Just before the holidays last year I shared the inspiration for my thirteen‑year‑old son’s bedroom and the new corduroy wingback bed we found for him. The room is small, but we were determined to include a full bed, a desk and a dresser—while keeping the space comfortable and personal. Here’s how the rest of the room came together.
One of my favorite touches is the subway art from Red Letter Words. It’s simple, meaningful and serves as a daily reminder of what matters most.
The dresser was a thrift‑store find and brings an antique character to the room. We refreshed it by painting the drawer fronts and updating the hardware, but otherwise left its worn charm intact.
To give Luke a proper workspace we added an industrial‑style work table and a counter stool. The desk fits the small room well and provides a sturdy area for homework and projects.
We still love the wingback bed and the cozy feeling it brings to the space. Its scale works well in the small room while offering a grown‑up look that he enjoys.
He created a gallery wall to showcase his art, photos and found objects. The display is flexible so he can swap pieces or add new favorites anytime. The owl drawing was done at school years ago and remains a special piece.
We removed the closet doors to make room for the desk and softened the opening with curtain panels hung on a birch branch we found on a walk last fall. The branch is suspended from curtain tie‑back holders and tied with jute twine for a natural, rustic touch. Eventually we’ll update the closet interior, but for now the curtains keep things tidy.
I’ve had the elephant lamp for years; it adds a whimsical, familiar element to the bedside area.
Most of the dresser knobs are original; the top pair had gone missing, so we replaced them with compass knobs for a subtle nod to adventure—something every boy should be encouraged to embrace.
Our home is casual and pet‑friendly. Lily the Labradoodle likes to lounge on the bed to look out the window—though she sleeps elsewhere. Jack, our Goldendoodle, sleeps in this room with Luke most nights, which makes bedtime a little cozier.
Every boy needs a dog, right?
Sources: Brass wall sconce: Pottery Barn; Bed: Overstock; Desk and bedside cart: World Market; Counter stool: World Market; Rug: Pottery Barn; Compass knobs and deer hook: Anthropologie; Subway art: Red Letter Words; Striped lumbar pillow and quilt: Target; Blue ottoman: Joss & Main; Curtains: Nate Berkus textured panels (may be out of stock).