Guest Picks: A Big Boy, A Better Bedroom
Once upon a time, my husband built our oldest child a loft bed. She slept in it for nearly five years. My son's current bed is actually my old loft bed from college, but it was modified into a day bed. Needless to say, it's time for an upgrade. Not only is he going from a twin to a full-size mattress, but it is time for a new bed frame too. This piece from Ikea is a great affordable option — that is, if the ceilings in his room aren't too low.
I am not going to lie, I wish my loft bed in college was this cool. This bed has been on my wish list for years. Both of my children would benefit from the space-saving option it offers. Unfortunately, the price tag has kept me from clicking "Add to Cart" for years.
I am a big fan of Pottery Barn bedding, especially for my kids. The quilts hold up well when washed and last for years. This plaid pattern is mature enough for my son's new big boy room, but isn't over the top or too juvenile for him to use for years.
Going from a little boy bedroom to a big boy bedroom means that it's time to shop around for a nightstand. My son's Lego Storm Trooper needs a cool table to sit on, and this little blue beauty from Ikea is perfect. There is also a drawer for him to keep his glasses and other trinkets in.
Let's face it, just because I strip the bed does not mean I'll have the very same set of sheets back on the bed that same day. It pays to have a backup set! These from Target are affordable and come in a variety of colors. My son will probably choose navy blue and red to go with the plaid bedding.
Here is the third bed option because the most affordable loft bed might be too tall, and the perfect loft bed option is expensive. This bed frame from Ikea is simple, yet it offers four drawers for storage underneath.
My son shares my love for maps. Adding a wall decal to his room is a great way to decorate the walls without being too over the top. I know he would love to look at this map of the ocean tides and rivers from around the world.
Shopping for lighting can be tricky and frustrating —especially when everything is sold separately! My son needs a new bedside lamp, and I love the combination of the graphite base and the "woodgrain" lampshade.
Every boy needs a place to stash a few toys, books, games, etc. These wall baskets are perfect. I love that they come in different colors, and I like placing them on the wall in groups of four.
My family has two Boston terriers, and my son would love to sit this Boston terrier–inspired piggy bank on his nightstand. Maybe it would get him to save more of his birthday money.
Currently, my son has red curtains in his bedroom. When I change his bedroom decor, I am thinking about getting a room-darkening Roman shade instead of curtains. I think the look is more masculine, while also being easy to operate.
During one of my son and my recent trips to Ikea, he saw this cabinet and fell in love. I think it would make a great storage piece for his new bedroom and look great at the end of the bed.
Up until now, my son's closet has been used for extra storage and not his clothes or toys. I recently updated my daughter's closet with this piece from ClosetMaid and paired it with a couple of shoe racks and two smaller sets of shelves. I cannot wait to redo my son's closet using the same pieces. It will provide so much more storage for him and free up some floor space in his bedroom.
I recently replaced my son's dresser with a hand-me-down from my parents. Although I love his new-to-him teak dresser, it's old. The drawers stick and it doesn't provide enough storage. My family is no stranger to the Malm line of furniture from Ikea. Over the years, it has undergone a lot of updates and changes and made better. This four-drawer dresser would be perfect for his new bedroom. It provides just enough storage without taking up too much space in the bedroom.
A big boy room means it's time for a big boy desk. I like that this one offers a pop of color. It provides just enough storage space, but the main reason for needing a desk is for my son to have a dedicated space to do his homework — the kitchen table has been fine, but it's time for something new. Also, this desk can be upgraded by adding a hutch.
My son's room will definitely need a new coat of paint on the walls. They are yellow right now, but I think he has outgrown the color. A gray tone with hints of blue would be the perfect color for his new bedroom.
Adding a small throw or area rug to the floor is a great way to pull some color down onto the ground while protecting the existing carpet. I like that the stripes on this rug will add some interest.
This would be a cute, functional organizer to hang on the wall above my son's new desk. It will provide a place for pencils, notepads or whatever else his heart desires to store.
This is a fun pillow sham to add to my son's new bed. He loves the beach — the whole family does. Plus, it adds to the theme of his big boy bedroom without going over the top.Next: 9 Unexpected Cool Color Schemes for Boys' Rooms
Boys can create a lot of dirty laundry. My son's current hamper is too small and too juvenile looking for his new bedroom. Either of these large canvas bins would be perfect as a new hamper.
Q