Designing Bedrooms for Siblings: What Really Works
Sharing a bedroom isn’t always easy, especially for siblings with different personalities, routines, or ages. But with the right setup, a shared space can actually work really well. It can even bring them closer, cut down on clutter, and give everyone a bit more peace in the rest of the house.
So what really works when you’re trying to design a shared bedroom that keeps the peace and looks good?
Start with two single beds
Start with the most practical setup: two single beds. Simple, separate, and easy to style. Having their own bed helps each child feel like they have some personal space, even in a shared room. And with single beds, you’re not forcing them to climb in and out of bunks (which can cause arguments over who gets the top). It also makes it easier to access under-bed storage and change bedding.
You can still make the room feel cohesive with matching bedframes or coordinated bedding, but give each child some say in their own colours or cushions. That small bit of choice makes a big difference in helping them feel like the space is theirs.
Creating zones without walls
You don’t need to put up dividers to give each child their own little nook. Even in a small room, you can carve out a sense of separation.
- Rugs – A rug under each bed helps define each child’s zone visually.
- Lighting – Give each bed its own bedside lamp or wall sconce. It gives them control and a sense of privacy.
- Furniture placement – You can angle beds away from each other slightly or use a shared nightstand as a soft boundary.
- Personal shelves – A few floating shelves over each bed where they can display their own things—books, photos, trophies—adds a nice personal touch.
It’s about giving them their own corner, even if there are no walls between them.
Storage that works for both
Shared bedrooms can get messy fast if there’s not enough storage, and even faster if no one knows where things go. Instead of cramming one wardrobe full of everything, think about how you can split storage clearly.
- One chest of drawers each—no sharing, no mix-ups
- Colour-coded storage bins or boxes
- Hooks or wall pegs labelled with initials
- Under-bed storage divided clearly for each child
You want to make it easy for them to keep their stuff organised, without stepping on each other’s toes. And if they’re different ages, this also helps with keeping things age-appropriate. A toddler and a ten-year-old won’t want the same things in reach.
Don’t match everything
It’s tempting to go fully coordinated—same beds, same bedding, same everything. But kids usually want a bit of individuality, and it’s okay to let that show.
Let them pick their own duvet covers or wall posters. If one loves dinosaurs and the other is into space, work around that. You can still keep things visually balanced by sticking to a shared colour palette or using similar tones.
It’s about finding that sweet spot between “their own space” and “one shared room.”
Bunks work—but not always
Bunk beds save space, but they’re not always the best choice. If your kids are close in age, get on well, and you’re tight on floor space, then sure—bunks can be brilliant. But if there’s a big age gap, or one of them has trouble sleeping, it can cause more trouble than it’s worth. Climbing up and down at night, light sleepers, uneven bedtimes—it adds up.
Also, think ahead. Will the younger one be safe on a top bunk in a year or two? Or will you just need to buy a new setup again? Sometimes, two low single beds are more flexible in the long run.
Plan for different sleep needs
One’s an early riser. The other’s a night owl. Sound familiar? Try blackout curtains or blinds to help the one who sleeps in. A nightlight on just one side of the room can help the other settle in without disturbing their sibling. If one is sensitive to noise, a small white noise machine by their bed can make a big difference.
You can’t completely eliminate all sleep-related clashes, but small tweaks like this help reduce the impact.
Add flexible floor space
Shared rooms tend to fill up quickly. Toys, books, games, clothes… it all needs somewhere to go. But don’t overlook the floor.
Leave a clear patch of floor space, even if it’s not huge. Kids need room to play, chill out, and spread their stuff around. Use under-bed storage or wall shelves to keep things up off the floor. Ottomans or storage benches can double up for seating and tidying.
Even a small, clear corner can feel like a lot to a kid who wants to build something or have a quiet moment on their own.
Let them decorate (within reason)
If you want a room that works for both kids, get them involved, but set a few boundaries. Let them choose a few key things—wall prints, bedding, a lamp, maybe a chair or beanbag. But guide the overall look. You don’t want a clashing circus of colours, but you also don’t need a beige minimalist box.
It’s about balance. They’ll be more likely to respect and enjoy the room if they’ve had some say in it.
Future-proof it
Your kids will grow. Fast. So, try not to design a room that’ll feel too “little kid” in a year. Avoid overly themed furniture or nursery-style storage. Go for pieces that can grow with them; neutral furniture, adjustable shelving, beds that work from toddler to teen.
This doesn’t mean boring. You can still make the room fun, colourful, and personal. Just make sure the bones of it won’t need replacing every time their tastes change.
One room, two personalities
That’s really what it comes down to. A shared bedroom doesn’t mean shared everything. You can have one space that works for two different kids, as long as each one feels seen in the design. Give them choices. Define their zones. Think practically. And always leave a bit of room for change.
Siblings may bicker, but the right bedroom setup can make things run a lot smoother for them and for you.
