Your Children Share the Same Bedroom? Here are 4 Tips for an Efficient Layout
Megan DeslongchampsWhether by necessity or by choice, the two-child bedroom is making a comeback. Indeed, the latter is gaining in popularity, not least for its practicality. However, it's important to respect a few principles to ensure that the children live together harmoniously and that the space created is convivial and personalized. Here are our 4 tips for creating a functional shared bedroom.
1. Choose the right beds
It's important to choose the right beds for the room you're planning to design. Depending on the age of the children and the configuration of the room, you may opt for traditional bunk beds or a loft bed with play space underneath. A loft bed that has a desk under the bunk creates two spaces in one: a bedroom and an office. Because it's important to make the most of every available square meter!
Safety first!
Important fact: Health Canada recommends that the child sleeping in the top bunk is at least six years old, and that there is a device (ladder or steps) for getting in and out of the bed safely!
What is a mates bed?
A mates bed is a single bed with storage in the frame. This type of bed with drawers offers extra storage for toys, books and out-of-season clothes. We love it because it doubles as a chest of drawers and a bed! The best of both worlds!
2. Decorate to create two distinct spaces
The bedroom is shared, yes. But the fact remains that each child needs (and is entitled to!) his or her own little space, even if the room is unisex. While the choice of beds can help you create two distinct children's areas, other solutions should not be overlooked. Choosing two colors, or two shades that complement each other to create a harmonious room can help delimit the spaces for each child. Lighting fixtures can help create different zones in a room for two children.
Accessories such as decorative cushions, bedding, frames or paintings can help personalize each child's space. You can also opt for curtains and movable partitions (which you can make yourself at little cost!) or, why not, furniture to maximize the use of space. The two-drawer bedside table, the chest or the wardrobe armoire are interesting options. The bookcase is a practical and aesthetic choice: it can match the furniture chosen for the rest of the room, while still providing a place to store your little ones' favorite tales and stuffed animals! Because you can never have too much storage!
3. Make the most of available space
You need storage! Walls can be fitted with cute hooks for children's bathrobes and coats. Beds can conceal storage baskets and drawers. Some models incorporate both drawers and shelving in the headboard: the best of both worlds!
Decorative baskets, chests or original wooden crates (another great DIY project!) can be strategically placed to hold toys. Finally, if the shared bedroom wardrobe is spacious enough, you can also separate the spaces for each child by providing age-appropriate storage solutions.
4. Set up a common area
Each child should have his or her own space, yes, but they should also have a corner where they can develop their complicity, share laughs and come up with crazy plans, especially if they are close in age. The famous play tent decorated with cushions and blankets is a winning choice. In this little corner of the room, each child can add his or her own personal touch by carefully choosing a decorative accessory such as a cushion or rug, a plush toy or a blanket with fun prints.
Thanks to those 4 tips and tricks to create a functional shared bedroom, your children will feel more involved in the realization of this project, which will undoubtedly contribute to making it a space where they can feel happy and themselves.