Past their childhood years but a bit young to be considered a grown-up, designing a tween's bedroom can prove to be challenging. But this is also an exciting time since they're starting to develop their personality and can reflect these in their bedrooms.
Creating a theme for their room is the perfect first step in the process. You can then incorporate functional features such as a study area, a reading nook, or multi-functional furniture pieces to maximize their room.
On an aesthetic level, selecting the right age-appropriate pieces for their theme is also exciting since they get to decorate their space and add a personalized touch. If you're on a budget or have a crafty tween, creating DIY elements as a weekend project might even become a bonding experience for both of you.
Embark on this fun and exhilarating journey during your child's transitional years with these tween bedroom ideas from our design experts.
Incorporate a Theme
To reflect your tween's interests and hobbies, establish a theme, such as this breezy, seaside bedroom. Ideal for bedrooms and playrooms, a beach-inspired aesthetic can be achieved by using striped bedding, beach-themed decor, and surfboard wall art. For a cohesive look, keep color schemes consistent and choose artwork with a similar tone.
Select a Bold Color Scheme
Make your tween's personality shine with a vibrant color palette. This cheerful bedroom uses blue and yellow accents to create a fun atmosphere perfect for bedrooms or play spaces. Combine contrasting or complementary colors and incorporate bold patterns for added interest. Choose stylish yet playful accents, like framed pictures and colorful pillows, to bring the look together.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Instill a love for reading and relaxation by carving out a dedicated space with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and bookshelf. Suitable for bedrooms and reading corners, this serene mint-green room with a black and white striped rug and pink and white chair creates a welcoming environment. Pair with a playful chandelier and wall art for a cohesive and cozy space.
Use Multi-functional Furniture
Opt for space-saving multi-purpose furniture, like this small white desk. Ideal for bedrooms and study areas, this functional piece accommodates a workspace and storage needs. Complete the organized look with a clock, a chair, and floating shelves to display collectibles. Use calming blue and white hues for a clean aesthetic.
Incorporate a Study Area
Design a well-lit, quiet corner for homework and studying with a comfortable chair, a desk, and ample storage. Perfect for bedrooms and study rooms, this playful space pairs a white desk with an office chair and features empowering wall art and a dartboard. Consider adding a window view for natural light and inspiration.
Maximize Wall Space
Save floor space and utilize vertical space with floating shelves, pegboards, or wall-mounted organizers. This charming girl's bedroom uses a heart-shaped wall light and wall-mounted jewelry holder to keep the space organized. Suitable for bedrooms and playrooms, combine functional storage with whimsical decor elements to create an inviting atmosphere.
Experiment with Patterns
Add lively visual interest with fun patterns and prints through bedding, curtains, and accent pillows. In this cozy girl's bedroom, a mix of heart-patterned pillows and gold and white striped accents create an eye-catching look. Combine various patterns, textures, and framed artwork for a personalized and playful space, ideal for bedrooms.
Opt for Adjustable Lighting
Adapt to various activities, from studying to relaxing, with dimmable lights, floor lamps, or desk lamps. In this colorful and whimsical space, a neon sign adds a trendy touch while a window with plants provides natural light. Perfect for bedrooms and living spaces, use adjustable lighting to create different moods and foster a comfortable environment.
Create a Gallery Wall
Showcase your tween's personality and memories with a stylish gallery wall featuring artwork, photos, and memorabilia. This sweet and charming bedroom displays framed pieces that blend harmoniously with its saccharine pink walls and gold accents. Ideal for bedrooms and creative spaces, a well-curated gallery wall adds a personal and artistic touch to any room.
Add a Statement Accent Wall
Make a bold statement with a painted, wallpapered, or mural-adorned accent wall that complements the room's theme and color scheme. This eclectic boy's bedroom features a visually striking hanging rattan chair, adding an exciting focal point to the space. Perfect for bedrooms and playrooms, use statement walls to create an engaging atmosphere that reflects your tween's unique style.
Incorporate Textured Elements
To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, especially in bedrooms, consider using faux fur rugs, chunky knit blankets, or textured pillows. Perfect for any room style, space, or aesthetic; these textured elements enhance comfort and charm. Enhance a bedroom with wicker baskets on the wall, plush rugs, and gold accents on nightstands. Complete the space with a tasseled pink table lamp and coordinating pillow for added elegance.
Use Creative Storage Solutions
For an organized and clutter-free bedroom, invest in functional storage solutions such as under-bed drawers, hanging organizers, and decorative storage bins. Ideal for rooms with limited space, these solutions ensure a sense of order. Create a stylish space with a white bed, vibrant accent pillows, and a multifunctional desk. Add a touch of beach-inspired charm with a shell-accented ceiling light and a photo of a beach on the wall.
Bring in Greenery
Greenery, whether real or faux, adds a touch of nature to a bedroom, enhancing air quality and creating a calming environment. Perfect for nature-inspired room styles and spaces, plants provide a refreshing atmosphere. Incorporate low-maintenance plants like palms or flamingos on shelves and nightstands. Add colorful, patterned rugs and wicker furniture to complete a lively and dynamic space.
Choose Age-Appropriate Decor
Timeless and age-appropriate decor is essential for bedrooms designed for tweens. Opt for artwork, throw pillows, and accessories that will grow with your child and won't need to be replaced as they mature. Select a nautical theme with framed photos of boats, colorful rugs, a white desk, and a tall bookshelf filled with books and decorative items. Complete the look with a vibrant, textured rug on a comfortable chair.
Incorporate DIY Elements
Encourage creativity and personalization by involving your tween in DIY projects, like painting furniture, creating wall collages, or sewing their own throw pillows. Perfect for cozy, vibrant bedrooms, these projects allow for customization and uniqueness. A gray sectional sofa in the corner adds a functional space for relaxation and contrasts the soft and feminine feel of the bedroom.
Opt for Easy-to-Clean Materials
Keep bedrooms fresh and low-maintenance by choosing easy-to-clean materials such as washable rugs and wipeable furniture. Lighthearted and whimsical looks are achieved by incorporating colorful bedding, playful stuffed animals, and a cheerful bed. Add comfort and charm with a leopard print ottoman and keep the room looking stylish with bright wall colors.
Create Zones for Different Activities
Maximize organization and productivity by dividing bedrooms into functional zones - sleeping, studying, and relaxing. Encourage a serene atmosphere with light pink walls, framed pictures, and a hanging bed. A white desk and chair create a workspace, while a purple and white daybed offers a comfortable lounging spot. Add a feminine touch with wicker baskets and embroidered pillows.
Use Mirrors to Enlarge the Space
To make a bedroom appear larger and brighter, incorporate mirrors that reflect natural light and create an open feel. Ideal for any room style or space, mirrors can add depth and dimension. Use a large rectangular mirror in the room, and add greenery like Monstera plants in wicker baskets for a lively touch. Complete the look with a patterned rug and wooden nightstand.
Add a Personalized Touch
Make bedrooms feel truly special and one-of-a-kind with personalized elements like monogrammed pillows, custom artwork, or a unique headboard. Perfect for any room style or space, these details express individuality. A hot pink rattan headboard adorned with tropical-themed pillows creates a playful vibe, while the vibrant palm tree painting brings energy and life to the room.
Consider Room Layout
Arrange furniture for optimal space utilization, ease of movement, and safety while keeping functionality in mind. Perfect for lively and colorful spaces, this approach offers harmony and balance. Add creative touches like a colorful headboard and playful pillows in a twin bed, a white dresser with gold accents, and vibrant blue polka dot wallpaper to complement the room's joyful atmosphere.
Eliza Bush
Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.
