How to Arrange a Shared Bedroom in 5 Easy Steps

Oh, hi there! If you’ve stumbled upon this post, you’re probably embarking on an exciting new chapter: setting up a shared bedroom for your kids. As a mom of two energetic young boys, I can relate – it can feel overwhelming at first! But with some planning, creativity, and a few handy tips, you can transform that space into a cozy retreat your kiddos will enjoy. So grab your tape measure and designer cap, and let’s get started!

Assessing the Space

The first step is getting a feel for the canvas we have to work with. Measuring your room and taking note of any fixed features will provide crucial info when we start mapping out furniture placement and zones.

Let me tell you, when my boys transitioned from separate rooms to bunk beds, doing an official room measurement was a game-changer! It stopped me from cramming in mismatched furniture that simply didn’t fit. Here’s what I suggest:

• Break out the old measuring tape and jot down the length, width, and ceiling height. Knowing the dimensions will help you decide what size and type of furniture to buy.
• While measuring, note any windows, doors, closets, or architectural details. These permanent fixtures will impact your layout options.
• Remember to measure between fixed points, too – for example, the distance from the door to the window. This will come in handy later!
• If you’re super organized (or have an inner Monica from Friends), create a floorplan sketch showing the fixed details. Apps like RoomSketcher make it easy.

Once you’ve assessed the existing space, it’s time to think about which pieces to bring in. Furniture that pulls double duty is perfect for optimizing every inch. Some of my go-to space-saving ideas:

• Bunk beds are the obvious choice. But trundles and loft beds work, too, giving you extra sleeping space without excess floor footprint.
• Look for a desk that has shelving or cabinets above – bonus storage and work area!
• Go vertical with wall-mounted shelving and cubbies for storing books, toys, and more.
• Make use of under-bed clearance with storage bins and baskets to corral clutter.

Considering the room size and dimensions, you can shop smart and maximize the layout.

Planning the Layout

Now that we have the lowdown on the physical space, we can start mapping out an optimal floorplan. This is when things get fun…and challenging! You’ll want to keep functionality and your children’s needs in mind. Key considerations:

Privacy: Personal space is essential, especially in a shared room. Fortunately, there are clever ways to carve out individual nooks:

• Use screens or dividers to separate sleeping areas or dress-up zones. I like lightweight rattan or fabric room dividers, which provide separation while allowing natural light to flow.
• Drape gauzy curtains around each bed. Pick a neutral linen for an airy, spa-like vibe.
• Face beds foot-to-foot rather than head-to-head. It creates a visual barrier so kids aren’t staring directly at each other.

Zones: Divide the room into sensible zones or activity areas. Here are some tips:

• Position beds in opposite corners or use a divider to define sleep space.
• Set up a designated study area with a shared desk. Make sure it’s well-lit and has enough storage.
• Maximize every inch with storage solutions like shelves, bins, and closet organizers. Label them to avoid clutter chaos!

Planning for your children’s needs will ensure the room supports rest and play. With the proper prep work, you can craft a layout that gives everyone breathing room.

Personalizing Each Area

Once the furniture and general zones are mapped out, it’s time for the fun part – infusing personality! Here are some ways to blend both kids’ styles:

Individual style: Let each kiddo showcase their unique flair:

• Incorporate favorite colors in bedding, wall accents, and lamps. Mixing textures like cotton, velvet, and linen adds depth.
• Display keepsakes or collectibles on their nightstand or dresser.
• Allow them to select their own whimsical lamp or light fixture. It instantly personalizes their space!

Shared touches: While allowing individuality, also tie the room together with some common elements:

• Pick a shared color scheme or pattern, like stripes or polka dots. Use complementary hues.
• Anchor the room with a large area rug. It defines the space while adding warmth.
• Hang matching curtains or pick one large piece of wall art for visual unity.

Here’s a hot tip: Use a color wheel to identify complementary shades for both personalities. This will keep the room looking pulled together. Let the kids unleash their inner interior decorator and make decor decisions together.

Smart Furniture Selections

Let’s choose durable, safe pieces as we furnish our shared space. Kids seem to grow overnight (or is that just me?), so they need sturdy, long-lasting furniture.

Space-saving: Since we’re working with a shared room, multipurpose furniture is ideal:

• Trundle beds are genius – you get two beds in one! To use them, just slide the second mattress under the first.
• Murphy beds fold right into the wall, perfect for quickly opening up floor space for playtime.
• Look for a desk that doubles as a bookcase or has extra shelving for displaying treasures.
• Bunk beds aren’t just for summer camp! They work for siblings of different ages, too.

Durability and safety: Choose furniture that will hold up while keeping your kiddos protected:

• Opt for solid wood pieces over particle board. They’ll better endure wear and tear.
• Check weight limits and stability – make sure items can handle active kids!
• Avoid sharp edges or corners. Rounded edges are safer for rambunctious play.
• Look for secure drawer glides and hinges. Little fingers can get caught in cheap hardware!

The correct furniture picks will withstand spills, sleepovers, and everything else.

Storage Solutions

For a shared room, having a place for everything is essential to maintaining harmony! We’ll want to incorporate storage that keeps our space tidy.

Organized closet: For starters, let’s tackle the shared closet:

• Use double rods so each child has their own hanging space. No more fighting for a room!
• Clear bins and baskets for shelves and corral things like socks and accessories.
• Add closet organizers if you need serious storage reinforcement. The adjustable shelves are perfect.

Creative extras: Next, supplement with fun storage additions:

• Floating shelves display books and treasures in any blank wall spot.
• Over-the-door storage racks add space for coats, bags, and shoes.
• Under-bed bins keep out-of-season clothes or spare linens out of sight but are easily accessible.
• Repurposed vintage crates or buckets make quirky catch-alls for loose items.

Maintaining the organization will be a breeze by ensuring everything has a designated spot!

Pulling it All Together

There you have it – a step-by-step guide to creating a stylish and functional shared bedroom for your kiddos. From maximizing every inch of space to infusing personal style, use these tips to craft a room your children will cherish!

A well-designed shared room offers many benefits beyond saving space. It teaches kids about compromising and respecting each other’s belongings and privacy. Children will also learn important values like responsibility, cooperation, and time management as they share the room.

Setting up a shared bedroom for your children is an opportunity to nurture their creativity and self-expression. Let them take ownership of the process, from picking paint colors to arranging the decor. Get their input each step of the way; it will make them more invested in keeping the room tidy.

To recap, follow this framework as you embark on your shared bedroom design adventure:

1. Measure the physical space and take note of permanent details like windows.
2. Map out sleep, study, and storage zones based on your kids’ needs.
3. Allow for individual style expression while incorporating unifying decorative elements.
4. Select durable, multifunctional furniture suited for growing kids.
5. Incorporate storage solutions to keep clutter contained.

The result should be a bedroom your children are thrilled to call their own! Remember, there are no strict rules – adapt these tips to suit your family’s needs and lifestyles.