May 12, 2020, 9:38 am | Read time: 5 minutes
In some homes, there isn’t enough space to set up multiple children’s rooms. In certain cases, siblings may prefer to share a room rather than live alone. In such situations, parents need a solid plan for room design to ensure each child has their own area and enough space. An interior designer explains what is important in this process.
In a shared sibling room, several areas need to be covered–almost regardless of the age difference. There must be space for playing, storing, retreating, and, of course, sleeping. So what should you consider when planning a children’s room for siblings?
Setting Up a Sibling Room–Loft Bed or Bunk Bed?
When setting up a children’s room for siblings and designing separate sleeping areas, there are various options. For children of the same or similar age, bunk beds, also known as loft beds, are very popular. The only point of contention is: Who sleeps on top, and who sleeps on the bottom? Otherwise, a bunk bed offers the same conditions for both siblings. Each has their own sleeping area. This type of bed also requires little floor space, leaving more room for the kids to play and romp. Especially in small sibling rooms, a bunk bed is sometimes the only viable option.
The same applies to loft beds. While they take up space in the children’s room, the lower part is well-suited for an additional mattress, a cave, a play area, or even a sofa space.
Whether it’s a bunk or loft bed, both options offer the advantage that children can visually get out of each other’s way. To effectively use their personal spaces, each child’s nightstand, reading lights, and creative decoration of their sleeping area should be individually tailored.
Or Better Yet, Single Beds?
Some providers offer bunk and loft beds that can be converted into single beds for future needs. If this is not the case, and parents or even the children are not fond of high beds, two single beds will do. These offer the advantage of more flexibility in bed placement. Ideally, each child can sleep where they prefer.
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Storage in the Sibling Room: Practical, Personalized, and Accessible
When it comes to storage, the equation for setting up a sibling room is simple: one child means chaos, two children mean double the chaos. A well-thought-out organization system is essential. Each child should have their own storage area. The fact is, during the day, both children’s toys may get mixed up, but by evening, they should return to their respective areas. This is mainly for educational reasons. Children learn to respect each other’s belongings and take care of their own possessions. It also helps prevent disputes over different belongings.
Children especially enjoy personalizing “their” storage space, whether it’s a closet, shelf, or compartment, according to their own ideas. They love decorating their belongings with colors, patterns, and symbols and personalizing them with their names. Boxes, baskets, and chests are always worthwhile for evening tidying. They are easily accessible for children when parents are not around.
Older children who value privacy should also have it. They want to securely store their first “secret” items, like a love letter or a gift from their best friend, away from curious siblings. Perhaps the desk has an integrated compartment with a lock, or they receive a lockable treasure chest as a gift. A small cabinet that can be locked is also conceivable.
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Creating Retreats in the Sibling Room
No matter how small the sibling room may be, a retreat for the children should always be considered when setting it up. Even if it’s just a curtain drawn across the bunk bed to provide a small sanctuary. Children are still heavily guided by their emotions and are just learning their social skills. It’s not uncommon for the shared children’s room to quickly become a powder keg. Children also want to retreat and have time to themselves.
Such oases of calm can vary depending on the child’s age: a small tipi in the corner, a canopy over the bed, or a fort or cozy cave built with pillows and blankets. The main thing is that the child can relax, read, or even nap there. If space is limited, using existing furniture to create small protected areas can help. However, these repurposed room dividers must still be stable.
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Setting Up a Sibling Room–The Play Area
Not everything in the children’s room can or should be shared. There must also be unifying elements to strengthen the children’s social skills and cooperation. The play area is usually suitable for this, as it allows children to play together or separately. The play area is often where disputes are resolved, compromises are made, and reconciliations occur.
Things that should not be shared in a children’s room include the craft and drawing table and the play rug. These should be areas where children come together to play or negotiate and decide who can use which area and when. These arrangements help parents when they need to mediate disputes over jealousy and ownership claims.