There’s More To Shared Bedrooms Than Bunk Beds
by Sherrie Le Masurier
Children are taught to share at a young age and while it may be a worthy lesson to learn, it can be a hard one when it comes to a shared bedroom. Shared bedrooms can be a challenge for kids and parent’s alike. Sure bunk beds are great but there’s still so much to consider when it comes to kid’s sharing bedrooms and decorating a shared bedroom space.
Today I hope to address some of the questions I frequently get from parents who are at a loss as to how create the best shared bedroom environment for their kids.
When it comes designing a shared bedroom space, you need to first give consider to each child’s need for space and privacy.
Siblings often fluctuate between getting along like two peas in a pod, to having the battle lines drawn and being at war. Each child needs to have her own space that goes beyond having the top or bottom of a bunk bed.
Today I hope to address some of the questions I frequently get from parents who are at a loss as to how create the best shared bedroom environment for their kids.
When it comes designing a shared bedroom space, you need to first give consider to each child’s need for space and privacy.
Siblings often fluctuate between getting along like two peas in a pod, to having the battle lines drawn and being at war. Each child needs to have her own space that goes beyond having the top or bottom of a bunk bed.
If sharing a bedroom is the only option then you need to be creative and plan out a shared bedroom space that addresses privacy as well as personal space.Start by coming up with a list of needs for each child - it can be based on age, interests, personality and gender. Depending on the ages of your children you’ll want to give consideration to the following activity zones: sleeping, study/computer, clothes storage, toy storage, play, reading and hobby area.
The key to successfully planning out and decorating a shared bedroom is to consult with your kids and involve them in the process.
Discuss with your kids everything from room colors to furniture as well as any theme, decor accents or storage ideas they may have.For instance do they like the idea of bunk beds or would they rather have two twin beds side by side or with their headboards placed together so they’re looking away from each other? If you opt for twin beds, place them lengthwise against a wall to maximize space.
To create even further privacy consider bed tents e.g. ready made ones that come with you bunk bed kit, ones you can make yourself by draping a sheet to block off the bottom bed or by adding individual bed canopies. No matter the age, kids love to hide, pretend and daydream.
Using different colors to identify each child’s personal space is a great idea. But what happens if both kids like the same color? In this case, you could select two different shades of the same color or incorporate a stripe, pattern or polka dot theme that features the favored color. Reversible bedding is also a great idea. One child’s bed sports a solid color comforter or duvet and the other displays a pattern in the same color.
Following is a collection of different kinds of storage containers you can to color code and organize each child's stuff.
Using different colors to identify each child’s personal space is a great idea. But what happens if both kids like the same color? In this case, you could select two different shades of the same color or incorporate a stripe, pattern or polka dot theme that features the favored color. Reversible bedding is also a great idea. One child’s bed sports a solid color comforter or duvet and the other displays a pattern in the same color.
Following is a collection of different kinds of storage containers you can to color code and organize each child's stuff.