Sharing is Caring: How to Create a Bedroom for Two or More Kids
As many young couples choose homes in the city over the suburbs in order to cut the lengthy commute to and from work, they are faced with a new problem – lack of space. For that reason, space-saving design solutions are a must for big-city living, so more often then not, couples find themselves making a single bedroom fit more than one child. Although this seems like a daunting task, especially when genders or tastes differ, it can be achieved with the help of a clever design scheme. By choosing the right kids furniture that’s equal parts functional, multi-purpose, and energetic you can make creative use of your limited space and make all sides involved happy.
Think About Space-efficient Solutions
When designing a shared room, finding enough space for twice as much things is the most common problem. This is where you need to be resourceful and implement multi-functional and shared solutions. Simple, streamlined kids furniture can keep the room open and spacious to allow more space for movement and playing. As a rule concerning sibling rooms, bunk beds are always a good choice. Whether L-shaped or vertical, these beds are designed for efficient use of space. Some bunk beds even feature built-in storage and drop-down desks.
Speaking of storage, under the bed rollaway drawers for clothes and open shelving on the sides of the bunk bed for things like books and toys can reduce the amount of clutter and even eliminate the need for a freestanding wardrobe. You can also consider other multi-purpose kids furniture such as play tables with hidden storage space or ottomans that also act as toy chests. Well shelving for books and schools supplies is extremely convenient for freeing up valuable space. Whereas for clothing, racks and door hooks are handy for keeping those every-day items of the bed and chairs.
A Room for Everyone
Designing a room for a brother and sister can be tricky to achieve, especially when both are too young to voice their wishes. In that case, going with a neutral colour palette is the best decision. Use gender-neutral colours in the main elements – furniture, walls and rugs. Then, when your kids are old enough they can easily get involved in choosing the accessories. Of course, choosing a neutral palette doesn’t mean everything should be monochrome. In fact, there are beautiful colour combos such as white and grey, turquoise and white for a more tranquil atmosphere, and red and grey, yellow and navy, for a more energetic look.
But sometimes it’s not a girl and a boy you need to keep happy, but a 1-year-old and 6-year-old adding a completely new level of anxiety. For such a wide age gap, the first thing to do is think about furniture layouts. If you have a small child, chances are you’re going to be in and out of the room to check on it. Place his/her crib near the door so that you can have a better view. Then consider how the two are going to use the room. If you have a school-aged kid, place his/her books and school supplies high up on shelves so that the little one won’t touch them. Also, consider separating the play area from the work desk by getting a play tent or a floor mat. Always be aware of what is placed floor level and within the reach of the little one and keep small items and choking-hazards on the higher levels.
