We tore everything out and gutted the space down to the bones, giving us a blank canvas to work with. While your makeover may not be as extreme, these ideas can still be applied to create a cool, functional space that your boy will love!

Now, this room is the coolest space where he can relax, play, do homework, and just be in his room. Let’s dive into all the modern boys bedroom ideas, from paint colors to design and decor!

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Just a friendly reminder: This tutorial and any opinions or recommendations are genuinely mine, but this is not a substitute for consulting a professional. I also use affiliate links to earn a commission.

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Attic Bedroom Ideas

Cape Cod houses and their slanted ceilings. If you’ve ever lived in one, you know the challenge of trying to make awkward angles and low ceilings work. Here’s how we made the most of this funky Cape Cod bedroom layout:

1. We raised the ceiling rafters and pushed the wall studs back, squeezing every last inch of space out of this funky Cape Cod layout. It might’ve only been a few extra feet, but the difference? Totally worth all the work!
2. We turned the old closet area into a super practical setup: most of the space is now a built-in desk nook with a display shelf for all his cool stuff. Right next to it, there’s a smaller mini closet, perfect for hanging a few clothes and storing a laundry basket.
3. Instead of fighting the half walls, we made the most of them! My dad built six oversized drawers right into that tricky space. It’s like having a built-in dresser, but way cooler.
4. We added an open shelf above the built-in drawers. The slanted ceiling made it too tight for another drawer, but there was plenty of room for a shelf! It’s the perfect spot for displaying all sorts of treasures.
5. Added recessed lights to brighten the room without any hanging fixtures getting in the way. This sleek lighting option not only enhances the overall brightness but also helps maintain an open, airy feel. Plus, it allows for more design flexibility, as we can layer the lighting with other sources later on. 

Boys Bedroom Color Palette

I started with a warm white from Behr called Natural White for the entire room. Harrison initially wanted the whole room painted black, but I refused to paint the shiplap black—no way was I dealing with those cracks! 

We compromised with a black accent wall, but it ended up making the space feel really small—even my 9-year-old noticed it without me saying anything. So, I pivoted and used black metal accents for the bed frame, nightstands, and light fixtures instead. 

For the floors, I used a combination of Natural White and Better Than Beige by Behr. This blend gave the checkered pattern contrast without being too overpowering.

To incorporate his desire for red, I added accents throughout the room, including the bedding, light fixtures, and a hand-painted wallpaper accent in the shade “No More Drama.” Finding the right red can be a challenge, but this shade? It’s perfect. 

Bedroom DIY Projects

This bedroom makeover ended up including a bunch of DIY projects I’d been eager to try. Not only did they add character to the space, but they also helped keep costs down.

Checkered Painted Floors

Painting the checkered pattern on the floors was such a blast! It was easy to do and made a big difference in the room. To learn how easy it is, check out my step-by-step guide to painting checked floors for all the details!

Hand-Painted Wallpaper Accent Wall

For the small accent wall in the desk nook, I went with a brush stroke hand-painted wallpaper. It was the perfect way to add some unique charm to a cozy spot. All it took was a paintbrush and some leftover paint. Want to recreate this in your home? Check out my blog post all about hand painted wallpaper for the details!

From free pile find to stunning desk chair! I saved this chair in my garage for over a year, knowing it had the potential to be something special. I’m so glad I did! The mix of wood and black paint totally nailed the vibe of this room. The black gives it a bold contrast and ties in perfectly with his bed frame. It’s got that vintage but “cool” feel, and I’m so happy with how it turned out!

I’m sharing exactly how I tackled this makeover, with easy steps and tips—check out this Painted Wood Chair Makeover post for all the details!

Spray-Painted Light Fixtures

Since the walls are short, I needed a small sconce to fit the space. When I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted in the right color, I decided to spray paint them myself—as if I needed an excuse to break out the spray paint!

​​Boy Bedroom Design and Decor

Decorating a boy’s room felt particularly challenging—balancing his unique interests with my vintage preferences, while trying to give him independence and keep things practical. Here’s how I tackled the room decor in this makeover.

Bedding 

His bedding is all about mixing patterns and layering with sheets, pillows, and quilts for a dynamic and cozy vibe. I chose a mix of Swiss cross, stripes, and plaids to keep things visually engaging and warm. The layered patterns not only make the bed a cool focal point in his room but also reflect his vibrant style, creating a space where he can truly relax and feel at home.

Curtains

I added curtains to enhance the room’s coziness. I used a black metal industrial-style rod to tie into the bed frame and hung it high above the window to give the impression of taller ceilings. The curtain color strikes the perfect balance between the white walls and the beige floor.

To help block out the light, I plan to add a woven shade because anything that helps my kids sleep longer is a win in my book! I’ll link it here once I find the perfect shade.

Nightstands

If you recall, I was torn between light and dark wood, but I ended up snagging these free dark wood nightstands. The rich, dark wood, with its deep tones and subtle grain, adds a sense of warmth and elegance to the room. The nightstands feature black metal accents, which couldn’t be more perfect.

Lighting

I’m a bit of a light psycho and absolutely love ambient lighting, so I made sure to add it in all the right places. I placed accent lighting next to the bed, on the back wall, and over the desk nook to create a cozy and functional atmosphere. 

The bedside lights are perfect for drawing or reading, while the back wall scones adds a soft, inviting touch. The desk nook has focused lighting to ensure it’s well-lit for work or creativity, and it all ties together to create a beautifully balanced and ambient space.

Rugs  

As much as I love how the wood floors turned out, they’re not the coziest. To create a more comfortable and inviting space, I went for a layered rug look. I chose a larger rug to add a plush, cushioned feel. 

On top of that, I layered a patterned rug to carry over the mix of bold patterns from the bedding and introduce some visual interest and extra warmth. The combination is not only functional but also adds a stylish touch to the room.

For all the details on how to layer a bedroom rug, check out my full post where I’m sharing tips on picking the right rug design and size!

Artwork

If you remember, at the start of the project Harrison hadn’t quite nailed down his interests. He has posters and artwork about everything from soccer and war planes to sharks, and I’m still figuring out how to fit all of these into the room—stay tuned! But one thing we knew for sure would be incorporated was the Bills. My boys loooove the Bills—Go Bills! So, naturally, the room features artwork of Buffalo Bills legends Jim Kelly and Josh Allen.

Here’s a funny story: Harrison slapped a Bills sticker on the accent wall before I’d even finished the project. It gave me a heart attack since I hadn’t gotten my project photos yet, but then I reminded myself this is his room. Luckily, the sticker peeled off easily—phew!

If you missed it, go check out the preteen boys bedroom design inspiration for this room!

Mirror 

I found a dark wood mirror with curved edges at Walmart, of all places. It softened the harsh lines used throughout the room and was placed near his wall of drawers. I thought it was important for him to have a mirror—whether he’ll use it to check his muscles or make sure his outfit matches, who knows? But it adds a nice touch and might come in handy as he grows.

Drawer Hardware

The drawers serve as a functional use of space and are beyond special since Papa made them. I chose modern 14-inch handles that are perfect for the large drawer size. They’re both practical and sleek, tying into the other metal touches in the room, and don’t stick out too far—important because the sloped ceiling makes the space tight.

Adding the drawers eliminated the need for a dresser, which is a huge win for dealing with the slanted walls. Instead of a bulky dresser sticking out into the room, we’re utilizing that dead space beneath the slanted ceilings. And let’s talk about storage—these drawers are massive! In fact, all the clothes from his old dresser fit into just three of these drawers! It’s a game-changer for keeping the room neat and maximizing space.

Open Shelving

Above the drawers, I added an open shelf, which is another fantastic way to utilize the space. The slanted ceiling made it too tight for another drawer, but there was plenty of room for a shelf! It’s the perfect spot for displaying all sorts of treasures.

Right now, he has his Lego mini figures and Minecraft characters lined up, and I love how this allows him to express himself through his collection. It’s such a personal touch that not only makes the room feel truly his, but it’s also a space that can easily evolve and grow with him as his interests change!

Shiplap Ceilings

To finish off this attic bedroom remodel, we added a shiplap ceiling, which gave the room a fresh, cozy feel with just the right touch of texture. This space went from barely usable to his own personal hangout—proof that a little vision (and a lot of demo) can totally transform a space! Pst- if you’re planning to paint shiplap, these tips are for you!

Boy Bedroom Makeover Sources

From demo to decor, I put together everything I used in this attic bedroom makeover all in one place – check out my sources here!

Paint Colors

• Walls: Behr Natural White
• Floors: Behr Natural White and Better Than Beige
• Brushstroke Accent Wall: No More Drama

Decor

Here is a link to all of these boy bedroom decor sources!

Additional Details

• Brown Plaid Pouf
• Hook and Loom Rug (8×10)
• Pillow Cases: Beddy’s Bedding “Kennedy”
• Red Oversized Lumbar Pillow: Serena & Lily
• Buffalo Bills Artwork: Sourced using these tips for sourcing artwork from Jenna Sue!

Boy Bedroom Makeover Before + After

This attic bedroom makeover has been a labor of love, transforming a cramped, outdated space into a vibrant and functional boy bedroom. From the initial demo to the final touches of decor, each step was about maximizing space and reflecting my son’s unique interests and personality. With DIY projects, thoughtful color choices, and carefully selected furnishings, the room now offers both style and comfort.

What makes this remodel even more special is that it’s  his own space. The other night, as we walked up the stairs to bed, he said to me, “I just love my room,” and hearing that made all the effort worth it. 

It’s amazing to see how far it’s come—from bare studs to the cozy, personalized space it is today. I hope this boy bedroom makeover inspires you to tackle your own attic remodel and create a space that’s truly your own!

Hey Girl!

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