Upgrading a room into a cool teenager den gives your older kid a sense of independence as they mature into young adults. Also, creating a teen hangout will earn you a few kudos from your growing kid who needs their own spot to hang out, especially if they enjoy socialising with friends at home. Having their own getaway space in the house allows you to relax, knowing they’re safe.
There are unlimited cool ideas for designing a teen den and what you do depends on your budget and what your older kid enjoys doing in his or her own time and space. You can look for funky bar fridges for sale, colourful bean bags and add gaming equipment to really make the den the coolest hangout in the neighbourhood. Keep reading and just be sure to include your teen in creating a den they’ll always want to escape to!
4 Things to Consider When Upgrading a Room into a Teenager Den
1. Decide on the Best Location
Before deciding what to put into your teenager’s den decide on the best location for this room. Does your teen love loud music, socialising with his buddies and playing games into the early hours of the morning? If so, you want to pick a room that’s away from where the rest of the family are sleeping, studying, working or watching TV.
An unused outside room, basement (if your house has one) or even the attic are some areas you could consider. A rooftop teenager den would work too if your house design can accommodate it safely. Picking the right location is vital for the comfort of the rest of the family while giving your teenager a safe getaway place.
2. What is the Purpose of the Teenager Den?
The journey to adulthood can be overwhelming for teenagers as they strive to be more independent and making their own decisions. Giving them their own den allows your teen to do all of this while still feeling safe and getting the support he or she needs from you. It gives you the opportunity to respect their boundaries while they’re figuring out who they are.
Knowing what your teenager is going to use the den for will help you decide how big the space needs to be and what furniture and other items you’ll need. Your teen may be looking for a quiet spot to study or a place to play music without being a nuisance to the rest of the family. Or, do they want to entertain friends on the weekend without having to hang out in clubs or shopping malls.
3. Decide on a Budget
Deciding on a budget before going shopping is vital if you want to avoid overspending unnecessarily. Working out how much you can afford to spend on your teen’s den should be done together with your child. If your teenager is doing part-time work, you could ask him or her to use their earnings to buy the most-wanted things, such as an air hockey table. This will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
When deciding what to buy for the den, consider furniture and items such as a bar fridge that makes the room suitable for other purposes when your teen leaves home. This way, your money is well-spent while still giving your teenagers the private space they need as maturing young adults.
4. Identifying Items for the Teenager Den
Once you know what your teen is going to use the den for, you can start searching for the items required to make this spot comfortable, functional and fun. Here are some cool ideas of items to consider:
- Furniture: Items such as bean bags, a couch, desk and chair, bookcases and tables allow your teenager to relax comfortably, alone or while entertaining friends.
- Games: Dart boards, pool tables and board games liven up a weekend night spent with friends. Gaming equipment can be included if your kid is into this form of entertainment.
- Wall décor: Signs, wall hangings and painted graffiti can liven up a space without breaking the bank!
- Other: A bar fridge, kettle and toasted sandwich maker will turn the den into a self-catering spot—no need for them to traipse through your kitchen every time they need refreshments.
The list of items is endless and sitting down with your teenager to discuss what should go into their den is important if you want them to take ownership of this spot. Your budget will also determine whether you buy new or second hand, or salvage from your own home’s excess.
Final Thoughts
Giving your teenager their own space allows them to explore being independent while still in a nurturing environment. A teen den can be used in a number of ways and creating it is a fun project for the family. Furthermore, converting a room into a quality teenager den can add resale value to your property. Simply make sure you plan properly before upgrading.