Cute Decorating Ideas for a Preteen Girl's Bedroom

Bedding

• The bed is the focal point of a room, so you can use the bedding as a starting point for decorating the rest of the space. Floral bedding and comforters featuring bright colors work well with preteen girls. Add plenty of throw pillows to give the bed a luxurious look. A wicker headboard will please preteen girls who are looking for a soft, romantic look, while a scrolled black metal headboard provides an edgier look. Avoid trends like comforters featuring current celebrities unless you plan to replace the bedding when your daughter outgrows her infatuation.

Walls

• One of the least expensive ways to give a room an entirely new look is to add a coat of paint. Guide your preteen to choose a color that she is likely to enjoy in her teen years. Use a favorite throw pillow or comforter to get ideas for a color that will complement the bed. Don't overlook art for the walls. Encourage your preteen to select art that goes beyond the latest trend. If she insists on a poster of the latest teen idol, however, frame it in a reusable poster frame so she can replace it when her tastes change. Use removable wall decals to further personalize the room -- since they aren't permanent, you won't need to repaint if she tires of the look.

Lighting

• Lighting helps to create the ambiance for a room, and fun, funky lighting can often be just the thing to provide a preteen girl with the look she wants. Try a table lamp with a beaded lampshade or a floor lamp with multiple bright-colored sconces. For an inexpensive lighting option that works well in a room, hang paper Chinese lanterns in a cluster of varying heights. Don't overlook chandeliers -- a girl who likes the princess look will likely find this lighting to her liking.

Flooring

• If you are replacing the flooring in your preteen's room, consider using carpet tiles to give the room an eclectic look. They come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing your preteen to choose from a wide variety of styles. Checkerboard and other patterns can be created from the tiles, as well. Remember that the more insulated the floor is, the fewer sounds you will be able to hear from her room -- a blessing when she cranks up the radio. In addition, throw rugs are a quick way to give a room a new look. Coordinate the rug with the bedding for a cohesive look. Your preteen may find rugs in the shape of a daisy or a smiley face to be a cute addition to her room. Toss a few large throw pillows on the floor to give her and her friends a place to relax.