale accent piece to set the mature tone. Something like the Alicia Accent Chair would be beautiful for a girl’s room and would fit perfectly as she grows into a young adult. This chair was made by Worldwide Homefurnishings and is available here
For a boy, the Torino Accent Chair is a top pick. It’s sleek and masculine; ideal for lounging and playing a few rounds of Mario Kart with his friends…
The key to a fabulous teen room is input from your fabulous teen. After all, it’s their space and it’s important that it reflects their taste as they grow into young adults
We know it’s not easy watching them grow up, but hopefully this mature makeover will give you some bonding time that you can cherish for years to come!