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Persuading your teenager to let you give their room a makeover isn't the easiest task. That's why we think the best teen room ideas center on self-expression and creativity—and involve them from the start. Ever since the moment your child graduated from tween to teen, they haven't been afraid to speak their minds about their ever-changing style preferences. It only makes sense to let your kid weigh in when you're giving their teen bedroom a reset. After all, you want the space to highlight and cater to their personal style and interests while still fitting in with your home.
Since their opinion on what's trendy and what isn't changes regularly, it's important to make your teen room versatile enough to grow with their phases without requiring heavy lifting on your part every year. As daunting as it can be to navigate, it's important to allow your teen to express themselves while advising them to keep a budget in mind. No matter how often their aesthetic changes, it is always worth it.
To help you prevent the tension from building up into a major argument, we've gathered teen room ideas from designers and cool kids for inspiration and guidance. There are easy ways to make twin beds elevated even in their childhood bedroom—and yes, loft beds can be worth it. From over-the-top hangouts to laid-back sanctuaries, you'll be sure to find something you can agree on ahead.
1
Rethink the Attic
Eric Piasecki
Located above a barn designed by Kylee Shintaffer is a magical bedroom your teen would adore, especially if they love to write! The rich paint makes heirloom beds feel new in this Montana home.
2
Mix and Match Textiles
Studio DB
With two glossy gray wall sconces, multiple prints and patterns on the bedding, and a fun leopard wallpaper, this room does it all without overwhelming the space. And speaking of fun prints, don't be afraid of mixing them as Studio DB boldly did in this bedroom—the wilder, the better.
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3
Play Up Neutrals
Robert Peterson
If your teen isn't a fan of bright colors, this neutral escape designed by Leanne Ford is right up their alley. Add special moments with a huge gold floor mirror or artwork. The walls feature custom trim Ford commissioned an artist to add into the space to make it feel more personal and charming.
4
Have Fun With DIY
Thomas Loof
Hang a store-bought canopy from the ceiling instead of going the custom route, which requires significantly more commitment. In this design by Garrow Kedigian, the cream canopy complements the headboard and adds dimension.
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5
Make a Statement Headboard
Arent & Pyke
Arent & Pyke opted for modern, sculptural pieces that strike that very careful balance between playful and grown-up. From the striped table lamp to the wooden stool, graphic rug, linen bedding, and eye-catching rug, everything here feels both fresh and timeless. The Kelly Wearstler–upholstered headboard is both sophisticated and wild, while soft pink walls lighten the mood.
6
Utilize Every Inch
Francesco Lagnese
If your teen has a small bedroom, prove to them that their space can feel grand anyway. A bed nestled into a snug little corner can look extremely cozy, not cramped. Here, a built-in sconce, framed artwork, and bedside stool bring polish while light pink bedding adds a sweet pop of color.
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7
Choose a Theme
Emily Minton Redfield
This Instagrammable bedroom would make an excellent hideout for teens, especially if you live with more than one. Designer Charlotte Lucas designed sibling rooms in our 2020 Whole Home Concept House. A whimsical leafy mural envelops the bedroom and is offset by graphic-dotted carpet and matching retro headboards.
8
Make It Lounge Worthy
David A. Land
"Clashing is fun, and throwing patterns together is easy," says designer Fawn Galli. The trundle bed in this teenager's room is from RHTeen, but it's given a personal twist with new upholstery in a cheeky fabric. The glossy white egg chair adds a crisp pop and provides an extra spot for them and their friends to sit.
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9
Say Yes to Smart Storage
James Merrell
This bedroom by designer Katie Lyndon is the perfect example of how to decorate a space that can grow with a person. It has smart storage solutions with playful yet grown-up decor on display, a neutral color palette brought to life with fun prints and motifs, and high-quality bedding. For a similar feel, try mixing bold prints within a tight color scheme and make sure the details are polished—like these traditional sconces.
If your teens share one large room, consider two queen beds instead of two twins if you have the space. The upgrade will make sharing a room feel a lot more mature and comfortable. Incorporate boho elements with a patterned rug, bright sheets and pillows, and rattan ottomans. Abstract photography is a chic, modern touch.
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11
Enhance Privacy
José Manuel Alorda
What teenager doesn't love their privacy? Give them a little extra with curtains around a four-poster bed. Not only will it allow for weekend morning sleep-ins, but it also introduces some polished style. In this bedroom by Heather Hilliard Design, the zigzag bed skirt and striped pillow add just enough color to keep things youthful.
12
Have Fun with Decor
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Invest in classic staples, then have fun with artwork and accessories. They're a lot easier to swap in and out, and they can introduce just as much personality. In this room by Amber Interiors, a printed upholstered headboard and fun throw pillows bring in a sense of youthfulness while modern sconces add polish. Pro tip: Frame those posters and flags for a more refined feel that still puts them in the spotlight.
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13
Give Them Privacy
Beatriz da Costa
If their bedroom is big enough, carve out a little window seat in the corner so they have somewhere private to relax and hang out. Have fun with things like upholstery, headboards, and curtains, as Brooke Crew did here. And of course, wallpaper is another easy way to bring in color and a fun print. Opt for the removable kind or choose a permanent one you both love.
14
Create an Understated Base
Ryan Garvin
From the gray suede bed frame and industrial table lamp to the plaid throws and graphic framed print, decorator Breegan Jane chose understated and cozy staples for a versatile foundation that the teen can build off for years to come.
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15
Add a Canopy
JOHN MERKL
Canopy beds are cool no matter what, and a wild print makes one even more fun. But that's not all: Why use an end-of-bed bench when you could have a Lucite swing instead? Leave it up to Studio Heimat to knock this teen room out of the park.
16
Make Organization Easy
James Nathan Schroder
Help your teen stay organized with bins and baskets complete with labels. They'll help them keep their room clean and stylish. We're also loving the mix of whimsy and sophistication in this teenager's bedroom designed by Jean Liu—namely, the blowfish wallpaper and metallic accents.
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17
Strike a Balance
Here's proof that you can be bold and bright while still maintaining a clean, sophisticated aesthetic. The yellow stripes on the ceiling make the whole room pop, while the grays mellow things out just a touch. We also love the idea of putting a bed in the corner where it feels more private and cozy.
18
Display Their Hobbies
Nicole Hollis Studio
In the Hawaiian bedroom of a 13-year-old, surfboards pay homage to his happy place. At the occupant's request, San Francisco-based firm NICOLEHOLLIS made it a place where he can hang out with friends. "No matter the age, we always ask our clients how they live," she says.
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19
Go All Out
Maura McEvoy
If your teen has a favorite color and knows exactly what they want their room to look like, why not go all out? Make it feel like something they'll still want to sleep in when they're older by opting for good quality bedding and timeless light fixtures. Layering different textures also brings in some warmth. We're big fans of the gallery wall of mirrors above the bed for added dimension and light.
20
Get Graphic Wallpaper
Brittany Ambridge
Though Peti Lau designed this bedroom for a really cool grownup (The Chainsmokers's Drew Taggart) and not an actual teen, the graphic wallpaper and pops of bright blue are perfect for a mature kid's room. Mixed with the more polished elements, like the poster bed frame with a deep green velvet headboard, it's the perfect balance of fun and serious.