Little Boy Bedroom Makeover

Last Updated on July 3, 2023

Last week I chatted with you about finally decorating the kids’ bedrooms. Since we always treat them fair, I’ve decided to get a bit nutty and tackle both bedroom makeovers at the same time — which are presently a random mish-mosh of chaos. Pretty much bare bones and literally zero personality. Shame on your momma. The storage doesn’t work for them, metal bed frames, and they have nothing hanging on the walls — although they do have a few pieces I’ll be working with.

Boy Bedroom Design Ideas

Last week I shared Zoe’s bedroom makeover mood board. It’s fit for a princess without being overly frou-frou. For Cooper’s makeover, I’m sharing that same train of thought. A boy bedroom without being overly boy – meaning no balls, no fire engines, no Pokemon. Something he can grow into and not say, “ERMERGERD MOM! Batman is for babies! I can’t be seen in public with this! You’re so embarrassing!” And yes, that was an actual quote.

Like his sister, Cooper has a few existing pieces that I’ll be keeping for the new space. About 5 years ago or so, I purchased a Mid-Century Modern dresser, highboy, and matching nightstand. It was back when I was just starting to dip my toes in the home decor waters. I remember seeing the full set on Instagram (at a local vintage shop since closed) and calling immediately. I should have realized my mistake immediately when the owner said, “Wait, you want all 3 pieces? Really?”

Yep, I bought an entire set of bright orange furniture. Ooooph! I look at it now and just shake my head. What was I thinking? It was definitely an I Make Emily Henderson Cry moment. Don’t get me wrong, I love the orange, but presently it’s a bit overwhelming. THREE PIECES!  The space needs to be toned down a bit…yet I still want to keep that thrifty vibe. It just needs a bit more cohesion.

So, how does one integrate an overload of bright orange furniture into a boy’s bedroom? Let’s start by adding some black and white elements to tone it down. I carved out a few hours to peruse Pinterest and shop. I’ve always loved the classic look of this black bed frame. It’s a simple, iconic piece.

My go-to affordable curtains are these plain jane ivory tab beauties from IKEA — they’re in pretty much every room in the house. But for Cooper’s bedroom, I’m bucking the norm and adding in these playful black and white buffalo checks. This bold statement should start to compete (in a good way) with the furniture.

That large canvas rhino print was purchased at the same time as all that orange furniture. I dug it then, and I’m still digging it now. Cooper has always been a fan of Star Wars. I found this poster of Han Solo print that’s not overly cartoony. Momma’s happy, as is the little monster man. Now we’re cookin’.

Cooper LOVES books and likes to stay up reading after we put him to bed. Pretty much every other week, he will mosey downstairs for another set of batteries for his flashlight. To combat single-handedly causing Duracell’s stock rise, I’m investing in a sconce or two and will mount them on either side of the bed. One might be enough, but I’ll order two just to be on the safe side.

This child sleeps like he’s wrestling bears and is constantly cold because his covers are a twisted mess. I’m hoping the plaid blanket will be the extra source of warmth he needs in the middle of the night. The colors and plaid pattern combo well with the buffalo check curtains.

To add in a bit of that childhood whimsy, I’m keeping the white gnome lamp and picking up some fun vintage-style flags and pennants and this pillow. Phew! That’s it! What do you think of the two spaces?

Rhino Canvas Print – no longer available
Buffalo Check Curtains
Black Bed Frame
Black Sconce
Orange Nightstand – similar
Orange Dresser – similar
Vintage Flag – no longer available
White Gnome Lamp – sold out
Wanderer Pillow
Plaid Throw Blanket – no longer available
Han Solo Space Cowboy Print

Discover More Bedroom Decor Inspiration

Learn how to choose the Best Bedroom Lighting with this full round-up of ceiling light fixtures, floor lamps, and bedside sconces.

See the progress on the Bedroom Makeover with Universal Furniture including the new 3-panel headboard.

The Decorist Guest Bedroom makeover progress report.

DIY Closet Reading Nook, yup, I turned an ordinary closet that was unused into a little seating area.

Loving this virtual design mood board! Check out this modern living room idea.