Teen Bedrooms: Top 5 Trends in 2011

Trying to keep up with the changing interests of a teen can be a full time job. Teens have hectic lives with school, sports, extra-curricular activities and all the work that goes along with that schedule. Their room needs to be a multiple purpose oasis where they can gather, hang out, study and sleep.

Many of the emerging furniture trends are multi-functional at heart. Furniture designers have stretched well outside the box to find new ways maximize the space, add storage and create versatility in the room.

Top 5 Trends in Teen Bedrooms for 2011

1. Go Vertical

Consider the vertical space in the room. The loft bed was an early example of this with desk space underneath, but designers have really pushed this idea. This includes high beds with full dressers underneath, and extended lofts with the desks on the top level along with the beds. In the vertical space design, the bed takes on creative shapes and sizes. Many of the options will use a memory foam type mattress to respond to the creative shapes.

1. Rethink the Bunk Bed

Far from the clunky bunk bed of the Brady Bunch décor, bunk beds have taken a big leap forward in design. Again, you can use the high density of memory foam to make the bunk bed both comfortable and supportive.

1. Monochromatic

Trying to make a small space feel bigger is sometimes done well with many shades of the same color. The use of shades of white or gray can be a very calming color for a bedroom. When furniture and linens work in a monochromatic scheme the result can add the impression of more space.

1. Multiple Function

Consider furniture and design that can suit a number of functions. The dressers with a desk float table on the side; closet with a built in study corner, storage cubes that serve as seating or tables.

1. Rolling Solutions

Look to furniture with casters to allow for easy space planning and conversion in the room. Big chunky wheels can fit the fun, funky design of the room

There are many new designs, colors, furniture options and linens to upgrade and update your teen’s rooms. But don’t overlook the mattress in the process. At the end of the day the room must function to provide a sleep space. Be mindful not to over clutter, over design or overfill the space.

Encourage your teen to be creative and express who they are, who they want to be and their interests in the room. Paint and décor can really add emphasis to their expression, and are easily redone when interests change.

There are some basics to keep in mind. The room needs to be conducive to sleep. Can it get dark, cool and quiet enough to allow the sleep required by a teen? Teens need a minimum of 8-9 hours of sleep to function well. Life moves pretty fast in your teens, make their room the best place to recharge.