When it comes to having two kids occupy the same bedroom, carefully planning the room’s layout is essential if you want to meet the needs of each child while maximizing comfort and functionality.
The most important thing is to ensure each sibling feels that their bedroom reflects their personality and is their little sanctuary… despite sharing it with a brother or sister! So, how can you achieve this?
Choose Beds Designed to Fit Small Spaces
- Bunk Beds with Integrated Storage
You’ve probably already considered this option. It’s a classic solution for good reason: bunk beds are excellent space savers. Pick a modern model with built-in drawers!
- Trundle Beds
Ideal for small bedrooms, this type of bed comes with a second bed on wheels which can be stored away under the first. Make certain, however, that the model has sturdy wheels as some beds are not built to withstand daily use.
- Loft Beds With Underneath Play Area
Loft beds free up floor space which can serve as a play or study area for each child. It’s a wonderful solution for optimizing the use of space in a small bedroom.
- A Big Single Bed
But why not have them sleep in the same bed? This way you can be sure you’ll have enough room for dressers and wardrobes.
Personalize Each Sleep Zone
Encourage your kids to customize their sleeping area by letting them pick out colours, themes or accessories. This could be with different bedding, photo frames or shelving units for their favourite books and toys. If you want the overall decor to remain cohesive, think about restricting the colour palette or find a way to reduce each zone’s visual impact in relation to the room as a whole.
Install Effective Storage Units
Storage is one of the challenges of a shared bedroom. Make sure you don’t waste an inch of space with wall-mounted shelves, bins under beds or slim wardrobes. There are even toy storage hammocks, ideal for stuffed animals, for example, that you can hang in a corner of the ceiling. Seasonal decluttering sessions of superfluous items may also be necessary: kids grow up fast and their taste change just as quickly!
Set Up a Shared Study Area
If space allows, bring in a double desk or a long desk with two separate workstations. This will encourage siblings to do their homework together all the while respecting their need for privacy.
Create a Gallery Wall
Reserve one wall as a gallery space where each child can display their art and projects. This gives them the opportunity to customize the room and nurtures in both a sense of pride and belonging.
Focus on Multifunctional Furniture
Opt for furniture that can serve a multitude of purposes, like storage benches, or that can be moved around effortlessly, like floor lamps on wheels. Again, maximize your use of space with a wall-mounted table, for example, that can function as a work surface and be folded out of the way against the wall.
Stick on Labels
Labelled baskets and storage bins are very useful for keeping the kids’ stuff organized and easy to find. They’re also great for preventing arguments!
Create Two Distinct Zones
Split the room into two separate zones with curtains, a bookcase, or panel room dividers. This ensures each child has their own personal space which they can decorate as they like.
Install Headboards with Storage Compartments
Headboards with built-in storage cubbies provide extra storage space for bedtime reading, lamps, or small personal objects.
Layer Light Sources
Versatile light fixtures, such as clamp-on desk lamps or fairy lights, let each child control their own lighting without disturbing the other. This is especially helpful if the siblings go to bed at different times or require specific illumination levels to read or play.
As you can see, the key to success lies in maximizing the use of space while enabling each child to express their personality!