FT NEWS

A shared sibling bedroom is often a necessity. One of the most challenging goals in designing a kids’ bedroom is finding enough space in one room for twice as many belongings — and for larger families, sometimes three times as many items. Where to put all the clothing, shoes, toys and school gear?

Read on for a few solutions to help you create the storage that your little ones need for a happy, functional room.

1. Go for Bunks

Bunk beds are a classic shared bedroom choice because they are a brilliant solution to keeping a room as spacious as possible. Not only do bunk beds efficiently use vertical space – leaving essential floor space free for movement, play and additional furniture – but they also give you the ability to create extra storage solutions around, or within, the bed structure.

For instance, you might try placing storage shelves or cubbies up high near the top bunk. Alternatively, look for modular or built-in bunk beds that provide storage – drawers or cubes – within the bed frame itself. Also, you can hang decorative items from the bunks for additional storage. Consider hanging baskets, bags and hooks off the bunks for stashing everyday items.

2. Choose Double-Duty Pieces

Multifunctional furniture is a must in a small shared bedroom, so look for pieces that can perform at least two tasks. Toy chests are excellent storage options that can be placed at the foot of a bed, under a window or against a wall. To create a second functional use, top a chest with cushions to turn it into a seat at a play table or in a reading corner.

Similarly, a well-designed wall unit can be used not only to house books, clothes and knick-knacks, but also as a dresser and even desk for each child. Also, some chairs have pull-up seats that reveal a small storage compartment – every little bit can help. As an added bonus, many children find these hidden spaces delightful.

3. Shelve It

Shelves are a terrific solution for toy organization and storage. Streamlined in design, shelving is typically relatively shallow, meaning it won’t bulk up the room. Shelves can go above dressers, desks or even the bedroom door for infrequently used items. For younger siblings, consider placing shelves lower on the wall where shorter kids can easily reach their own books and toys. Put shelving higher for taller kids to efficiently use the vertical space.

4. Get Cubed

Storage cubes are a fantastic option for a shared children’s bedroom. Today’s cubed pieces have come a long way from the plain white squares of days gone by. The market has now created a range of styles, from colorful stacked cubbies to rounded cubes that can be hung on a wall. One of these styles is sure to make a splash in your children’s room.

Cubes are great because they are flexible, and because they are ideal for incorporating bins or baskets for each child and their objects. The portability and assigned use of the baskets is helpful when teaching your kids to clean up. Tommy’s stuffed animals go in the blue basket. Sarah’s dolls go in the yellow basket. In a shared bedroom, assigning defined spaces is crucial for each child’s budding personality.

5. Get Hooked

Hooks allow you to organise and decorate at the same time. They also make whatever is hung easier for your kids to find.

6. Use the Space Under the Bed

The large, flat space under your children’s bed is begging to be used. To free up closets and drawers, consider swapping out your kids’ seasonal items and placing them under the bed. If the beds have skirts or concealed under-the-bed spaces, you could choose cost-efficient plastic storage bags since the containers won’t be seen.