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Solutions to 5 Big Problem Areas in a Kids' Shared Bedroom

We give you solutions to common problems faced when two or more kids share a bedroom

Nadezna Siganporia 11 June 2018

Houzz India Contributor. Nine years ago I jumped into the world of freelance writing. It combines my love for this art form and the ability to carve my own path. I have extensive experience in the fields of design, décor, interiors, travel, food, lifestyle, art and culture writing. My work has been published in Lifestyle Asia India, Houzz India, Elle India, Elle Decor India, India Design ID, Lonely Planet Magazine India, Conde Nast Traveller India, Square Inch by Ogaan Media and Beautiful Homes, among others. Follow me on @nadezna_s (Instagram/Twitter).

Houzz India Contributor. Nine years ago I jumped into the world of freelance writing.... More

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Whether the shared bedroom for a brother and a sister, tweens or teenagers, it can be a little daunting to find a balance between what is needed and what each one wants.

There are a bunch of things you need to keep in mind while planning this room, such as optimal use of floor space, types of beds to use, a colour scheme that grows with them, enough storage, and personalisation of individual zones. We’ve outlined a few issues that come with a shared territory, with solutions that could work for everyone.

Group DCA

Issue: They have very different and distinct tastes when it comes to colour and themes
Solution: The easiest way to solve this is to choose a neutral colour and material palette for expansive surfaces such as wardrobes, beds, walls and floors. Bring in fun elements with furnishings and curios.

A neutral palette is also a perfect canvas for a shared bedroom for a brother and sister and for their growing tastes and needs. When picking a theme, consider broad, timeless accents like geometric shapes or ‘grown-up’ florals which can work well into their teenage years.

Hurst Home Company LLC

You could also balance and contrast their favourite colours into the neutral room decor, such as alcoves above their beds, separate study chairs painted in their favourite colours or a rug that incorporates the shades they prefer. This would especially work in a boy and a girl bedroom.

Check out a few colour options for children’s rooms

Studiovistara

Issue: The room looks too cramped with very little free floor space
Solution: Twin beds take up a lot of the area in a room. An advantage of bunk beds is the efficient use of vertical space, freeing up the valuable floor. This classic bunk bed frame is slim and unobtrusive. It also features extra built-in storage within the structure. When choosing or designing bunk beds, make sure that the top bunk is far away from the ceiling fan and place them away from windows. Add a railing on the top bunk for extra safety.

Bunk beds come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and layouts. Get a few ideas for your kids.

Anchor Wood Products

Pull-out or trundle beds are also great space savers. This bunk-bed with a pull out can comfortably fit three and takes up the space of only one bed when closed during the day. Bed linen and throw cushions infuse the room with colour and fun prints.

Allen Patterson Residential

If you are going in for twin beds, consider an L-shaped arrangement. Each child gets their own bed without blocking the room. A great idea with twin beds is to look at those that come with storage to house shoes, seasonal clothes, bed linen or toys.

Design Office

Issue: There isn’t enough storage space to house their belongings
Solution: Since you need to find enough space for everything, work with multi-functional pieces like beds with drawers or benches with storage. The bedroom needs to have a study zone, so use the vertical space above it efficiently, like these streamlined built-in cabinets above the study area. Remember to firmly anchor any tall freestanding units to the wall for safety.

Learn how to innovatively use every nook with these great storage ideas for bedrooms

Purple Backyard

Whether you go in for a built-in modular wardrobe or a freestanding one, keep in mind that this is another permanent fixture that you want to last for years to come. The wardrobe should be big enough to take on your kids’ growing needs and to be equally shared. Use the space above the wardrobe for extra cabinet storage as well. Consider sliding doors – they work well when space is tight.

Casa Kids

Issue: There is a constant tug of war for personal space
Solution: As your little ones get older, they will crave a bit of their own space. Try to carve out separate zones within a shared bedroom, keeping each equal in size, so there are no arguments. A larger room can accommodate a bookshelf as a room separator, giving each child their own nook. Ceiling-hung canopies over twin beds can also give each one a sense of privacy.

Christopher Burns Interiors

This unconventional arrangement of bunk beds provides a cosy nook for the lower occupant, which could work for an older child, giving them a sense of privacy that your younger one may not need. You could also use this space for inconspicuous storage options like a staircase with drawers built into the risers.

Guthmann Construction

If space permits, carve out a space where your kids can hang out with their friends. A central play area works well for younger siblings while older siblings would appreciate a special spot like this window seat that also incorporates extra storage within its frame.

Check out these personality-filled bedrooms for older children

Prashant Bhat Photography

Issue: How do I personalise their individual spaces?
Solution: Personalise their individual zones with soft furnishings, wall decals and colours that they pick out. These are features that can easily be changed in the future, so the room can grow with them. In a shared bedroom it’s important that each child has an area where they can showcase their special collectibles. The space above each bed is perfect to display their mementos, trophies and personal knick-knacks.

Lakeside Living Design, LLC

In this bedroom the identical beds maintain visual continuity, giving each child equal yet separate spaces. The curtains feature the same pattern which unifies the decor but the different colours give each zone its own identity. The central floor space becomes the perfect shared play zone. Each personality is given the opportunity to shine through, while there is also a common space where your kids can bond.

Read more:
8 Storage Solutions for Shared Children’s Bedrooms
Out-of-the-Box Shelves for Your Kids

Tell us:
What problems have you faced while designing a shared bedroom for your kids? Share your solutions in Comments below.

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Petrina Fernandes

have been looking all over for kids decor. especially wall hangings. can you please suggest where I could shop

1 Like 13 June 2018 at 1:21PM

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Nadezna Siganporia

Hi Petrina. I'm not sure where you can find wall hangings. You could check out the following brands for kid's room decor and furniture:

1 Like 15 June 2018 at 1:27PM

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Harsha BM

These are some very creative solutions. I m looking for for an estimate to have a small room( 10x12) for my kids girl n boy.. though they r too small now longing it to be ready by next year.

Like 16 June 2018 at 12:21PM