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How To Decorate A Teen Girl's Desk

June 14, 2013

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Looking for an easy way to decorate a teen girl's desk?

Here's a quick, easy and inexpensive way to dress up a plain desk or table and personalize it, too. It's a simple project that both adds style and inspires.

Teen girl's desk with glass over cut out quotes

My love of home décor and my husband's innate DIY skills are apparently hereditary.

It's either that or a childhood spent completely immersed in our crazy renovations and design projects has altered their DNA.

Either way, be it nature or nurture, I have to say that my kids are very crafty.

They truly enjoy beautifying their spaces and have strong opinions, especially when it comes to their rooms.

Recently, my eldest decided that her desk/ vanity was boring and it needed a little sprucing up.

She came to me one night to ask if the printer had enough colored ink, because she wanted to do a decorating project in her bedroom.

She explained that she was going to print up some of her favorite quotes (apparently, addiction is also hereditary), cut them out and display them under the glass of her desk.

She said she wanted it to be pretty, but also inspiring.

Trying to be a very supportive mom, I told her that I thought it was a great idea ~ knock yourself out.

White wicker desk used as vanity

How To Decorate A Teen Girl's Desk


To start, she spent some time on Instagram and then online looking for quotes that resonated with her.

She used PicMonkey to design her own versions of the quote artwork and then printed them out.

Then she carefully cut them, using a straightedge to make sure they were neat.

Printed pile of quotes on desk with scissors

Next, she laid them out on the desk to arrange them.

Of course, she moved them around a bunch of times to make sure that she was happy with the way the pattern of colors and shapes that were set.

She also took these lovely pictures along the way to document her project.

Like I said, crafty.

Cut out quotes on desktop

Lastly, she popped the glass back on top, careful not to disturb the papers.

She called me into the room to check it out and I have to say, I was really impressed.

I must admit, decorating snob and total control freak that I am, I thought that it may look a bit junky and would wreck my carefully crafted aesthetic, but she did a fantastic job.

It's very polished and the colors look great, but most importantly, she is thrilled with it and, after all, it is her room.

I guess it's time for me to back off and let her find her own style.

And apparently, she already has some other ideas. Like redecorating with bamboo shades and boho accents.

Great.

After Photo of desk DIY with quotes under glass

I'm just kidding.

The kid has a great eye.

Her first independent decorating project was a huge success.

She loves the way it turned out and she loves waking up to those handpicked quotes every morning.

It's a great way for her to start her day and as her mom, I love that.

I also love the fact that since she completed this project, her desk has been neat as a pin.

Hmmm...maybe I should have her redecorate the whole house.

What do you think?

Decorate a teen desk text over desk before and during

More Tips For Decorating A Glass Topped Desk 


  • I have glass cut all the time to protect furniture. It's not that expensive and it really protects the furniture.
  • It's easy to clean, so in teen rooms, I don't have to worry about water damage, markers or make up. It all just wipes away.
  • A variety of items look great under glass.
  • For a personalized look, use photographs, color or black and white.
  • For an antiqued look, go with sepia photos or use old newspaper clippings.
  • In a kitchen, recipe cards are a great choice. In a playroom, colorful kids' creations are a fun addition, plus it's a great way to display their latest projects.
  • For added drama, add a matte to photos or artwork.
  • Decide on your design, do you want overlapping pieces, a haphazard look or a carefully spaced arrangement?


Happy Crafting, Friends!
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 21 Comments

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  1. What a great idea! So unique, I love it!

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  2. beautiful! And the what a great place to have such inspirational sayings :)

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    1. Thank you ladies! My daughter will be thrilled to hear such nice things about her work!

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  3. What a great idea! Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

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    1. Thanks Melissa, my daughter is so excited to see everyone's lovely comments! Thanks for popping by to check it out.

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  4. What a gorgeous idea! My daughter would love that for her desk too.

    I just popped by via Monday Funday. Please drop by if you have a chance and Say G'day!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz
    www.natashainoz.com

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    1. It did turn out really well! Thanks, Natasha!

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  5. What a great idea and what a creative daughter!

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    1. She is super creative! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! Thanks for the sweet comment! :)

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  6. Hi Kim,

    Brilliant idea and pretty display! I enjoyed reading your 'take' on the decorating 'gene' and in honour of your daughter's creativity, let us highlight the occasion with yet another great quote, and say, 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!'!

    Poppy

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    1. Poppy, that is my mom's favorite saying and I do believe it is true ~ especially in this case! Thanks for your lovely comment, as always!

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  7. I think it's a great idea and she did a great job, Kim!

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    1. Thanks Kathy! She worked really hard on it! Thanks for popping by to check it out.

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  8. I love simple projects that turn out fabulous! Great job!

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  9. Kudos to her. One couldn't even have seen my kids' desks with all of the junk on top.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2013/06/wordless-wednesday-haircuts.html

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    1. Haha! Trust me Joyce, it looked that way until she decided to make it pretty! We'll see how long it lasts! :)

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  10. This is such a fun idea! Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays. x

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    1. Thanks Danielle! I will pass your comment on to my daughter. She is so excited to be getting such positive feedback!

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  11. Such a great idea! Perfect for any desk! Thank you so much for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday!
    Jamie @
    Better With Age

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for popping by to check it out, Jamie and thanks for the great party each week!

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