Most kids wish to have their own space, but more often than not, they are required to share with their siblings. Creating a bedroom for children to share can be a challenge. It needs to feel personal for each child but also offer a sense of harmony. Although you want the space to maintain balance between their individual tastes, you also need to ensure that the space is functional and sparks creativity.
Divide the Room into Two
One of the most important aspects of designing a shared bedroom is ensuring that each child has their own space. This doesn’t mean you have to put up physical walls; clever use of furniture and layout can create natural boundaries. For example, kids’ bunk beds can serve as an effective space divider, creating distinct zones for each child. You can also use rugs or curtain dividers to further define each child’s area if needed.
Decorate the Walls
A neutral base or soft tones such as a pale grey, off-white or warm pastels can create a calm, versatile backdrop. From there, you can personalise the room depending on each child’s interests or choices. For example, if one child loves space, and the other is into animals, use wall decals or framed prints to reflect those interests without overwhelming the space. Wall shelving is also a good way to provide personal display areas whilst keeping the space neat and organised.
Include Functional Furniture
In a shared bedroom, it’s important that furniture does more than just look good; it should serve a practical purpose too. Choose items that maximise storage and make the space easier to maintain. A set of under-bed drawers, or a lofted bed, can free up floor space, or multipurpose furniture like a desk that doubles as a dressing table can save space. Think about the items your children need for daily activities and try to incorporate them into the furniture and space, too.
Install Additional Lighting
Good lighting is essential in any room, but in a shared bedroom, it’s particularly important to ensure that each child feels comfortable. Consider installing wall-mounted reading lights next to the kids’ bunk beds so both children can have their own light for reading or winding down and a soft overhead light for general illumination. Layering lighting like this ensures that the room is functional for different activities, whether it’s playtime or bedtime.