We are all spending an increased amount of time at home these days … including our teens. So why not give them a place of their own? With a bit of creativity, a small(ish) budget, and the following suggestions, you can design the perfect teen hangout space.

Designate a Space

First, designate an official teen space. An unfinished area, an underutilized room, or even an outdoor porch can be turned into the perfect teen hangout.

Privacy

You want your teen to have a private place to chat with friends (either online or in-person), listen to music, and relax. However, there must be a balance between a teen’s need for privacy and the parents’ ability to supervise.

Give Your Teen a Budget

Tell your teen what you can afford to contribute to the effort and come up with a plan about how you might make the space more inviting. By providing a budget, you are empowering your teen to make decisions and to take ownership of the space.

Furniture

Consider investing in modular furniture pieces that can be easily moved and replaced if needed. Sectional sofas, swivel chairs, and even bean bags are fantastic choices. Look for pieces that have washable slip covers. Add a pop of color with inexpensive throw pillows and comfy throws.

Décor

Allow your teen to express their own unique style. This can be done by decorating with unique lighting, photos, and posters. Paint is inexpensive and can bring a lot of personality into a space. Wallpaper allows a touch of creativity and provides a focal point for the room.

Add Personality

Make sure that your teen’s space reflects their personality. Do you have a sports fan? Display a framed jersey on the wall. A book worm? Include floor to ceiling bookshelves to store all of their favorite books

Fun & Games

Easy access to food, music, and activities is a must. Stock a retro mini-fridge and dry bar for snack breaks. Family favorite card and board games never grow old. If space allows, consider adding a foosball table, ping pong, air hockey, or a pool table.

The Little Things

Don’t overlook the small things, such as a charging station for phones and tablets and a whiteboard for scheduling and organizing. A lap desk is useful for distance learning and/or computer gaming.

Are you looking for tips and suggestions for decorating other areas of your home? Please read my recent articles Designing a Child’s Room to Grow with Them and Tips for Making Your Living Spaces Feel Larger.