While we all understand a young woman’s desire to express herself in a variety of ways, their bedroom decor is one form of self expression that might not occur to everyone. At an age when self expression is a difficult yet necessary journey, teenage girls face the challenge of changing their surroundings to look less “little girl”, and more “teenager”.
We have all heard the term ‘man cave‘, and perhaps thought it a little silly, but…don’t we all crave a spot that is truly ours? A place that we can call “my space” no matter how simple it might be. For teenage girls, this space is typically their bedroom. Even if they share a room with a sibling, the area where they occupy the space is their home turf, often with very clear cut boundaries.
Bedding for teenage girls may seem inconsequential to some, but decorating their space can be extremely important to girls at this age. Jumping from the pink and purple princess, artist, ballerina, paleontologist, etc., to a student of life that now embraces the world outside the protected walls of hearth and home, may be a gradual step by step process or, in some cases, one giant leap forward. It is often in the décor of their home space that they find comfort and solace from all of these changes, placing meaningful remnants of happy times and festive occasions up on their walls, closet doors and poster boards.
While cartoon themed bedrooms may have ruled the day as a girl; style, fashion, and whatever is currently cool, may soon cover the walls, the mirror, and the bedding. Bedroom décor is such an important mode of self expression and when you include all of the options, the décor may help capture the imagination of these young women with choices that just might inspire their wistful creativity to flow.
Finding their identity, teenagers may spend a great deal of their time in their own personal space. For this reason, their space will tend to be all about them with plenty of identifying features. Bedding sets with matching décors that promote and indulge the love of whatever topic currently inspires them, is a sure way to encourage their self-expression. Since what is labeled ‘cool’ can change as swiftly as the weather, cool bedding sets may need to be a bit more defined by the teenage girls seeking that objective.
If the mod look is what they want, large colorful polka dots or bold and striking geometric shapes may be the look they are searching for. If a love of horses permeates their life, then perhaps a horse bedding set that gives voice to that love would be appreciated. While sports may not be a big thing for all teenage girls, school spirit might be and a cool looking comforter that matches the school colors may be ideal. Sheet and bed sets can be found in a myriad of patterns, themes and colors that will satisfy even the most difficult to please teenage girls.
What’s Included In A Typical Bedding Set?
Depending on the manufacturer, bedding sets may or may not include sheets, pillow cases or any of the matching window treatments. However, these items are more than likely displayed nearby and sold separately. A 7 piece bedding set that includes sheets will typically offer the following:
- 1 -
Comforter - 2 – Pillows cases
- 2 – sheets (one flat, one fitted)
- 1 – Bed skirt
- 1 – Accent pillow
A 7 piece set that does not include sheets may offer these items:
- 1 – Comforter
- 2 – Pillow shams
- 1 – Bed ruffle/skirt
- 3 – Decorative accent pillows in assorted shapes and sizes
Sets that offer 4 pieces without sheets will include pretty much the same as listed above minus the decorative pillows. In twin sizes, a 4 piece set may include a window valence, an accent pillow or other decorative piece but will not always include matching sheets. The 3 piece twin bed sets are most often limited to the comforter, bed ruffle and a single pillow sham. Be sure to read what all is included on the package and do not assume that sheets are automatically included.
See Our > Bedding Size Chart
Bedroom Makeovers for Teenage Girls
Products advertised as a ‘bed in a bag,’ make it easy to completely change the look and feel of the room at an affordable price. From twin sizes to full and queen size teen bedding sets, the styles are colorful and stylish. By simply changing the colors and patterns of the materials that cover the bed and windows, the bedroom, and therefore, the ‘space’ gets a complete makeover. And what teenage girl doesn’t like that?
Finding a perfect balance in the color scheme you desire can be difficult but if you find just the perfect product with many of the extra pieces in the décor, you can change the room décor into the ultimate personal space. However, you may not want to change the curtains simply because you changed the comforter so the use of a single solid connecting color might help you narrow your list of possibilities. Many of the sets have a mix and match feature that might help you in this as well. Many of the comforters are dual sided with adds versatility to any room makeover.
As the seasons change, so does the need for warmer colors and thicker materials. Light and airy fabrics give way to rich textures and luxurious warm coverlets. With current retail prices so easy on the pocketbook, it is becoming quite the norm for teenage girls to change the look of their personal space to fit the seasons, the school year, and perhaps even their moods. It’s all about options and choices.
Sometimes loud is necessary for teenage girls and the décor of the room may scream with loud prints and attention grabbing accessories. Who knew that at one point, oversized hot pink and puckered up lips would become a decorating fashion sensation? At other times, the need for soft and feminine may override the noise with a dainty floral print bedding set that soothes the soul and refreshes the spirit. Cool and contemporary patterns that feature the latest in designs may also be something that teenage girls crave to refashion their personal space into a comfortable yet chic cave in which to dwell.
Online Shopping vs. Retail Outlets
Although looking at all of the styles and accoutrements can make your eyes start to go blurry, one of the first steps in shopping for a teen’s bedroom should be the perusing the internet. With all of the latest in designs and colors on exhibition all over the web, the internet is tantamount to one stop shopping even if you are simply window shopping for ideas. Compare prices from the discount sites to the top of line designer sets. Discounted retail pricing is offered with minimum or no shipping charges on many of the sites with deeper savings offered if you buy any of the extras that are not included in the actual bedding set.
Be sure to look for the specific items that you require in your bedding sets. Are you looking for 100% cotton material? Are there special care instructions? How many pieces in the set will you use? You don’t need to settle for less than what you want; there are simply too many options available to you for you to have to settle. Are thread counts for the sheets listed? Are sheets included? If not, are they available in matching colors? Note what the shipping charges are in case you decide to order later and for comparison to other online shops that offer bed sets with all of the extras.
Narrow you choices down and pinpoint the styles and fabrics that you like. If you prefer to purchase at a local shop, then search for vendors in your area where you can actually go and see that exact product. Bedding sets and all of the other items necessary to properly decorate a teenage girl’s bedroom are big business and this huge market does not go unnoticed by the larger chain stores either. If your local shop does not carry the bedding set that excites your teen, yet carries that manufacturer, ask if they can order it for you. Many of the larger chains make it easy for you to order online and they might be able to ship the items to your local store where you can pick it up and avoid any shipping charges.
What Extras Are Available?
Teen-oriented bedroom accessories can encompass so much more than a simple purchase of a comforter and a matching bed skirt. One big advantage to shopping online before heading to the store is to check out all of the other items that may be available in the prints and styles that you like. For instance, a bedding set covering the bed with sheets, comforter and bed skirt may also offer an assortment of matching decorative accent pillows that are not part of the actual bedding set. Some of the ensemble pieces that you might be available to find in certain styles and prints are:
Accent Pillows- Canopy tops
- Bedpost tiebacks
- Curtain panels
- Window valence
- Accent rugs
- Table clothes or runners
- Towels and hand cloths
- Wall hangings
- Lampshades
- Storage boxes
- Wastebaskets
- Picture frames
- Appliqués
The décor of the room can be kicked up a notch and amplified with the addition of some of the ensemble pieces listed above. Nothing is more irritating than finally choosing the style you want only to find the store is out of one or more of the extra items that you wanted to accessorize in that particular décor. Online, you may have access to all of the items with possible extra savings on shipping charges.
Bedding Comparison Shopping
From the discount stores to the designer showcases, these products certainly vary in pricing. Depending what is included in the bedding you choose, the prices will vary accordingly. A 3 piece set will cost less than a 7 piece set and if you purchase each of the items separately, the overall cost will be more. There isn’t a standard for the amount of items listed in bedding sets, so always be sure to read what is included in the set.
K-Mart and Wal-Mart offer deep discounts on mush of their merchandise. With ordering available online as well in the store, shopping is made easy. Home Essentials and Martha Stewart are two of the most popular distributors sold through K-Mart offering contemporary styles in complete sets as well as individually. Many of their sets offer an 8 piece bedding set which includes 2 sheets, 2 pillow cases, 2 pillow shams, bed ruffle, and a reversible comforter starting at $34.99 for full and queen sizes.
Target offers up a big promotion in the popular Mossimo line which features smart designs targeting younger women. Prices for twin sizes start about $64.99, in full or queen size sets that include the same 8 pieces, retailing at $99.99. Of the other brands sold by Target, some sell for less and others might be more, both in the store and online. JCPenney advertises the similar sets beginning about $50. It pays to check both the store location and their online store to not only compare prices and availability but to also check for some of the other items in that design that are not part of the actual bedding set. Don’t forget to check the sales lists as well.
Prices jump a bit when choosing designer bedding sets for the teenage girl market and although individually they are found in abundance, they may be difficult to find in sets. Some online store fronts like Overstock.com, kaboodle.com and ArtisticSensations.com sell discount designer bedding in an assortment of sets but you may have to hunt for them a bit. Shopping by designer names like Ashley and Lauren often means buying separates. The fabrics included in some of the items may incur higher costs as well. The inclusion of Egyptian sheets and micro suede may add to the overall cost of each item. Prices for designer bedding range from around $100 to upwards of $300. So it pays to shop around.
Choices
As it is with most things, it all boils down to choices and this niche is certainly no exception. We know our individual needs and circumstances better than the retailers and that means we need to be shopper savvy. If your teenage girl is anything like mine or those portrayed on popular television shows, then you know that her bed and her space is used for much more than just sleeping. Activities like watching TV, talking on the phone, playing on the computer and doing homework are often done on top of the bed. When those activities include snacks and drinks, as they so often do, you may want to consider easy to clean fabric options.
Although most of the choices you will find are available in cotton or polyester blends and completely machine washable, care instructions are something to watch for and to consider when shopping for your teenage girl’s bedding. Mixing of fabrics to include leather and suede make for absolutely gorgeous comforters, but those dry cleaning charges may not be a choice you would prefer.
As you shop for all of the different styles, colors and patterns, have fun. Explore the mix and match choices of each design that catches your eye. There are so many choices available in bright and bold colors that collide in a maze of floral prints and polka dots, tie dye abstracts, or in a kaleidoscope of geometric shapes. Pastels and the dainty patterns of flower prints may be more in line with what your choices are. No matter what your personal style, choices abound.
The personal space of any teenager should spotlight the choices that each girl embraces. It is through sports, cheerleading, equestrian pursuits, dance, music, and a host of other endeavors that young ladies learn about the women they will become and carve out a niche for their own future. Encourage the awakening and transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary room full of dreams and aspirations.