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How to decorate a teens bedroom is one of the most common
questions I
receive. Especially for those on a budget, this can seem
like a
daunting task! Never fear, The Budget Decorator is here!
Teen rooms are different for kids rooms in that they should
be treated
more like an adult space, but with a fun flair. Involve your
child and
come up with a theme that helps to express who they are.
(NOT what you
want for them!) Be sure to give the theme a name, even is its
something like "Modern Plush in Blue", or "Country
Princess"...whatever
will give it life!
Let your teen choose their colors, but give them some
guidance. Buy a
decorating magazine, and have them choose a color theme out
of the
pages, or surf decorating sites on the internet. That way,
they feel
they have chosen themselves, but you are assured you two
have chosen a
proven color scheme.
Now, use these quick ideas for transforming your teens room,
on the
cheap!
1. PAINT!!! Perhaps a teens room is the most important room
you could
consider painting. Teens are very sensitive to color, and
they are
much more free with their sense of adventure. Use a bolder
color on
the wall behind the bed, and you have instant drama and a
great focal
point! (Teens LOVE instant gratification, the paint will be
one of
their favorite parts of the decorating project!) Cost of
paint: around
$12.
2. Bedding. The bed is usually the focal point of the room,
and a
favorite hangout spot for teens to read, do their
fingernails, talk on
the phone...so it definitely deserves some attention. An easy
way
to
update bedding on a budget is to create covers for the old
comforters.
You can do this quite easily with two flat sheets the same
bedding
size as the comforter. Flat sheets are cheap, you can pick
up twin
size at your local discount store for less than $5! Sew the
sheets
wrong side together on three side leaving one short side
open. Turn
right side out, the add Velcro, ribbons, or snaps to the
inside of the
short end. Insert the old comforter, and close! Easy, quick,
and
cheap! Throw pillows can easily be made out of flat sheets
as well.
Try using bright, funky colors on the bedding to make a real
statement. Cost of four twin sheets for comforter cover and
pillow...$20.
3. Windows. Light control and privacy can best be met in a
teens rooms
with vinyl mini blinds�they are cheap, and easily
replaceable. If
an
extra boost of color or softness is desired, add simple
curtain panels
over the blinds. Keep it simple here, fussiness is rarely a
quality
teens are looking for in their rooms. Remember those cheap
sheets?
These are great for sewing curtains because of their large
size...no
piecing panels of fabric together. You also don't need to
worry
about
quality of fabric as much as color, after all, the blinds
are really
providing the light control. Cost of sheets or blinds�less
than
$10.
4. Accessories. Punch up a teens room with some funky details
to add
drama and style. Pick up some cool (and maybe a little
tacky) fringe
or beading from the clearance table at the craft store, and
glue
around the bottom edge of the lampshade, the hems of the
curtains,
even onto shelf edging. Save all those free cd's from Aol
and the
like, and then turn them over to the clean side and glue to
the frame
of a mirror, or to cover a closet door. Glue together in an
overlapping fashion to make faux frames for all your kids
inevitable
posters. Pick up wooden letters from the craft store in their
initials, or to create a significant word or phrase, then
paint one of
the brighter accent colors of the room and hang over the
bed, window,
or doorway. Use old sports equipment picked up at a yard
sale as
curtain rods, hat racks, or magazine holders. Even hung on
the wall as
an art grouping, sports memorabilia can be meaningful for a
sports
buff. Total cost...can be done for less than $15.
5. Finally, personality. Inject your child's own special
personality
into his special place. Hang those ribbons and certificates,
frame a
few personal photos of family vacations, or find a shelf for
those
special stuffed animals they aren't quite ready to part with
just
yet.
Use this opportunity to recognize your childs individual
gifts, and
celebrate them. Cost...not a thing. As the commercial goes;
memories...priceless.
Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and editor of The
Budget Decorator. For hundreds of free budget decorating
ideas, and to sign up for her free online newsletter and
free ebook, visit her at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com.
If you are looking to shop for a teen's room furniture consider getting
them bean
bag chairs. These classicly comfortable chairs
have been popular for generations, and they come in all sorts of sizes,
from the huge foof
chair to the comfy and cozy love
sack. Look into alternative furniture
today!
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