By Megan Burns
22nd Aug 2018
22nd Aug 2018
As teenagers across the country prepare, with varying levels of enthusiasm to return to school in the next week, thoughts turn again to getting organised: to fresh starts and shiny new stationery. Any hopes of productivity however, will quickly lose traction if your teenager’s room looks as if a small explosion has recently taken place, so it’s a good time to reassess how their room is working for them.
Even if things aren’t as dire as that, teenagers require a lot from their bedrooms. As well as a place to sleep, study, and store their possessions, it’s also a place where they want to express their personality, a space they can have some aesthetic control over. They’re no longer children, either, so don’t be tempted to buy the primary coloured designs you might have gotten away with a few years ago. That’s a lot of boxes to tick, so we’ve come up with some tips to make your teenager’s room a serene space of organisation and productivity, or at the very least, improve the odds of this happening.
Double Up
Trying to fit a bed, desk and enough storage space into one room is a challenge, considering the dimensions of many modern bedrooms. A loft bed, then, like this one from Ikea (€270), instantly relieves some of this pressure by creating useable space under the bed. This can be used for a study area, as shown here, as well as storage, or perhaps a place for cosy seating. The wall space underneath also opens up opportunities for shelving or storage (see more below), or a place to stick notes, reminders, posters or photographs to inject some personality.
Wall to Wall
A reminder that useful storage doesn’t have to sit on the ground, wall-mounted options like these from Ikea (€10) and Søstrene Grene (€46.40) will keep small objects organised, while also functioning as a display for favourite trinkets.
Off the Rails
A grown-up alternative to the wardrobe where things get thrown into and forgotten, this clothing rail from made.com (around €222), will add a minimalist, industrial feel to your teenager’s room. It also allows them to show off their favourite clothing, whether that’s a floral dress or a slouchy hoodie.
Playful Prints
In our enthusiasm for great storage, let’s not forget that this is also a space to be enjoyed. Inject a lighthearted touch, as well as introducing your teen to some artwork produced in Ireland with these signed prints. Whether you go for Fuchsia Macaree’s deadpan illustration or Marta Barcikowska’s sunny design, either is sure to bring a smile to their face, even in the midst of maths homework.
Work vs. Play
When considering seating options, keep in mind that this is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Of course, they’ll need a good desk chair, comfortable and supportive enough for them to sit at for extended periods of time. This Muuto design (€295) has the added bonus of adding a pop of colour as well. They’ll also need somewhere to relax. A small sofa is a popular option, but I don’t know a single teenager that wouldn’t thank you for a giant beanbag like this Fatboy one, (€199.95). It’s incredibly comfortable, can be used as a mattress for a guest if laid flat, and is easy to drag into another room if extra seating is needed elsewhere.
Touch of Calm
Being a teenager is undoubtedly a stressful time, and even small details can help with the day-to-day managing of this. Once you’ve sorted out their storage and study spaces (key areas of their lives which can cause stress), think about adding some plant life to their room. Proven to calm us, as well as improving air quality, having a plant in a bedroom makes sense for many reasons.
If you’re worried about them remembering to water it, try a cactus, some succulents like Aloe Vera, or Philodendron, all of which don’t require much moisture. Put them in these cool concrete pots (around €22) for added style points. Soft textiles can also create a relaxed atmosphere, and a rug will give them a place to maybe do some stretching, or just sit and breathe for a minute. This one from Industry & Co (€115) is also in a lovely relaxing colour palette.
Featured image: Ikea
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