In many cases, getting your children to share a bedroom is a necessity. That said, sharing a room can bring siblings closer together and teach them valuable life skills such as how to comprise and respect other people’s belongings. When siblings share a room, there are bound to be disagreements and arguments from time to time. The good news is, you can make it work and create the ideal shared space for your children. Here are our top tips on designing a shared bedroom for your children.
Create a separate space for each child
It is essential that each child has their own space and privacy when they are sharing a room with a sibling. Set up a separate space for your children and allocate special areas for each child’s belongings. If you have an older child sharing with a younger sibling, then provide a secure spot for the older child to keep their valuables away from small prying hands. Many parents choose to divide the shared room in half and furnish each side with a separate bed, desk, storage, etc. Each child is responsible for their side of the room and it is easier to set boundaries and avoid arguments. You can also use an item like a bookcase or a curtain to create a divide in a shared bedroom and give each child their own space. Having privacy is extremely important for children, especially for introverts and children who enjoy relaxing alone.
Use bunk beds to maximise floor space
When you have two children sharing, you have double the clothes, furniture, and toys in one room. This means that you must find creative ways to maximise the floor space. Opting for bunk beds is one of the most effective ways to create extra space in a shared room. Your little ones can use the additional space to play, learn, and have fun together. Bunk beds also create separate sleeping areas which means your little ones are less likely to bother each other at night. Plus, children usually get really excited about the idea of having bunk beds. There is a massive variety of fun and exciting bunk beds, some even come with slides and other practical features such as built-in storage. Keep in mind that health and safety guidelines recommend that children should only be allowed to sleep on the top bunk after the age of six.
Use different decor
It is unlikely that your children will have the same tastes when it comes to decor and styles. If you have two daughters sharing a room, then one might want a Disney-theme and the other might prefer an animal or nature-themed decor, for example. Use different decor in the shared room and allow each child to decorate their part of the room. This will allow your children to express their individuality and create a style that reflects their unique personalities. On the other hand, idealhome.co.uk advises that “keeping the bedroom the same can help to avoid arguments as no one can fight over what’s theirs.” However, this only usually works when the siblings are of a similar age and into the same things.
Invest in quality bedroom furniture
The last thing you want is to have to replace a broken piece of furniture like a bed or a wardrobe. Along with the unexpected cost, you may also have to deal with arguments about one sibling getting something new. The best way to avoid this headache is by investing in quality bedroom furniture made from solid wood. High-end furniture is built to last and should remain in good condition for many years. This is why we always recommend that parents opt for quality children’s furniture, rather than going for the cheapest options. If you’re designing a shared bedroom for two little princesses, then take a look at our collection of girl’s bedroom furniture. We also offer a stylish collection of bedroom furniture that is perfect for little boys.
Final thoughts
Getting your children to share a room can be a great way to save money, maximise space, and accommodate a growing family without the hassle of moving. When siblings share a room, they also form a stronger bond and learn important skills that will benefit them in later life. Creating a stylish and functional shared room for siblings can be difficult, but it is possible to keep everyone happy and avoid arguments. Try the above suggestions to create a welcoming and comfortable shared bedroom for your little ones.