Should I Select for My Teen?

Traditional furniture is characterized by silky finishes, elegant curves and graceful, flowing lines and are inspired by the trends, fashions and social customs of the past, ranging from the elaborate fussiness of Victorian times to the pastoral simplicity of English Country. It is probably for this reason that traditional-style pieces like a dresser or nightstand can make a room feel informal or formal, depending on the time period that has been used as inspiration. Traditional furniture can include rich detailing such as leaf or scroll motifs, bun or claw feet and ornate brass or carved pulls.

Casual teen’s bedroom furnishings are comfortable, warm and inviting. This style is characterized by simple details, textured elements such as lattice work, and horizontal panel insets. Rectangular and softly curved elements contribute to its casual feel. Furniture can be oversized or large in scale to emphasize its coziness and functionality. A full/double bed in the casual style is ideal for creating a teen’s room that will posses the comfortable, relaxed look of contemporary and the warm, charming feel of the traditional.

Transitional furnishings merge contemporary and traditional styles together. Typically this style blends austere lines with intricate curves, and natural wood finishes with lustrous metals. It also utilizes neutral palette finishes like taupe, tan and vanilla. Since it is a mix of other styles, it adapts easily and blends in with a wide range of designs and fashions. The versatility of transitional bedroom furniture, like a bedroom set, makes it a good choice for a teen’s room because it is eclectic and flexible.

Contemporary youth bedroom furniture is known for its simplicity of line, shape and form. A blend of modern, casual and traditional styles, the contemporary style emerged during the second half of the 20th century. Subtle and understated by underplaying the ornate lines and rich textures of more traditional furniture, a contemporary captain’s bed mixes natural elements with minimal detailing for a streamlined look and comfortable feel.

Simple style is even more pared down and leaner than casual furniture. With clean, uncomplicated lines, casual furnishings are inviting, warm and relaxing. A teen’s room, which might include a trundle bed, furnished in simple style may appear more uncluttered because of minimal architectural detail. Finishes are usually lighter than traditional or casual furniture. Because furnishings in the simple style are spare in form, it can be paired with other styles for an eclectic look.

Country furniture combines more formal traditional styles with a relaxed charm, and are known for being comfortable and welcoming. They might contain a distinctive period flavor like Colonial or Shaker. Country style furnishings are mostly constructed of wood, ranging from light to medium finishes, but they can also be produced of metal and wood or metal and glass. Some of the more common types of wood finishes are grainy, painted or distressed. Country furniture can include whimsical details like hand-painted stenciling, hand-carved insets, shutter style panels and French twist embossing.