It’s hard to believe it had been five years since we last decorated my daughter’s room. What started out as a sweet, pre-teen space suddenly felt a little young for her now that she’s a teenager. And like many great projects, this room makeover started with one simple request: she wanted a vanity.
As soon as she mentioned it, I started wondering if her dress (which I had picked up at a garage sale years ago) could be turned into a vanity. With a little creativity (and some good old fashioned elbow grease), I turned that dresser into a fully functional vanity—and it worked beautifully. But as these things go, once we updated the dresser, the rest of the room started to feel a little out of place. So... we leaned in and gave the whole space a refresh!
Here's what we updated in her teen bedroom:
1. DIY Vanity from an Old Dresser
The vanity was the jumping-off point for the entire project. We removed the center cabinet, gave it a fresh coat of paint and hardware, added a mirror, and styled it with some organizers and a comfy bench seat. It feels personal, practical, and totally fits her style.
2. Painted Board and Batten in Accessible Beige (50%)
To soften the space, I painted the board and batten using Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige at 50%. It’s the perfect warm neutral—timeless but still fresh.
3. Classic Wallpaper Accent
We added this gorgeous removable wallpaper from Ayara Home above the board and batten to bring in texture and a bit of personality. It made the space feel more grown-up without being too serious.
4. Updated Rug + Bedding
A new cozy rug and updated bedding made a big difference in pulling everything together. We went for neutral layers with soft pops of color to keep it calm but fun.
5. Ceiling Fan + Window Coverings
We swapped the outdated ceiling fan for something a little more sleek and modern, and added new curtains and a linen roman shade that feel light and airy while still providing privacy.
6. Closet Mini Makeover
Since the dresser became a vanity, we lost some drawer space. So we gave the closet a quick refresh by adding a second hanging rod for extra storage—and it’s been a game changer.
7. Fun Accessories
From framed prints to acrylic containers for beauty products and a few personal touches, we added small accessories that made the room feel like hers.
The Final Result
This teen bedroom update turned out even better than I expected—and more importantly, she absolutely loves it. It’s functional, stylish, and feels like a true reflection of who she is right now.
If you're looking to update your teen daughter’s room, start small! Sometimes all it takes is one piece (like a vanity!) to inspire a full transformation. I’ve linked everything we used below so you can recreate something similar in your own home.
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