We’re excited to reveal our teen son’s completely redecorated bedroom. If you missed the build-up, there is an introduction and a series of posts showing how we completed a surprise week-long makeover while our son was away. The project involved planning, salvaging materials, targeted purchases, and some DIY creativity to transform a cluttered teenage space into a comfortable, functional room.
First, watch the reaction video Brian put together that captures our son’s response to the new room, plus close-ups of the details and our thoughts about the process:
Teen Bedroom Makeover Reveal Photos and Details
Hallway View
Here is the view from the doorway — much improved. The larger bed is now positioned against the wall, which our son preferred, and we moved the dresser to the foot of the bed to make the layout work. Small updates like a new curtain rod and a spray-painted light fixture refreshed the window area and helped the existing curtains feel new again.
New Bed
This photo shows the room from the window wall, before and after. Brian built the new bed, which became a focal point of the makeover. Here’s a breakdown of the bed costs:
- Pine for side rails, large bolts for assembly/disassembly, and decorative post caps: $51.96. Other lumber and paint were from previous projects.
- Double mattress and box spring found on Craigslist: $20. Total for the bed frame plus mattress/box spring: $71.96.
- Mattress pad, sheets (including a cover for the box spring), and a comforter: $72.23. Grand total for the bed and linens: $144.19.
Buying all the linens at once was more than expected, but the final cost for a complete bed and bedding felt reasonable given the result.
The Nightstand
The previous skirted table didn’t suit a teenage boy’s room, so we added a simple nightstand with at least one drawer for easier cleaning and storage. We purchased the nightstand at Target for $79.99; it fit perfectly with a basket we already owned. I expected to spend less but found many nightstands priced near $100. Secondhand options were limited by condition and availability given the tight timeline.
I updated a basic clay pot and a plain wastebasket with oil-rubbed bronze spray paint to coordinate with the lamp and fixtures, keeping the look cohesive and affordable.
The Closet
The closet was a typical teen scene, so we focused on decluttering, donating excess items, and reorganizing what remained. We extended the new flooring and paint into the closet to create a cohesive finish. Some vintage gym baskets and existing pieces were retained and repositioned to maximize function and style.
The Bookshelf
We kept a bookshelf Brian made years ago and a bulletin board I created earlier. They had been hidden under clutter but now have a new home on the closet wall to accommodate the larger bed. The creamy white paint we used contrasts nicely with the light khaki walls and makes those pieces stand out.
The Dresser
The dresser was a curb find I had previously updated using a tissue-paper and glue technique to hide damage, then painted and glazed. Over time some texture wore away and the drawers were less functional, but with a few touch-ups it cleaned up nicely. We’ll likely replace it in the future when a better, budget-friendly option becomes available.
The Brown Paper Floor
To remove old carpet and install a new-feeling floor on a small budget, I used a kraft paper decoupage technique sealed with multiple layers of polyurethane. I had used this method successfully in a previous home. Initially there were wrinkles that worried me, but they relaxed over time and smoothed out once furniture and a rug were placed. My son loves the floor — he thinks it looks really cool.
We found the rug at Target as a remnant for $39.99, a much better price than other 5×8 rugs we considered.
Overall, the total cost for the room makeover was $394.73. Some items were pricier than anticipated — a nightstand and polyurethane among them — but the outcome felt like solid value compared with the cost of replacing carpet or installing hardwood. The room now feels fresh, functional, and tailored to a teen’s needs without overspending.
–Jami