When it comes to teenage boy bedroom ideas, the goal is more to guide your teen towards sensible and practical choices and decisions, rather than completely taking the reins. At the end of the day, teens are old enough to know what they like and don’t like – and since it’s your teen boy that will be spending time in the room, it’s only fair he has plenty of input when designing and decorating it.
Just like anyone’s personal space, your growing kid’s room should reflect his personality, hobbies, interests, style and taste. Most teenagers draw visual inspiration from trends on social media like TikTok – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But what should ideally be encouraged is for your teenager to create collections and mood boards on these apps - with the likes of Pinterest being the best - of everything he likes, so that you and he can see a pattern which can be a starting point for his room design.
‘First and foremost, listen to what your teenager wants,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. ‘It’s a chance for them to take the creative reins and express their personality, explore their style and create a space that feels like their own escape. Involving them from the start helps everything run more smoothly, ensuring everyone’s on the same page. Think of your role as the gatekeeper of practical issues such as ensuring there’s space for homework, enough storage for clothing and all of their special keepsakes.’
Teenage boys' bedroom ideas
‘A teenager’s bedroom is more than just a place to sleep – it is a personal retreat, a space to express themself, recharge, study and socialise with friends,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘It is also important to involve your teen in the selection process. Letting them choose creates a sense of ownership over the space and an opportunity to express themselves.’
But it is likely that he won’t think of something like bedroom storage solutions or what the best bedroom colour scheme to opt for is – and this is where your help should ideally come into play.
1. Zone out the space
‘When designing, decorating and shopping for a teenager’s bedroom, it’s important to first think about the floor plan and the space you’re working with,’ says Mark Holloway, founder and design expert at Holloways of Ludlow.
Just like with any room, teenage bedroom layout ideas should be the first thing to consider before you start buying and putting in any furniture.
‘It’s important to consider the floor plan and layout of a teenager’s bedroom as they will likely want to use the space for a variety of activities including socialising with friends, studying, relaxing and sleeping. To make the space work for various purposes, zone out spaces for a desk or socialising by using bookcases to separate the spaces,’ Mark adds.
2. Pay attention to lighting
Lighting is what sets the mood – and in the last couple of years, we’ve all started to pay more attention to it. Including the teenagers with their trend of LED strip lights like these on Amazon which are still growing in popularity. But a layered lighting approach is best, rather than stopping at the LED lights and calling it a day. And this adjustable table/wall light from Dunelm is the perfect cool and versatile piece that will fit right into any teenage boy’s room.
‘Don’t forget to layer lighting in the space – add table lamps, bedside table lamps and a floor lamp to make the space work for various activities. Avoid adding harsh or bright white lights to the bedroom too, as this will avoid the space from being a relaxing bedroom to sleep in,’ Mark says.
3. Create a personable display
As already mentioned, a teenager’s (or anyone’s really) bedroom should reflect their interests. And this is best achieved with a well-curated display of objects, photos and prints – bookcases or floating shelves like this chunky rustic wooden one from Amazon are the best spot to create this display on.
‘Teenage boys’ rooms often lean toward a single colour or dark, neutral palette, which can feel a bit flat or uninviting. Introduce warmth and personality with open shelving styled with colourful items like clocks, framed posters and art. This adds visual interest and keeps the space from feeling too flat,’ Rachal at Sharps says.
4. Create a gallery wall
When it comes to teenage bedroom ideas, creating a 'space that is both comfortable and timeless is very important, but it is also crucial to create a decor that has sentimental value, too,' say Sabrina Panizza and Aude Lerin, co-founders of PL Studio.
To this end, then, they suggest you create a bedroom picture wall using 'the teen’s own artworks, like drawings or collages, combined with off-the-shelf posters and prints to give life to a fun gallery-style wall.'
Sabrina and Aude also suggest that, if your teen is into arts and crafts, you 'encourage them to create some sculptures and objects that can be displayed throughout their room.'
'An art workshop could be a great activity to keep the teens entertained for an afternoon and give them the chance to come back home with a work of art they are proud to showcase in their own room,' they say.
5. Don't ban black
Despairing over your teen's desire for a black bedroom? Don't; there are ways you can incorporate this into your bedroom colour scheme.
'It's important to work with teens on what they want here, as a bedroom is often one of the only places that they can truly mark as their own,' says Stephanie King, content and creative lead at Dulux.
'It is, however, good to maintain some common ground. If they want to paint the whole thing blank, consider instead an accent wall. Or, alternatively, how about a deeper grey tone such as Natural Slate from B&Q?'
Whatever you decide, she adds it's important to remember that 'it's only paint and can be easily changed.'
6. Opt for bold geometric prints
When it comes to bedroom wall decor ideas for your teenage boy's bedroom, Sabrina and Aude say 'bold geometric prints are our go-to when it comes to adding personality.'
'They are fun and engaging, but also are structured, so it’s the perfect combination for a teenager who needs order as much as freedom and excitement,' they explain.
Stephanie agrees, adding that 'straight lines or panelling designs also work really well for teenagers and add a pop of bold colour to a boring bedroom.'
7. Try an indoor plant (or several)
One of our favourite bedroom ideas, for kids and adults alike, is a room filled with indoor plants – so it makes sense that a touch of greenery is on our burgeoning list of teenage boy bedroom ideas, too.
'Using indoor plants can be a great way to add life, colour, and a refreshing atmosphere to teenage bedrooms,' say Sabrina and Aude.
'You might want to think about choosing the right plants; low-maintenance plants are ideal for teenagers who may not have a green thumb. Consider varieties like snake plants, pothos, spider plants, or succulents.'
8. Think vertically
Use the walls, and less will end up on the floor, right? Make sure your teen has plenty of space to put his stuff.
For teenage boys bedroom ideas, consider an open wardrobe idea for shirts and jackets with shelving and baskets for folded clothes. This will mean that everything's to hand when getting ready in the morning, helping them get up and out the door on time.
Giving your teenager their own laundry basket and large bin will help keep the space tidy and calm.
9. Remember blue is the colour
It's official: blue bedroom ideas work really well for teenage boys, but take care when choosing the shade of blue.
'Creating the perfect paint colour palette for a boy's bedroom can be tricky, and it’s really important to involve your teenager in the process and consider what they're using it for,' says Stephanie from Dulux.
'It’s crucial to consider what they want, as it's important to create a room for them to grow with whilst also maintaining timelessness. Deep blue shades tend to look great when paired with harmonious colours such as softer, natural neutrals.'
10. Build an inspiring workspace
Incorporate a colourful desk area into your young man's or teenage girls' bedroom with bright filing boxes and folders. Transform basic shelving with a lick of paint and look for stationery storage options in matching colours. Use leftover wallpaper and paint to add depth inside the shelving.
Shelves are also handy for displaying treasured items. Ideal Home Decorating Editor and mum of teenage boys Nicky Phillips recommends creating an area of open cube shelving to transform favourite trainers, baseball caps and trophies into display pieces.
11. Carve out a chilled corner
Recreate this look with the Kaikoo Estelle Quilted Bean Bag from Argos.
If your teen wants a calm and minimalistic look, go for a pared-back and modern scheme with neutral tones, comfy seating and houseplants. This will enable you to create a calm chill-out zone within teenage boys bedroom ideas to retreat to when needed.
Laid-back seating options like beanbags or even floor cushions are great for making a den-like area for watching TV, reading or gaming. They can easily be moved around the room when friends come over, too.
12. Make room with a high-sleeper
A high-sleeper bed is a design must-have if your teen is working with small bedroom ideas. This multifunctional piece of furniture can double or triple up as somewhere to sleep, somewhere to study and somewhere to relax. Go for a metallic tone such as chrome to give a more grown-up feel.
13. Be flexible with a chalkboard wall
Be inventive with your wall space and create a DIY chalkboard for your teenage boys bedroom ideas or 'chill out' space. Start with one feature wall painted half-way in a chalkboard paint like this one from B&Q, then add a white storage shelf above to keep chalk and stationary to hand.
Continue the laid back and creative vibe with a macramé hanging chair (mounted to a secure structure) and an atmospheric fairy light idea. You could also use chalk paint to upcycle existing furniture.
'Why not try painting a wardrobe door in chalk paint for a useful notice board, so you can subtly nudge them to do their laundry or tidy their room!' says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor at Wayfair’.
14. Furnish with stylish designs
Choosing furniture that doesn't feel childish is an easy way to make your teenage boy's bedroom feel like a grown-up space. By using statement furniture pieces that feel welcome in a living room helps to make their bedroom evolve into a social space.
A comfy leather swivel chair is ideal for providing a cool place to hang out and relax. A side table with a removal top is the ideal storage solution for keeping their favourite magazines and books to hand, while they enjoy some chill time in the comfort of their own room.
15. Design a teen cave
Sometimes, we all need peace and 'alone time' so create a cosy snug in their teenage boys bedroom ideas by adding a curtain around the bed. This one is attached to a rustic beam but the effect can easily be created by installing a curtain rod to the ceiling. You don't need much space, so this will work even in rather small kids rooms.
Fun fairy lights will frame the nook and add a whimsical atmosphere. Finish the enclosure with eye-catching posters taped to the wall for a look that is laid-back and relaxed.
16. Make a big statement with an oversized map
Maps provide a great motif for teenage boy bedroom walls, with charted murals or map prints making a great impact on a large expanse of wall. They're also a handy tool for coaching (you and) your kid through their geography homework.
Let the map be the main feature and stick to a simple colour palette of two or three primary colours for a smart, cohesive scheme.
17. Make tidying simple with oodles of storage
The easiest way to encourage tidy teenage boys' bedroom ideas is to offer bundles of bedroom storage ideas that create a home for absolutely everything.
Kids can accumulate a lot of belongings, so avoid a cluttered scheme by choosing coherent bedroom furniture like this modern light-wood and curvaceous range. It has as many components as you could think of including a funky sliding 'over-bed' desk.
18. Paint a wall effect
Be inventive with your wall space and create a bedroom accent wall that highlights and envelopes your teen's sleeping space. Start by painting walls a pale tone then measure from the corner of the ceiling a diagonal line on each wall to the floor.
Mask with tape and fill in the pyramid with a contrasting paint shade. Remove the tape whilst the paint is still damp. Decorate the area with artwork and lights.
19. Be inventive with space
If your new loft conversion was built to accommodate a growing teenage son, make the most of sloped ceilings and alcoves. They'll love the hide-away spaces.
This teenage attic bedroom idea has a low-level bed slotted into the eaves space, while cut-out shelf storage showcasing colourful books makes the most of the small square footage. A futon sofa bed adds to the intimate and inviting feel.
20. Welcome a vibrant accent colour
Play it safe with traditional blue and grey shades as a background and add a splash of vibrant colour as an accent shade throughout. This smart grey room welcomes an acid yellow ladder, bedside table and soft-furnishings in a similar shade to lift the scheme.
This double bed is perfect if you are looking for shared bedroom ideas and wanted to keep the room as neutral as possible to please both parties without looking dull. If you've just one teenage son taking advantage of this room, they can easily turn the lower level into a spacious sofa to hang out with their friends.
Emma Anthony, design manager at Dunelm recommends adding lots of cushions to create a space for lounging and gaming. So if the bed is against the wall they can be positioned to create a seating arrangement with something soft to lean against. Alternatively, if another family comes to stay, this set up makes a great temporary guest bedroom idea.
21. Start with a blank canvas
If you're not keen on the idea of making a trip to a DIY store every year for a new pot of paint, accommodate your teenagers changing tastes by keeping the walls of the room a blank canvas using the best white paint.
White walls might not be the trendiest option for a teenage boys' room, but you can easily adapt to your teenagers changing interests with framed prints on the wall and patterned bedding.
22. Show off cool collections
If your son has a favourite hobby or collection, why not incorporate it into his teen bedroom design scheme? The caps in this bedroom make an interesting storage solution and talking point. A plain white backdrop lends the bright and colourful appliqué details on the headgear extra impact.
It's also a good idea to think about their hobbies when choosing furniture for teenage boys bedroom ideas.
'Ensure there is enough room for their hobbies and activities. If they like to read, include a cosy armchair in the corner of the room with a blanket and reading light; if they like to do art, ensure there is a desk in a part of the room with plenty of natural light,' comments Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design.
23. Hang a peg board
Teenage years can be dominated by school exams, so a tidy and organised study area in a teen's bedroom is a must. Invest in a good quality desk and chair and fit a funky pegboard like this one at Amazon above the desk area so your teen has plenty of space to store notes and reminders. It's actually a great small home office idea for a grown up, too.
24. Pick out a rug
The best bedroom rug ideas can transform a space, so why not let your teen choose something that will make their room their own?
'We let them choose select the bed linens to suit the teen's taste and reflect their individuality, so why not involving them when it comes to select their room’s rug?' ask Sabrina and Aude.
'A simple rug with an unusual shape and great colours can add much needed youthful joy!'
FAQs
How can I personalise a teenage boy's bedroom?
'Tailor teenage boys bedroom ideas to be all about them,' says Rachel Homer, interiors blogger and writer, and mum of two boys. 'An interesting and colourful pinboard gives them a place to show some personality, where they can pin up whatever makes them happy.
'From music posters and family photos to school certificates to be proud of, this is the pace for them to celebrates what matters to them.'
What should be in a teenage boy's room?
'For a teenage boy, his bedroom is like a fort, protecting him from the outside world,' says Rachel Homer. 'It's a place where he can go to get some private space or hang out with friends and siblings'.
'It's also a place where he can start to express his own identity separate from the rest of the household. This could be by putting up posters, showing off collections, choosing a striking duvet cover or using his favourite colours on the walls.'
That said, teenage boys bedrooms ideas also need to be practical, especially if your teenager is at the age when he needs to study for exams, so good storage and a desk area are both key.
How do I tackle the changing tastes of teens?
When choosing teenage boys bedroom ideas, bear in mind that young teenage tastes will change as they get older so it might be a good idea to go for a wall colour that's easy to live with and update the look with accessories, rather than having to redecorate every couple of years.
Of course if you're happy to redecorate – or, better still, your teenager is happy to do it themselves! - then let them be as adventurous with paint colours as they like. After all, it's only paint and easy enough to paint over when the time comes for a more grown-up scheme.
So, there we have it: a list of teenage boy bedroom ideas to make your life (and decorating choices) easier for you.
And, if they do decide they want all-black everything, try to breathe easy. Monochrome is, after all, very big right now...
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