awkward bedroom layout

last year

My son has lived with boxes in his bedroom since we moved 2 yrs ago! How/what would you furnish this room? Love built-ins but can’t decide if it’s worth it. Needs shelves for lots of books, storage for clothing, lounge chair or desk?

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PRO

CDR Design, LLC

last year

last modified: last year

I would look at Ikea storage systems. Great price and the furniture is good. I recommend either white or grey to work with the current furniture (if keeping) or if you are keeping the bed. The Hauga or the Hemnes would work well with the more traditional furniture you have. However, I would also look at what functionality you want, as any of them would work.

With the Besta system, you have a lot more color choices, but there is an upcharge for those colors. They have a really nice light colored Walnut that would look great with the cherry.

The Billy system has a lot of bookcases, but not a lot of other choices.

Since he doesn't care much and he is 16 (I get it, I had 2 teenage boys), I would get what is best economically for you and could be repurposed for future use in this room or another room in the home.

While there seem to be a lot of choices, you can quickly narrow it down, based upon price, color and the items you want.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/storage-organization-st001/?cid=a1:ps%257Ca2:se%257Ca3:US_ActivateConsumerLed_Behavioural_0AO_0en_Search_Brand_HFBMUL_0EM_IKE-IKE-067_IKEA_FY23_Google_CPSA_AOH_Text_Br_Exact%257Ca4:ikea%20closet%20storage%257Ca5:e%257Ca6:google%257Ca7:cq%257Cid:IKEA%2520Branded%2520GM%257Ccc:915

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Comments (10)

Susan
last year
How old is your son?…will help tailor advice
Jenny Cannaday
Original Author
last year
He is 16 years old. Thanks!
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Sigrid
last year
Is the desk big enough for him? Some people like to spread out textbooks, computer and homework. If not, I'd make the window nook about homework.

What about bulky sports equipment? Figure out what he has to store and what kind of space it needs. You may need built-ins.

I'd consider a pair of wide, low dressers on either side of the bed, to work as both dresser space and nightstands. With a large bed, they'll work better than smaller nightstands. He can put lamps and some books or other decor on top.
Jenny Cannaday thanked Sigrid
PRO
CDR Design, LLC
last year
Hi. I see a desk already. Is it not the right size/functionality.

I would engage him in the process. You can ask him

1) What kind of desk would you like? Show him photos....an L-shaped, large one?

2) What about a chair? What is comfy for him?

3) Would he prefer the desk by the window or the chair?

4) What art would he like on the walls?

5) Does he study or read in bed? If he has traditional books, that light is not appropriate. I'd use lamps with a gooseneck. A larger nightstand would be better.

You could potentially put storage furniture all along the wall opposite the bed.
Jenny Cannaday thanked CDR Design, LLC
Jenny Cannaday
Original Author
last year
-My son has a LOT of books. No bulky sports equipment;

-He loves to read, write, get lost in thought and yes he does sometimes do hw on his bed. I'll have to google gooseneck lamps.

-He has some art work that is travel related - framed posters mainly.

-He is a typical teen and says he "doesn't care" where his desk is; his window looks out on our neighbor's satellite dish, but it's still a window.

-I like the idea of nightstand/dresser combo.

*what type of storage furniture would you suggest?
Jenny Cannaday
Original Author
last year
My problem is that I fall for ideas I see in PB teen, etc. but I know that it's possible to furnish a kid's room well for about half the price of PB, RH, etc. I just don't know what to choose and where to purchase.
Susan
last year
No need to start from scratch…and he may be off to college in a couple of years! Remove the foam floor chair (unless he loves it!), the white piece, and the small cart. Is it possible to get another matching tall bookshelf and nite stand? If so, place the tall book shelves on the wall opposite the bed with the desk between them. Hang the framed ?? piece above the desk. Nite stands on both sides of bed with more substantial lamps that provide good reading light. Regarding clothes storage…is that a closet in the far corner of the bedroom? If so, place a small chest of drawers in the closet for underwear/socks/etc. If he has been living without a dresser for two years, he may not need a lot of drawer space. Then make a cozy reading nook in the alcove with a comfy chair, good reading light, small side table and the shorter bookshelf on a sidewall there.
The bed needs a simple flat bed skirt to hide the mattress/frame. Once all furniture/lamps are in place, organize the books on the shelves and mix in some meaningful personal decor like the model airplane and globe,etc.
Jenny Cannaday thanked Susan
tracefloyd
last year
Maybe place the bed on the opposite wall.
Martha Edwards
last year
I have found good buys on FaceBook Marketplace for bedroom furniture. I specify local only in my searches so that I can see the item before I buy and, of course, it has to be something I can fit in my vehicle. Good things go quickly so daily searches are good. Perhaps you could engage your son in helping to find, go to see, and transport anything you find.