Teenagers are awesome creatures. I mean that. Many bemoan the fact that teenage-hood is approaching or is upon them, but when you take a step back and realize what is happening to that teenage person, it’s an incredible thing to behold. They’re becoming educated, making informed decisions, becoming who they are as individuals, and expressing themselves.
Gone are the days of childhood nursery décor, of cutesy stuffed animals and cartoon elephant prints. But teenagers aren’t typically ready for crystal chandeliers, either. The decorating transition can be challenging, but it’s not insurmountable. In fact, with a little guidance, decorating a teenager’s bedroom offers a rare ability to blend all aspects of life.
Use Bold Color Combos

Let their independent spirits express themselves boldly with color combinations. Red, white, and black is a classic that is simultaneously age-appropriate and sophisticated.
Let One Piece Pop

If you’re working with lots of hand-me-downs or some generic pieces of furniture, don’t let that discourage you from creating an inspiring space. Choose one piece, or one corner, that you can highlight with a pop of color. By creating a fun-filled focal point, the rest of the room really can fade into the background with dignity.
Provide Plenty of Shelving

A teen’s life is a busy one – things are constantly happening, coming and going, and it’s best to have lots of shelves available to help keep her life organized and on track…and looking good while doing it.
Choose Bold Geometric Prints

They are not only fun and engaging, but bold geometric prints are structured and organized as well. It’s a perfect combination for a teenager who needs order as much as freedom and fun.
Simplify, simplify, simplify

Your teen might be reading Thoreau, why not help him live it? Keep his room décor minimal yet personable (dealing with color blocking helps with this) to give him some breathing room.
Capitalize on Black Accents

Black is the ultimate in “mature” color, and a few touches of black throughout a teen’s space will dress it up a notch. Simple and straightforward will do – a black pendant light, for example, might be just the thing.
Incorporate Playful Details

While they are growing up, teenagers aren’t yet grown up. Parts of them still love the little things – a stuffed animal here, a beloved child’s art piece there. A whimsical wall detail behind the bed here adds a touch of fun.
Use Wallpaper

There are so many varieties of wallpaper, from colors to patterns to prints to pictures, that it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that both you and your teen agree on. This is especially helpful in filling blank walls beautifully and intentionally. Bonus: If chosen well, that wallpaper will see your teen through into adulthood, cutting down on the necessity of redecorating.
Take Advantage of the “Fifth Wall”

The ceiling is a prime spot for your teenager to really let loose – some abstract paint, posters, or even glow-in-the-dark stars are all great options that make the ceiling an interesting, personality-filled component of the bedroom.
Place Strategic Lighting

Regardless of the room’s overall lighting, you’ll want to really consider where your teen will need extra light. A task lamp at a desk, of course, but also a lamp near the bed is a good idea for the teen who loves to read before falling asleep.