Often in cases of damp, it's actually the damp smell in your house that first alerts you to the presence of damp Often before you've even noticed any visible signs, the musty and often very unpleasant aroma will begin to hit you when you enter the affected area. And, if it hasn't happened already, once you start noticing the smell, you'll soon spot damp patches or unsightly mold on the walls, ceiling or skirting boards, wherever the damp might be.
However you want to describe it, the damp smell is pretty horrible. If you're unlucky the damp smell could be a symptom of much more serious issues within a property, such as penetrating damp or rising damp. More often than not though, the damp musty smell will be a symptom of condensation.
The smell of damp in a home is normally caused because of issues with heat and humidity. The key to solving the problem, longer term, is to reduce the level of moisture that is present in the home and to also try to improve the ventilation.
Getting rid of the damp smell – A short term solution
Before explaining a long term solution for getting rid of the damp smell in your home and guarding against it returning, let's look at what can be done to remove the damp smell in the first place.
Obviously, the longer the smell has gone without any treatment or action, the longer it will take to remove it from a property. However, there are general steps to take that can be very useful.
If the damp appears to be coming from the walls, a good starting point will be to gently scrub any damp patches with some water and a cloth. Baking soda is extremely useful here. Just add a small amount to the water and it should make the task of scrubbing the mold away a fair bit easier. You might find that specialist mold removers are necessary in more serious cases.
Often you will find that the damp smell may have transferred itself to clothes or bed linen, or indeed any other fabrics in the home, such as curtains and furniture coverings. Washing these types of items on a normal cycle, after spraying them with white vinegar first, can be excellent for removing the mildew smell.
Baking soda also comes into its own again as a great way of clearing damp smells from ovens and fridges. Just leave a small cupful inside overnight.
Any mold that can be seen on kitchen appliances or grouting should be scrubbed thoroughly with a cloth and any conventional cleaning product.
Inspect any area in the home which smells damp and eliminate all sources. For example, old magazines or cardboard seems to attract the mildew smell and helps it linger. Once you have removed all such things from an area half the battle is won.
Anything that absorbs odors will be useful in getting rid of the damp smell in your home. Various sprays and products are available in most supermarkets that will be helpful. Other less conventional tactics can be employed. Charcoal briquettes, of the types you would use on a barbecue, are excellent absorbents of mildew. Placed in jars or containers, these will help to absorb moisture. Bizarrely, cat litter also does very much the same.
Getting rid of the damp smell – The long term solution
Better ventilation around the home is crucial. Often, this can be as straightforward as opening windows more frequently. In terms of expense, installing fans and vents is likely to be your most costly outlay – if the damp is caused by condensation. Ultimately, anything that reduces the moisture in the home (placing lids on pans during cooking, for example) and anything that ensures that the property is better ventilated will greatly reduce the likelihood of the damp smell returning to your house. Dehumidifiers are very useful at reducing moisture levels and keeping mildew away too.
Damp proof paint is useful, not just for covering over the ugly damp patches and mold spots, but for preventing it returning too – this will help to keep damp smells away as well.
Of course, it is important to bear in mind that the damp smells in your house might be because of more serious damp problems, such as penetrating damp and rising damp. In such cases, further damp treatment will be necessary. However, all the tips here for removing damp smells in the home, both in the short term and the long term, still apply.
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For a teenage boy, his bedroom is like a refuge, a private space where he can go whenever he wants to be alone, where he can pretty much anything he wants and where he can feel free to add his own touch to the interior décor.
View in galleryShared attic bedroom with an overall simple, bright and modern interior décor
Since this space will serve as his bedroom, his office, and as a social area where he'll receive his friends and spend time with them, a teenage boy's room décor needs to be flexible and multifunctional.
What Size Bed Should a 15-Year-Old Have?
Spacious black and white teenager's bedroom featuring clever wall storage systems
Simple teenage boy's room with solid colors and monogram used as an accent
This awesome Star Wars themed bedroom will leave your teenage boy feeling out of this world
When you're looking for teenage boys room design, you might be left wondering what the right bed size is for this particular age.
It is common for teens to prefer a full mattress because it provides plenty of room to spread out yet doesn't feel unduly spacious for a single person. Most teens can sleep peacefully on a twin mattress (even twin XL for taller teens) in a smaller bedroom. Full-sized mattresses aren't needed by teenagers very often.
What Is the Average Size of a Child's Bedroom?
View in gallerySmall but cheerful teenage boy's bedroom with bright orange accent details
On average, a child's bedroom measures around 132 square feet. A minimum of seven by 10 feet is required for the construction of a bedroom. Any room smaller than this minimal bedroom size is deemed unfit for human habitation by the building code.
In terms of the room's dimensions, it doesn't really matter if it's a master or a standard-sized bedroom. Ceilings in children's bedrooms are typically nine feet high, much like in a master bedroom.
The ceiling must be at least seven feet and six inches high in order for a bedroom to be in compliance with building codes. There are some similarities between doors and windows in master bedrooms and the rest of the house, but they tend to be smaller.
What Kind of Bed Should a 4-Year-Old Have?
View in galleryMinimalist bedroom with a black and grey décor and a space-saving pull-out bed
The age of your child will heavily influence the size of bed you purchase. As children grow older, their demands alter. For example, younger children spend more time playing, which means that floor space is frequently more vital than a luxuriously spacious bed to recline in.
On the other hand, as older children spend more time lounging, a large bed may become increasingly critical.
For a four-year-old, a loft bed might be the perfect solution. Loft beds are multi-purpose pieces of furniture featuring a storage room beneath the bed's platform. Additionally, they can incorporate a workstation, a play space, and even an additional bed.
Washable Interior Paints for Boys Bedrooms
View in galleryEclectic bedroom interior with bunk beds, contemporary furniture and blue accents throughout
It's sometimes difficult to find inspiration for a teenage boys room design if you can't even settle on paint color.
Teflon Surface Protector
The good news is that a few paint producers have licensed DuPont's well-known Teflon technology for use as a liquid ingredient in their paints.
Can the same coating that keeps omelets from sticking to pans also keep shoe scuffs from becoming a permanent fixture on the walls of your son's bedroom? The fluorosurfactants used in the paint were developed in 1994 and are connected to the well-known egg-repelling technique.
Teflon-infused paint performs admirably when lightly rubbed with a damp soapy cloth to remove scuffs, deep stains, and dirt. Teflon reduces the surface tension between the contaminating agent and the paint, hence limiting the contaminant's diffusion and penetration of the substrate.
Higher Gloss Paint on Wainscot
It is not necessary to market it as children's room paint or anything else special; any interior paint with a glossier finish will repel stains and scuffs nicely. Thus, eggshell is preferable to matte; satin is preferable to eggshell; semi-gloss is preferable to satin; and so forth. This was nanotechnology before the term was coined.
Glosses are generally considered to be the finest choice for bedrooms. However, if you're dealing with a bedroom that's likely to become a mess (like a teenage boys room), consider copying the elementary school idea and putting wainscot and painting it glossy.
Quality Mattes and Flats
Finding a flat gloss or sheen that is actually washable becomes more difficult. According to professional painters, higher-quality paints are far easier to clean in flat sheens and glosses compared to lower-end products.
As a parent, most people that are looking to decorate a teenage boys room are looking for paints that are easy to clean. As expected, professional-quality paints are more difficult to come by for do-it-yourselfers. It's not as simple as visiting your neighborhood Home Depot.
Kids Bedroom Curtain Ideas for Boys
Vangao Dinosaur Curtains
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From oviraptors to allosaurus, dinosaurs have always been fascinating for boys. Maybe it's because of their majestic and frightful appearance, or the fact that they've been extinct for such a long time, they almost seem like mythical creatures. Whatever the case, if you have a youngster passionate about T-rexes, you have to consider this curtain.
The delicate prints and deep blue color make this curtain suitable even for a teenage boys room because the design doesn't feel childish. Made from polyester, this curtain is a blackout piece of cloth that helps control the amount of natural light that gets into the bedroom. It is a machine-washable product, so it gets bonus points for ease of cleaning.
Pros:
Insulating fabric.
Easy to clean.
Multiple print options.
Cons:
Not as opaque as advertised.
BGment Navy Star Blackout Curtains
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If you want another blackout curtain model for a toddler or a teenage boys room, here is a star-patterned one that we're pretty sure you're going to like. Made from microfiber, these curtains promise to keep out up to 75 percent of UV rays and sunlight but promise to also insulate the room.
They are easy to care for, as they can be washed in the machine using a gentle cycle and cold water. Each curtain panel measures 42 x 63 inches and comes with six metal grommets on the top side. One set includes two of these curtain panels.
Pros:
Multiple size and color options.
Easy to install.
Blocks UV rays.
Cons:
Not fully blackout.
BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom
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Much like the curtains from before, these ones are also made by BGment and feature a microfiber cloth construction that promise to deliver blackout capabilities, but only to a certain degree. You can find these curtains available in a bunch of different sizes, ranging from 46 x 54 inches to 55 x 96 inches.
The set includes two curtain panels, each one equipped with eight silver grommets on the top side. As with other blackout curtains produced by the same manufacturer, these can also be cleaned in the washing machine, provided you use cold water and wash them on a gentle cycle.
Pros:
Multiple size and color options.
Simple design, fits multiple room styles.
Easy to clean.
Cons:
Not fully blackout.
Cholet Bedroom Set
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With this child's low loft bed with slide, bedtime and playing are all confined into one generous space. This low loft bed, finished in a stunning Antique Grey stain and complemented with paneled accents, provides a lovely addition to any child's bedroom.
With this kid's bed, your youngster will never need to be coaxed out of bed in the morning, thanks to the play area beneath that makes waking up enjoyable. The set contains a bed, a chest of drawers, and a bookcase.
Pros:
No box spring required.
Fun slide.
Storage space underneath.
Cons:
Mattress not included.
Things To Consider When Designing A Room For A Teenage Boy
There are no rules when it comes to decorating a teenage boy's bedroom. But there are a few things that should be taken into consideration. For example, the design and décor should focus on functionality while also being approved by your teenager so he won't be embarrassed to show his room to guests when they come by.
View in galleryFootball-inspired teenage boy's room with a combo of vintage and modern details
This means that you should try to find, or come up with. clever and space-saving storage solutions, that are fun, and still considered cool, by your son. Depending on how clean or messy your child is, this will dictate whether you go with an open storage solution versus something that you can close in order to hide the mess which will inevitably accumulate.
Storage ideas
Furniture with built-in storage, or a lofted bed, can help save space in even the smallest of rooms. And if your teenager is sharing the room, this can be a great way to give both their own space with limited room to work with. You can also go the completely opposite direction and invest in minimalistic furniture that will leave the room feeling naturally spacious. Just make sure you stay away from anything that is too young looking to be enjoyed by your teenager, whose interests are probably changing.
Happy Colors
And this brings up the final thing to consider when designing a room for your teenage boy, the colors you use and his interests. Chances are, he is no longer happy with baby blue walls and a toy train décor theme. Consult with your teenager to find out what his interests are, and try to incorporate these into the bedroom. Because the teenage years are often tumultuous, try to add interests and colors in small touches which can be changed as your teenager grows.
Theme decor
It could be useful to select a theme for the décor. It could be something related to movies or music or it can simply be a combination of all the favorite elements your teenage boy wants to incorporate in the décor. As for the chromatic palette, there are lots and lots of options. Most often, blue is a color that's always present. The same goes for black or green accents but this is a detail that has to do with the personal preferences. If you want some suggestions, maybe it would help to take a look at these examples.
The Best Bedroom Designs Your Teenage Boy Will Love
1. Find Ways To Save Space
View in galleryA shared teenage boys' bedroom with bunk beds and colorful carpet
2. Have Plenty Of Storage Available
View in galleryTraditional bedroom retreat with red and blue accents and plenty of storage
3. Keep It Simple With Open Shelving
View in galleryBright, contemporary bedroom with pale green walls and suspended shelf storage
4. Consider A Minimalist Approach
View in galleryContemporary teenage boy's bedroom featuring a bright color palette and minimalist furniture
5. Go For A Classy Color Scheme
View in gallerySleek black and white bedroom with a mobile bed and an overall contemporary décor
6. Use Contrasting Textures
View in galleryIntimate teenage boy's bedroom with a dark color palette and contrasting textures
7. Bunk Beds Can Be A Cool Addition
View in galleryEclectic bedroom interior with bunk beds, contemporary furniture, and blue accents throughout
8. Create Cubby Hole Storage
View in gallerySpacious black and white teenager's bedroom featuring clever wall storage systems
9. Repurpose The Attic So They Can Have Their Own Space
View in galleryA teenager's attic bedroom featuring grey and beige accents
10. Bright Colors Can Be Incorporated Too!
View in gallerySmall but cheerful teenage boy's bedroom with bright orange accent details
11. Make It Modern
View in galleryShared attic bedroom with an overall simple, bright and modern interior décor
12. Decorate With The Help Of Their Favorite Team
View in galleryA traditional boy's bedroom with contrasting black and yellow décor details
13. Put In A Pull-Out Bed For Guests!
View in galleryMinimalist bedroom with a black and grey décor and a space-saving pull-out bed
14. Transform Their Room Into A Gym
View in galleryContemporary teenage boy's bedroom featuring a climbing wall and sports theme décor
15. Incorporate Calming Colors
View in galleryVery simple and tranquil bedroom interior with functional wall storage system
16. Mix Bold And Calming Colors
View in galleryColorful boy's bedroom with white, orange, and blue accents
17. Put Cabinets Above The Bed
View in galleryFunctional and inviting bedroom with a clever space-saving interior design
18. Add Extra Shelving
View in galleryVery airy boy's bedroom with lots of open shelves on all the walls
19. Use What Is Already Available As Storage
View in gallerySmall boy's bedroom with a contemporary design and built-in storage
20. Construct A Sleeping Nook
View in gallerySpace-efficient boy's bedroom with sleeping nook and under-bed storage
21. Built In Desks Rock!
View in galleryChic boy's bedroom with bunk bed and built-in desk and reading nook
22. Instill A Vintage Vibe
View in galleryFootball-inspired teenage boy's room with a combo of vintage and modern details
23. Embrace Open Design
View in gallerySpacious open bedroom with wall storage and a minimalist décor
24. Design The Room Around Their Favorite Music
View in galleryA music-inspired boy's bedroom featuring rustic and vintage décor details
25. Nautical Themes Are Cool At Any Age
View in galleryNautical-inspired boy's bedroom with red and blue accents and striped wallpaper
26. Easy Patriotic Theme
View in galleryA shared boys' bedroom with a traditional interior design and a blue chromatic palette
27. Fun, But Minimal Decor
View in galleryVery simple and airy boy's bedroom with minimalist furniture and fun decorations
28. Don't Crowd The Space
View in galleryA modern and spacious teenager's bedroom with minimalist décor details and a simple color palette
29. History Can Be A Nice Neutral Theme
View in galleryA vintage boy's bedroom with chic decorations and an overall cozy and inviting décor
30. Explore Oversized Artwork
View in galleryContemporary bedroom featuring oversized artwork and subtle accent colors
31. Avoid Overdecorating Small Rooms
View in galleryA small and simple boy's bedroom featuring functional storage spaces and small bursts of color
32. Give The Room An Exclusive Feel
View in galleryA fun tree house-inspired boy's bedroom with painted walls and wooden furniture
33. Eye Catching Patterns Can Be Used To Increase Drama
View in galleryA colorful and dynamic teenage boy's bedroom with lots of storage spaces and eye-catching patterns
34. Consider Using Wallpaper To Accent
View in galleryA simple and modern boy's bedroom with colorful wallpaper and a striped rug
35. Change The Vibe Of The Room With Appropriate Decorations
View in galleryA traditional boy's bedroom with cozy interior and sports-related decorations
36. Accent With Green
View in galleryGreen teenage room with a lot of space
37. Select A Design That Fits Their Media System
View in galleryMedia system for a teenage room
38. Try Unique Space Saving Solutions For Shared Rooms
View in galleryShared teenage boys room with a green theme
39. Add Funk With A Futuristic Look
View in galleryThe future boys room you should take in consideration
40. Let Them Look Towards The Future
View in galleryKids room with airplane wallpaper
It could be useful to select a theme for the décor. It could be something related to movies or music or it can simply be a combination of all the favorite elements your teenage boy wants to incorporate in the décor. As for the chromatic palette, there are lots and lots of options. Most often, blue is a color that's always present. The same goes for black or green accents but this is a detail that has to do with the personal preferences. If you want some suggestions, maybe it would help to take a look at these examples.
Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and rest from pinterest.
41. Hang A Monogram
View in gallerySimple teenage boy's room with solid colors and monogram used as an accent from Project Nursery.
42. Copy Your Son's Favorite Movie
View in galleryThis awesome Star Wars themed bedroom from Suburban Turmoil will leave your teenage boy feeling out of this world
43. Subtle Touches Go A Long Way
View in galleryHometalk offers us this easy bike themed room which requires minimal effort for a mature look
44. Mix Up Patterns For A Mature Look
View in galleryMinimalist teenage boys' room, from The Boo and the Boy, with mixed patterns and minimal furniture
45. Repaint Old Furniture For A New Look
View in galleryHunting themed boy's room with repurposed vintage décor (photo credit: https://64.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1xltyx6cZ1r4h5f7o1_500.jpg)
46. Paint A Chalkboard Wall For Easy Décor Changes
View in galleryAstronomy themed boys' room with chalkboard wall for writing and decoration from Casay Diseno
47. Skip The Fancy Furniture
View in galleryMinimalistic teenage boys' room with the bed placed on a platform on the floor and extended rustic wood paneling
48. Turn Your Attic Into a Lounge with a Couch
Trendy teenage boy's attic room from Design Trends, with a couch for listening to music, studying, or relaxing
49. Decorate With Humor
View in galleryDesign Trends shares this funky teenage boy room with favorite comic strips enlarged and used as wallpaper above the bed
50. Street Signs Make Excellent Contemporary Décor
View in galleryStreet signs used as straightforward decoration in a teenage boy's room
No matter what your son's interests may be, you're bound to find elements he will want to incorporate into his room on this list! So the next time you both have a minute, sit down and discover what unique furniture, hobbies, and colors he would want to put into his ideal room. Together you'll be able to create the teenage boy room of his dreams that he won't be able to resist showing off to friends and family!