School bells will be ringing again soon, and families often take this time to reevaluate bedrooms and study spaces for children and teens. Getting your child or teen involved in a bedroom-makeover project can empower and engage them. Here are some ideas that can be adjusted to fit any age.
Brainstorm the perfect bedroom. Do an online search of bedroom ideas with your child or teen to get inspired. A Pinterest page or vision board can help you collect information and make comparisons.
Declutter and remove unwanted items. A makeover is the perfect time to go through and reorganize a bedroom so that it becomes a space where your child or teen can relax, study and sleep well. Outgrown clothing, broken toys, and things that no longer are used can be donated or sold. A weekend yard sale can turn these items into cash while your child or teen gains event planning, advertising and pricing skills. Donating gently used belongings can also be an important lesson in parting with items that others can use.
Measure the bedroom. Help your child or teen make a floor plan using a tape measure and graph paper. Or use an app that can help you plan a bedroom makeover and measure a room. Talk through what you can and cannot do based on the realities of the space configuration and your budget.
Paint the walls. Consider color psychology when choosing paint. Soft blues and greens can evoke calm. Yellow offers cheerfulness and warmth while pink can feel nurturing and comforting. Bright and intense colors are exciting, but they can affect mood. Aim for soothing colors with a few pops of personality in the decor. If your child or teen wants a dramatic color, painting an accent wall can honor their choice without overwhelming the space.
The colors you see on a phone or computer screen may not be exact. Visit the color chip aisle at a local hardware or paint store to gather samples. Put the cards on the wall, or paint swatches from sample-sized cans, and then deliberate. Fortunately, paint is relatively inexpensive and easy to redo if things go awry or opinions and preferences change.
Update wall decor. It may be time to reflect your child or teen’s changing tastes and interests with posters and wall hangings. A corkboard wall can be an easy way to add posters or other items because it can be changed easily and quickly.
Build or create furnishings and decorations. For older children and teens, a bedroom-makeover project can include learning new skills like building (bookshelves), sewing (window treatments) or stenciling (wall art). Just make sure an adult is there to help if they need it.
Create zones. Defining how space is used can help children and teens transition throughout the day. Young children may need a play area while older kids and teens will need a study zone or a spot to get ready in the morning. A play mat, desk or soft reading chair can define specific areas.
Design a study nook or space. Consider your child’s homework needs and studying preferences. Do they use a traditional desk, or might they prefer a bean bag chair or cozy reading nook piled high with pillows? Will they need storage space or electrical outlets to charge devices?
Improve sleep. If your child is at least 10 years old and has had the same bed since leaving a crib, enlist them in shopping for a new mattress. Growing bodies need good support, and your child will appreciate being part of the decision-making process. Consult the CertiPUR-US® directory or app before buying a mattress, upholstered furniture or pillow to be sure the company uses foam that is certified.
Certified foams are made without formaldehyde; ozone depleters; mercury, lead and other heavy metals; or phthalates regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It also means the foam has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million). Certified foams are screened for relevant chemicals, including flame retardants, that are classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins and are harmful to human health.
Add comforting sensory or tactile items. A bedroom makeover is also a good time to buy fresh pillows and update color schemes with a new comforter. Gentle fabrics like a bed quilt, plush rug or cozy chair can help your child feel relaxed. Soft and fluffy pillows, blankets and rugs can make a space comforting and welcoming while also adding a sense of security for your child or teen.
Plan for play. If you have younger children, consider buying modular play furniture that can be configured into imaginative combinations. These innovative products can become forts, tents, sofas and even resting spots for friends. Find participating companies in the CertiPUR-US® directory under the product category “Upholstered Furniture” and then “Play Furniture.”
By the time school is well underway, your child or teen will have a newly renovated room to enjoy and show off to their friends as well as new life skills and lasting memories.