Decorating a teenager’s bedroom can be quite a challenging task. This demographic is known as notoriously difficult to please, so it won’t be easy to come up with something that makes them happy. However, it’s not impossible as long as you keep a few important things in mind and are aware of which elements you should integrate into the overall design.
The Lounge Zone
Research indicates that teenagers need between eight and ten hours of sleep every single night, but data shows that an overwhelming majority don’t get anywhere near that and are, in fact, sleep-deprived. Adequate rest is incredibly important for both physical and mental health, helping with cognition, memory, and mood regulation. Evidence shows that starting school later could improve both learning and general well-being in students, ensuring better attendance and grades. Creating a distinct area for sleeping and relaxing in a teenager’s home can be very helpful and encourage them to get more rest.
Colors such as deep blue, gray, and white are designed to be soothing and will promote relaxation even during stressful exam seasons.
Hobbies Firsts
Teenagers have very specific tastes and can get pretty intense when it comes to their hobbies. The perfect room will incorporate their interests, so make sure they have space for their posters or space for the tools they use in their hobbies (whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, or altering their own clothes. Recently, nostalgia has become increasingly popular among Zoomers, and many are drawn to cultural icons, music, and TV shows from several decades ago. The 80s and 90s are particularly popular, although members of Gen Z weren’t even born back then.
Nostalgic characters such as Miffy are hugely popular because they create a sense of safety and serenity. A bunny lamp in the shape of this beloved character from the Miffy shop can be a wonderful addition to any bedroom, fitting perfectly on both desks and nightstands. Its soft glow is perfect if you’re looking to create a welcoming atmosphere, and it can even foster relaxation and a more relaxing night’s sleep. Miffy embodies comfort and is so endearing that most teens will have memories of her from back when they used to be kids and follow her adventures in books.
In fact, Miffy’s stories are likely to be among the first books a child reads because they’re so accessible both linguistically and thematically. Her character’s timeless design is another reason why it has remained so important over the years, and it also means that anything that includes Miffy won’t stand out in a negative way but instead blend in with the rest of the design and create a unique décor.
Wallpaper Accents
In recent years, there has been a trend in the interior design world that prioritizes neutrals first and foremost. There’s nothing wrong with that, as these muted tones will never go out of style and look great with everything. However, you must also find ways to integrate accents in order to create a beautiful, cohesive design. The best way to do that Is to have an accent wall. There’s no limit to what you can include in this regard, as the style you choose will depend on personal preference. For instance, some prefer wallpaper displaying natural scenes reminiscent of flowers and foliage. Others will prefer a wall painted in their favorite color, whether that’s pink or green. There’s also the option to combine two or more hues.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also get the wall painted with something that your teen likes, whether that’s a character from their favorite show or the musician they listen to the most.
Retro Vibes
Many young people are fans of vintage and retro styles, with some building their entire look based on these styles. Clothes from those eras or that look like they could be from those decades are highly coveted by those who love fashion, with many spending a lot of time hunting for such pieces in online secondhand marketplaces. If your teen fits this profile as well, it would be a pity if you didn’t take the opportunity to channel some 70s and 60s elements in the design of their room. Patterned wallpaper, rattan furniture, throw pillows, and a color palette focused on pastels and warm tones are the best ways to achieve this look.
Thrift Store Finds
Thrift stores and vintage shopping have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and teenagers are much more likely to appreciate them compared to other age groups. While others can see purchasing from these stores as something that should remain secret, they’ll be open about their preferences and even discuss the benefits of shopping second-hand (more sustainable, more affordable, and more varied than standard stores).
The best news is that thrift shops are not just great for apparel and accessories; they’re also a gold mine for furniture, lighting appliances, art, and all kinds of wall décor. You might have to spend a little more time browsing through the items to find something that truly fits your taste, but if you’re persistent, you will have the opportunity to find actual antiques for mere pennies.
Collaborate
Decorating your teen’s room shouldn’t be something you do without considering their wishes and opinions. It’s important to respect their desires when it comes to how they want their room to look, since they’re the ones that will spend time in it and that is an essential part to them being able to relax, unwind, and feel truly at home. Allow your teen to have a certain degree of control into the overall look. They will appreciate being included and will most likely become quite invested as well.
The teenage years are the time during which personality begins to form, and your kid’s tastes, beliefs, and even their personality are constantly changing and evolving. If their space can reflect that, it will provide them with a level of mental safety and security that is fundamental for their mental and emotional health.
To sum up, while it may seem like a difficult project, decorating a teenager’s room can actually be quite simple if you focus on a few important areas and approach it as a bonding experience.
