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Designing and Furnishing a Teen's Bedroom on a Budget

© Barbara Nicholson Bell

In order to create a comfortable, functional hangout for your teen consider the following decorating options.

Floor Coverings

Area rugs from inexpensive bound remnants of carpet in standard sizes can be bought at department , home improvement  and carpet stores, or even at the Salvation Army or yard sales. A dark color that won't show dirt is best. A couple of small rugs can work instead of one larger one. Put one next to the bed, and the other near a desk or dresser.

Budget-Friendly Furniture

First, look into painting or refinishing the furniture you already have.You can buy inexpensive furnishings at the Salvation Army, and used furniture and bargain stores. Ask about floor samples at regular furniture stores. These may be slightly damaged, but they are high quality and priced affordably. Try yard sales for unfinished furniture you can then paint - if you have a vehicle to get the furniture home.

Unassembled shelves, desks, computer stations, armoires and nightstands that you can mix and match come boxed with all their parts and require some patience with the instructions and your own tools to put together.

Multi-Purpose Furnishings

Try to think of multiple uses for the furniture you choose. A futon can double as a couch, and a trundle bed  has a second mattress below for guests. A day bed doubles as seating space. An armoire can be used as a closet, an entertainment center or a computer station. A bookshelf can double as a nightstand if placed next to the bed.

Unique Furniture Ideas

Wicker furniture is graceful, comfortable, and not too expensive for a girl's room. You can cover the cushions in fabric that coordinates with your bedding. Vintage furniture like 1950's outdoor metal sets are funky, as are bean bag chairs.

Creating Storage Space

Stack coloured crates for storing shoes, CDs, videos, sports equipment, etc.

Wooden cubes are available painted or unpainted. Stack these or lay them next to each other for storing books. Mount them on the wall above your desk to display collections.

Wall-mounted single shelves made of wire, plastic, or wood are available at home stores. Make sure anything you mount on the wall is attached to a stud.

Plastic under-the-bed storage boxes can hold out-of-season clothing, hobby supplies, etc. Stack smaller plastic boxes on shelves to hold make-up, hair accessories, etc.

Wicker or wire baskets from office supply stores make great storage containers.

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