Transforming Childhood Bedrooms with Mid-Century Modern Mood Boards

You guys, remember when I told you I was buying my childhood home? Thanks to Wayfair, today we’re diving into what might be the most nostalgic spaces to redesign – my old bedroom and my sister’s room! These small spaces will be where the kids crash during our weekend visits. Both rooms were slightly challenging because both kids can bring a friend—meaning both tiny bedrooms will need to sleep two people, but I love how these mood boards turned out. Spoiler alert: Wayfair’s MCM furniture and decor is about to be your new best friend!

Time Capsule Check: My Old Bedroom 

Looking at this room now, it’s wild to think about the subway posters and art I made that used to cover these walls. I wish I had photos of it, but I think my mom was too appalled at my high school decorating skills. The space is pretty petite, but Wayfair came through with some seriously genius small space furniture that’s giving me all the Mid-Century Modern feels without turning it into a complete time capsule.

My bedroom presently has a twin bed with a trundle (as a kid, I had a full bed), but it’s a bit larger than my sister’s room. And ya, I always made sure she knew my room was bigger and cooler. I’ll admit I was not always the nicest sibling.

Now in retirement, my mom has been writing (she’s presently writing her second book), and my old bedroom is filled with her research, reference books, and tons of other office supplies. I show you this area so you can see how this space is a bit larger than my sister’s room.

Anyhoo, the original plan was to keep a trundle in here (the existing one is not really my style, but Zoe loves it. She calls it the Princess bed—bribery from my mom to keep her in bed and not sleeping in her bed one weekend) and put two twin beds in my sister’s bedroom for Cooper and his guest.

However, that decision changed after I placed the two mattress boxes I purchased during Wayfair’s Black Friday sale in my sister’s room and said, “Holy moly, this room will legit be ALL bed with two twins in here.” In general, homes built in the 1950s, especially Mid-Century Modern-style homes, don’t have large bedrooms. I needed to pivot.

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Since we are playing make-believe with these bedroom mood boards, I decided to ditch the existing trundle and shimmy the twin beds into my room. Sorry Zoe, the Princess Bed has got to go. I love the modern wavy design of the headboard/footboard and the frillier look fits a tween girl better than a teen boy. I paired it with the teak-colored Mid-Century Modern-inspired dresser that is giving major MCM vibes. The clean lines keep it feeling fresh. 

Because my childhood bedroom is a bit larger, it can handle the dresser without feeling crowded. Both kids can use it as storage for extra clothes.

To save space, I popped one single nightstand between the beds. I also replaced that horrible boob light with this gorgeous brass semi-flush month ceiling light. For added ambiance, I found this post-modern-style table lamp with a chrome base on Wayfair’s site. To finish off the room, I chose that gorgeous goldenrod scalloped rug. This room sits over the garage, and the hardwood floors can feel a bit cold underfoot. 

Funny side note, as a kid, I was a gymnast and always practiced cartwheels and back walkovers in my bedroom. My dad would get so mad because the insulation would fall from the ceiling of the garage onto the cars because of all my jumping around above it. I mean, look at that little stinker face.

Lighting The Way 

Remember those plug-in sconces I put in the mood board for my parents (soon-to-be my) bedroom? Well, I loved them so much that I used them here, too. These amazing wall sconces have the perfect vintage feel without going full-on Brady Bunch. The best part? They’re plug-in, so no electrician is needed (even though this is a make-believe design, my wallet says thank you).

My Sister’s Space Gets A Glow-Up

My sister’s old bedroom is getting an equally fun transformation. I’m bringing the Mid-Century Modern energy in here, too, but with a twist. Since this will be more of a teen boy lounge area, I want it to feel casual but in an elevated way. I’m normally not a fan of decals, but I found these Rock N Roll band poster decals that have major potential. Best part, Cooper loves all of these bands, so he’d be able to make this space his own.

The real showstopper, though? This convertible daybed situation I sourced at Wayfair. During the day, this super chic lounge seating area with a post-modern vibe that would make any interior designer swoon. But at night, it folds out into a comfy bed. Now, I may pop an air mattress in the center area for added cushioning, but this space saver is the perfect option for a weekend guest. 

Aneve Silk Flush Mount Ceiling Light

Elyse 2 Light Swing Arm Plug-In Wall Sconce

Anchondo Velvet Fold Out Sleeper Sofa Bed

Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk

MCM Reading Lamp

Italian Post Modern Inspired Nightstand

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Cooper is a gamer, and unless he is spinning vinyl, he’s on his computer. That is why this room was designed with a small writing desk and not a dresser. I really want the kids to feel comfortable with this home away from home. Since this was always grandma and grandpa’s house, the kids have never felt like these rooms belonged to them. I hope these make-believe mood boards change this. 

You’ll also see that I swapped out the boob light for a beautiful alternative. I love, love, love this oversized silk-covered flush mount ceiling light.

More Vintage-Inspired Bed Options Found On Wayfair

Upholstered Metal Platform Bed – under $200!

Upholstered Platform Bed – boucle bed frame

Green Velvet Upholstered Bed

Shirleen Upholstered Platform Bed – love the wavy headboard

Solid Wood Platform Storage Bed – obsessed with this Mid-Century Modern vibe

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Kierin Twin Standard – love the MCM look with the spindle headboard

Solid Wooden Bed Frame With Headboard

Convertible Sofa Bed Linen Sleeper

Anchondo Velvet Fold Out Sleeper Sofa Bed

Solid Wood Platform Bed with Headboard

Arched Performance Velvet Platform Bed

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Nightstands With A Mid-Century Vibe That Caught My Eye

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Mid-Century Modern Inspiration From Wayfair

Can we just take a moment to appreciate Wayfair’s Mid-Century Modern furniture and decor? When I started sourcing pieces for all the mood boards I’ve shared, I honestly didn’t expect to find so many options that perfectly balance vintage charm with modern functionality. From the small space beds to the nightstands and MCM-inspired dresser and desk that can evolve as we spend time there—every piece feels intentional without being precious.

What do you think of these bedroom mood boards? Would you have done anything differently? And please tell me I’m not the only one who gets emotional about redesigning their childhood bedroom! Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your take on mixing nostalgia with modern design.