We are Family: 7 Steps to Shared Bedrooms for Siblings
Not quite grown up but certainly more independent, tweens need cohesiveness, individuality, and fun
For some parents, there is no solution to sibling squabbles – invariably they will argue over shared spaces and each other’s clutter. However, if the design of the room is well thought out, it can reduce arguments and help the young dwellers cohabit better. Here are some helpful tips for creating a happy and functional room for young roommates.
2. Get them involved in the design
Parents usually have a lot of grand ideas for their kids’ room but they should take into consideration the little inhabitants’ preferences too.
Get the young ones to pick out a common palette that they both agree on for the room. Let them put up wall art and posters behind their beds, and find a way to display their accessories together. You could make a wall or walls available where they could both stick their favourite decals and stickers, as seen in this room by Savio & Rupa Interior Concepts.
Parents usually have a lot of grand ideas for their kids’ room but they should take into consideration the little inhabitants’ preferences too.
Get the young ones to pick out a common palette that they both agree on for the room. Let them put up wall art and posters behind their beds, and find a way to display their accessories together. You could make a wall or walls available where they could both stick their favourite decals and stickers, as seen in this room by Savio & Rupa Interior Concepts.
3. Choose separate beds
If a shared bed is leading to constant arguments and fights for space, then consider going in for twin beds – or bunk beds, if your children are still in the age group of three to ten years. Here, Group DCA has created a soft-toned, wooden bunk bed that complements the room’s design. The spacious beds give enough room for each sibling to stretch out and sleep peacefully.
The highs and lows of bunk beds
If a shared bed is leading to constant arguments and fights for space, then consider going in for twin beds – or bunk beds, if your children are still in the age group of three to ten years. Here, Group DCA has created a soft-toned, wooden bunk bed that complements the room’s design. The spacious beds give enough room for each sibling to stretch out and sleep peacefully.
The highs and lows of bunk beds
4. Help them arrange everything…
… and share storage spaces. Shelves are a great option for shared children’s bedrooms. Divide the shelves among the siblings and label them – they can store their toys, stationery, books and more. This helps them define their own territory that they can be responsible for. It also helps keep their essentials neatly, so the room looks tidy.
… and share storage spaces. Shelves are a great option for shared children’s bedrooms. Divide the shelves among the siblings and label them – they can store their toys, stationery, books and more. This helps them define their own territory that they can be responsible for. It also helps keep their essentials neatly, so the room looks tidy.
5. Give them their personal study area
When it comes to studying or reading time, peace and quiet is paramount. No matter how small or big a room is, it’s advisable to have two separate desks or chairs for the children. You could have a long custom desk too, with two separate stools, as seen in this room. Each child should feel they have their own space to study in.
When it comes to studying or reading time, peace and quiet is paramount. No matter how small or big a room is, it’s advisable to have two separate desks or chairs for the children. You could have a long custom desk too, with two separate stools, as seen in this room. Each child should feel they have their own space to study in.
6. Create a hideaway
Sometimes living in a shared space can get a little suffocating – kids can crave some alone time inside a cave-like space where they can hibernate, away from everyone’s eyes. If the room is large enough, create a custom hideaway like this one; or it could be a playhouse or even a small tent.
Sometimes living in a shared space can get a little suffocating – kids can crave some alone time inside a cave-like space where they can hibernate, away from everyone’s eyes. If the room is large enough, create a custom hideaway like this one; or it could be a playhouse or even a small tent.
7. Display their achievements proudly
This is a great way for parents to show their children that they are proud of them. Free up the floor space and install wall units to display each child’s laurels, books and art. Make a big deal out of their achievements!
TELL US
Do your kids share a room? How do you ensure they get along? Post your comments below.
MORE
Read more kids’ bedroom stories
This is a great way for parents to show their children that they are proud of them. Free up the floor space and install wall units to display each child’s laurels, books and art. Make a big deal out of their achievements!
TELL US
Do your kids share a room? How do you ensure they get along? Post your comments below.
MORE
Read more kids’ bedroom stories
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To keep arguments and fights to a minimum, set certain ground rules – teach them to ask before using someone else’s things, to respect each other’s privacy and space, and not take over the room with one person’s clutter. Start the practice of weekend cleaning – encourage them to discard what’s not important and always keep their room neat, clean and tidy.
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