Just before the holidays last year I shared inspiration for my thirteen-year-old son’s bedroom and later featured his corduroy wingback bed. Now the rest of the room is coming together, despite its small size. Our goal was to fit a full bed, a desk and a dresser while keeping the space comfortable and personal.
One of my favorite elements is the subway art from Red Letter Words. It serves as a quiet reminder of what really matters and anchors the gallery wall above the bed.
The dresser came from a secondhand store years ago and gives the room an antique touch. We freshened it up by painting the drawers and adding new hardware, but we left most of it in its original condition to preserve character.
To satisfy his request for a workspace, we chose an industrial-style work table and a counter stool from World Market. The sturdy design fits the room’s scale and provides a practical surface for homework and projects.
We’re still very happy with the bed; it suits his style and the room’s layout. The wingback silhouette adds a cozy, grown-up feel without losing comfort.
I love that he has a gallery wall he can change whenever he wants. He even drew the owl in school years ago. The wall and the shelf display meaningful mementos and small treasures that tell his story.
We found the birch branch on a fall walk and repurposed it as a curtain rod. Since we removed the closet doors to make room for the desk, hanging curtain panels softens the opening. The branch is secured with curtain tie-back holders and jute twine—simple, natural and effective. We’ll eventually refresh the closet interior, but for now the curtains work well.
I’ve had the elephant lamp for years; it adds a playful, familiar touch to the bedside.
Most of the dresser knobs are original; the top ones had been lost, so we replaced them with compass knobs from Anthropologie. They add a subtle spirit of adventure, which feels right for a growing boy.
Our home is casual and pet-friendly. Lily enjoys perching on the bed to look out the window, although she sleeps in my room most nights. Jack, our Goldendoodle, sleeps in this room with Luke every night—proof that every boy benefits from a loyal dog.
Every boy needs a dog, right?
Sources:
Brass wall sconce: Pottery Barn, Bed: Overstock.com, 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 blue quilt: Target, Blue X-base ottoman: Joss & Main, Curtains: Nate Berkus Textured Window Panel (may be out of stock online).