FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Design

Kidspace Idea Book: Almost Teenagers

Preteens need space, literally and figuratively. Sample these ideas for room design, built-in bunks/study areas, and clutter control.

By Wendy A. Jordan
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Need help planning your child’s room? Look inside The Kidspace Idea Book for design inspiration—from lofts, playhouses, secret hideaways, high-tech homework centers, and colorful bathrooms to the backyard world of forts, treehouses, clubhouses, and playhouses.

In this excerpt from The Kidspace Idea Book, author Wendy Jordan focuses on bedrooms for preteens. You’ll find out how to design spaces that meet your children’s need for study, sleep, and socializing and reflect their personalities and interests.

And now for the high-intensity years. You know what I mean. Kids nine or even younger officially become preteens when suddenly they decide they’ve got to be with friends (either in person or on the phone), must have the right clothes, and have to personalize their rooms from floor to ceiling.

Rooms for preteens are three-dimensional portraits of who they are or who they want to be. For girls, the portrait is likely to be frills and ruffles. Boys this age create dens of sports or music, dinosaurs or computers, whatever excites them.

Kids can have their room their way, and parents can make it work better for them by creating atmosphere without sacrificing practicality. In a girl’s room, for example, wrap a trellised arch around the window and complete the structure with a window seat containing inset drawers. For a boy, frame the windows with lockers instead of a trellis.

Preteens need space—literally and figuratively. After raiding the refrigerator, they and their friends will stampede to their room. That’s why compartmentalizing the room is important. The areas where kids sleep and do homework and keep their clothes should be separate from the place where the crowd sits and listens to music. Mold that conversation niche with a soffit and partition enclosure, a lowered ceiling or a ring of built-in bench seating (which could be used as an extra bed when a friends stays over).

Junk overload can become a real issue at this stage. An expansive system of shelves, cabinets, pigeonholes, and racks—built under seats and countertops; around doors, windows, and desks; in corners and along any unused wall space—can fit into the theme of the room while helping kids keep books and magazines, CDs and videos, clothes, and accumulated stuff from taking over.

Natural light works wonders

A little sunlight makes a big difference in kids’ spaces. Natural light adds a spark of magic to the tiniest room or out-of-the-way corner. Cut a window opening to turn a closet into a playhouse. Pierce the roof with a skylight to create a bright attic room. Use glazed rather than solid walls to extend sunlight into interior spaces. It’s not always necessary to cover windows with curtains or shades. For privacy and light, consider replacing clear glass with frosted panes.

Sleeping over (and under)

Loft beds make such great use of space that it’s easy to understand why they are so popular in college dormitories—or anywhere space is at a premium. And whatever a loft bed can accomplish in a dorm room, it can do with much greater style in a child’s bedroom.

An architect built this “room in a box” of heavy timbers to relieve the off-putting squareness of his daughter’s closetless room. Now she’s got a curtained closet, a bed with loft bunk, and built-in shelving.

Although a room doesn’t have to be tiny to justify a loft bed, the structure will dramatically increase usable space. When company is over, the loft doubles as an extra bed. The rest of the time, the loft serves as a secret getaway or retreat.

Though fairly easy to construct, they’re also for sale from many bunk bed manufacturers. Whether building or buying, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that no portion of the loft is resting on movable furniture that can shift and cause the structure to collapse. Lofts should be freestanding. And don’t make the loft out of pressure-treated wood. Treated lumber is designed for outdoor use only and its chemicals can be hazardous in an enclosed space.

Lofts should stand without leaning against the walls or putting pressure on the ceiling. Safety railings on top bunks are a must. If the loft is placed parallel to and up against a window, safety railings should always be installed on the window side, too.

Because houses often have different ceiling heights, be sure and measure twice before ordering a loft bed. The bed will work best if there is enough room between the top of the mattress and the ceiling so that a child can sit up in bed. The large room is wide open, yet organized into study, storage, and play zones. The high point of the room is a tall loft that is both bed platform and gateway to a cupola.

Clutter control

Kids’ rooms are flooded with stuff. Most kids don’t know what to do about it, and they don’t even recognize that it bothers them. But when the chaos subsides, they feel better.

Parents can do their kids a favor by helping them control the clutter. Parents can’t change their kids’ personalities, but can set up a system that will harmonize with their children’s habits. If a child is basically disorganized, don’t expect absolute order. Instead, propose that she keep her desktop clear, or reserve one shelf for loose papers, or toss all her sports gear into one big box. For a messy kid, hooks are more likely to be used than hangers, and big containers are more practical than rows of little cubicles and shelves.

Plenty of built-in storage, including a desk and computer center, help keep this well-planned room organized (see the photo at left). The laminate cabinet system with inset desk covers one whole wall. A beam outlines a display bay at the entry, and the bathroom connects to another corner of the room.

Even young children can get organized. Ask them how they want to group their stuff—Legos in one basket, cars and trucks in another? If they pick the system, they’ll probably use it. A simple bin system may be best for teens. They can pile clean clothes in one, dirty clothes in another. If all else fails—there’s always the yard sale. Even a plain wood cabinet can assume a personality of its own with some imaginative application of paint and trim.

Wendy A. Jordan is an award-winning magazine writer and editor. She has been covering residential remodeling for over 25 years. She is the author of Great Kitchens, The New Kidspace Idea Book, and Making Room, all publidhed by The Taunton Press.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Drafting the 2027 IRC

Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • Insulation for Homes in the Wildland Urban Interface
View All

Bedrooms

View All Bedrooms Articles
  • Bunk Beds and Built Ins
  • A Custom Closet Remodel
  • Maximize Space With Thoughtful Built-Ins
View All Bedrooms Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

You have 1 free article remaining.

Get complete site access, including thousands of videos, how-to tips, tool reviews, and design features.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data