14 Bedroom Decor Ideas for Tweens
The transition to tween is a big deal: Your child no longer identifies as just a child, and they’re well on their way to becoming a teen. They’ve long outgrown the cute nursery and even the playful kid’s bedroom that a year ago was perfect for them. The older they get, the more important it is that they have a space that feels like them, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming for both of you.
To make the decision-making process easier, we’ve rounded up bedroom decor ideas for tweens, ranging from the fun (wallpaper!) to the fashionable (full-length mirrors).
1. Incorporate their interests.
No matter how old you are, your bedroom is supposed to be a sanctuary for self-expression. In this jazz music-loving boy’s room, vintage John Coltrane posters make the space feel personal, but you can also accomplish this with the bedding, colors, decor, and more.
2. Add a hangout spot.
At a certain point, hanging in the family room doesn’t cut it anymore — kids are craving privacy, and honestly, parents want to watch TV in peace. This bedroom feels more like a studio apartment, thanks to the two seating areas below the lofted bed.
3. Get a double-duty daybed.
The magic of daybeds is that in addition to being used for sleep, they can also function as a couch for friends to chill on when they’re over. If you’re lucky, this logic may even motivate your tween to make their bed more often.
4. Add an accent wall.
The minimalists may not want to agree, but the truth is that plain white walls simply aren’t as fun as geometric molding or a custom mural. What’s nice about an accent wall is that you don’t have to trick out an entire bedroom — all you need is to create a singular focal point.
5. Fake character.
Regular home or cool apartment? The answer is that it’s the former — designed to look like the latter. Faux brick panels transformed otherwise cookie-cutter walls and were key to the overall aesthetic direction.
6. DIY details.
Invite your tween into the decorating process by asking them to pick out and do a craft with you for the space. Here, it’s the string of tassels above the bed, making the room feel extra fun and reminding them of something you did together.
7. Let it be luxurious.
Adults aren’t the only ones who want their spaces to feel like hotel rooms. Make your tween feel fancy every morning when they wake up with crisp bedding, minimal decor, and maybe even a breakfast tray.
8. Hang a gallery wall.
Tweens tend to have eclectic interests, and what cuter way to celebrate them than by turning them into a gallery wall? As your child grows older, the pictures are also easy to swap out to accommodate new passions.
9. Make the desk a destination.
“Studying is my favorite!” said no child ever — but they wouldn’t be able to resist getting down to business here. Between the bright colors, cozy blanket, and window for daydreaming, this desk is somewhere you actually want to spend time.
10. Embrace wallpaper.
The wallpaper trend has been back for a few years now, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Curate some wallpaper samples you love — or are at least willing to live with — and have your tween narrow down their top option. (By the way, it may seem like you’re making a permanent decision, but you can always opt for low-commitment peel-and-stick!)
11. Make space for sleepovers.
Sleeping bags on the floor may be more nostalgic, but no one thinks they’re more comfortable than a good old-fashioned bed. If space allows, consider adding a second to the room so that when friends are over, everyone gets a good night’s rest.
12. Let there be light!
String lights are to tweens what alone time is to parents — they’ll never say no to them. Whether draped over a bed or covering an entire wall, there are all kinds of ways to add cozy mood lighting.
13. Add a full-length mirror.
A mirror above their dresser is nice and all, but the problem is, they’re not big enough for preschool fit checks. Even if you’re just hanging an inexpensive one over your child’s door, having a full-length mirror is sure to boost their confidence before leaving the house — and as a teen, it provides the perfect spot for selfies.
14. Sneak in storage.
Tweens are notorious for hanging onto stuff, and they need places to put it all. (Of course, they’re probably not as bothered by the clutter as you are …) Using multipurpose furniture like a window seat with cubbies or a bed with drawers provides them with just that.