Making the Change: How to Help Your Kid Transition to a Tween Room

Congratulations! Your little one is officially a tween and it's time for them to switch up their bedroom style. This can be an exciting, yet intimidating, process. It's the perfect time to give their room the makeover of their dreams - but it's also important to take into consideration your budget, living space and the age they’re transitioning into.

Whether you're looking for modern furniture pieces or fresh wall paint ideas, here are tips and tricks on how to create a space that both you and your tween will love.  

Setting the Stage: Preparing for the Change

First, talk to your kid about their expectations and the changes they want. Get creative and brainstorm ideas together. You can also give them control over certain aspects or design choices of the project, like paint colors, decorations or wall art.

Next, you should assess the space and decide on any changes that need to be made. This could include painting walls, adding new lighting fixtures or changing existing furniture items.

Finally, it’s important to consider how best to integrate their pieces from their old bedroom into the new one—this is a great way of introducing continuity and helping them feel like they are simply expanding upon their space.

Finding Design Inspiration

Once you have a general idea of what your child has in mind, think outside the box and get creative when it comes to designing. Websites like Pinterest and Instagram have endless ideas for interior design inspiration. Plus, don’t forget about the tried-and-true method of flipping through magazines or browsing furniture stores!

Decluttering to Create Room for New Items

To make the transition to a tween room successful, it's important to establish a balance between old and new. Start by decluttering the space and getting rid of items they no longer use or need—things like old toys, outgrown clothes, and books they’ve already read. It's also helpful to have a place for items that you want to save for later, such as artwork or keepsakes from childhood.

Once you’ve taken care of the decluttering process, you can start to create space for new items that will give their room a refreshed look and feel. Make sure that there is plenty of storage so that everything has its place—this will prevent clutter from building up over time. Additionally, adding comfortable seating is important for any tween room so that kids can relax and socialize with friends. This Stuffed Animal Bean Bag Storage Chair can be a cool addition to their room. It can be used as chair and also a storage.

Adding Functionality to Your Tween's Room

One of the key ingredients to creating a successful tween room is adding functionality. After all, your tween is starting to desire more of a personalized space!

Here are some tips to help you create a functional yet fun room that your tween will love:

• Prioritize Space: Depending on the size of your tween's room, you may have to come up with clever ways to make the most of it. This may mean upgrading furniture that can require less floor space, opting for a bed with storage underneath, or considering adding shelving for books and toys. Not just for toys, this Over Door Stuffed Animal Toy Storage can also be used to store other items to save more space. 
• Create an Activity Area: Providing a designated area where your tween can do their homework or practice their hobbies is key. Investing in quality furniture like desks and seating is a great way to create an inviting spot for your tween to utilize.
• Utilizing Wall Decor: Wall decor does more than just make the room look better - it can also provide extra storage such as shelves and organizational boards. Utilizing wall décor additions like these can help declutter the room and give your tween more storage options without sacrificing floor space.

Introducing Color, Style & Decor

1. Start with a neutral background - like white or tan - so you can layer in bolder colors without overwhelming the space. Then pick two accent colors - these should be shades that coordinate with each other and look harmonious when placed side by side.
2. Get creative with wall art! Painting a mural is one of the best ways to add splashes of color and personality to any tween room. If they're not feeling quite as adventurous as a mural just yet, then you could opt for wallpaper, contrasting art prints or framed photographs instead.
3. Bring in patterns! Whether it’s using wallpaper or adding patterned pillows or bedding, try experimenting with different prints to liven up the space without being too overwhelming.
4. Incorporate some cozy lighting! But remember - task lighting is key for studying late at night –so make sure your tween has access to plenty of well-lit spots in their bedroom.
5. Don't be afraid to incorporate fun touches such as house plants, throws and rugs! It'll help give their bedroom the perfect warm and inviting atmosphere that they needed to feel truly at home in their own space!

Incorporating Tech Into the Space

You may not have anticipated it, but updating your child's room to include tech is a great way to make sure the space stays current and is enjoyable for them. 

• Smart Lights: These can be extremely helpful for tweens, as they can save energy and make it easier for your child to choose the perfect amount of light at any time of day. 
• Multi-Purpose Speakers: They provide an immersive listening experience that tweens love.
• A Smart TV: For tweens who like watching movies on their own, a smart TV with WiFi connectivity is perfect for quickly accessing streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Of course, you can also set parental controls so you know your child is only watching what’s appropriate.

Transitioning your kid from a child's room to a tween room can be an exciting and fun process for both you and your child. By involving them in the process, allowing them to express their preferences, and creating a space that reflects their personality and interests, you can help your child feel more independent and empowered as they navigate this new phase of their life. Remember to be patient and flexible, and to prioritize creating a safe and comfortable space that your child can call their own.