It's not uncommon for children to have to share a room, especially when they are young. When there is an enormous amount of space to work with, it can be a lot of fun to decorate a shared room, but this is rarely the case. Due to limited room size, it can difficult to find space for two beds, two dressers, toys, and a private area for each child without the room looking cluttered. But it's not impossible. We've listed several kids room design ideas for shared spaces.
Maximize space in a shared kids' room
Ideally, a shared room should have ample room for sleep, play, and storage. If we're hopeful, we can also scrounge up a spot for homework and defined space for each child. How can this be done? Well, there are a few methods to maximize space in a shared kids' room without shoving everything together to make floor space. Here's a few ideas:
Loft beds -- I love loft beds, and they are a true lifesaver for any child's room, but especially one that is shared by two or more children. Loft beds sit off the ground in the same way a bunk bed would, so it leaves empty floor space beneath it. This space can be used as a homework or play area, or as a place to stack a dresser or toy storage.
Bunk beds -- If you have two children that really like being together, bunk beds are a great way to maximize space. The beds will stack on top of one another, therefore freeing up floor space for play.
Built-ins -- Kids have a lot of stuff. Toys, books, dolls, stuffed animals, sports equipment....the list goes on and on. One way to keep things off the ground and organized is by using built-in bookcases, shelves, or storage squares in a shared kids' room.
Room division
The key to decorating a shared room is to give each child a space of their own. Obviously, this can be extremely difficult within the confines of a small bedroom. You certainly can't construct walls to give each child a bit of privacy, but you can use a few tricks to help. Here are a few options:
Dressers -- Who says that the dressers have to go up against a wall? Use them as a way to divide the space in a shared room.
Curtains -- Install a long curtain, or a series of curtains, between the beds to offer privacy to each child.
Open shelving -- Since children need a place for their toys, books, and other belongings anyway, why not use open shelving between the beds? This will give each child somewhere to store their things and divide the room in an attractive manner.
Room divider -- Don't have a lot of space? No problem! Set up a folding screen between the beds to create sections to the room.
Tall bookcases -- Arrange the beds so that the children's heads would be back-to-back. Then, pull them apart and place a tall bookcase behind each one. Now, they'll each have their own private sleeping quarters, and their favorite books at their fingertips.
Keeping the peace (with color)
To prevent arguing and fighting, keep things color-coded for each child. To begin with, parents can select several coordinating paint colors. Then, allow each child to choose a one of the colors that will be used to help identify their space and belongings. Perhaps two shades of blue, or blue and yellow, pink and purple, etc. Allow the children to go shopping to select bedding, paint, and accessories in their own special color scheme. The color can be used on the walls, of course, and also as an accent on toy boxes, desk tops, dresser fronts, and so on.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Decorating a Beautiful Purple Bedroom
Simple Ways to Maximize Small Living Spaces
SOURCE:
Personal knowledge and experience
Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/yahoocontributornetwork/decorating-a-beautiful-purple-bedroom-2518999
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/simple-ways-to-maximize-small-living-spaces-2475538/
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/yahoocontributornetwork/bedroom-makeover-basics-2519575
