Designing a bedroom for two people can be challenging at the best of times, and starting with a small space can make it even harder. With twice the furniture and belongings to contend with, it doesn’t take long for a shared room to get overcrowded. It might take some creativity and planning, but you can create a shared space that is functional and exciting.
Designing a space that comfortably fits two people doesn’t have to be complicated. Utilizing some best design tips, you can create a shared room to keep everyone happy. Here are nine stylish shared bedroom ideas for small rooms:
Shared Bedroom Idea #1: Storage and Organization
Storage space is the most important consideration in a small, shared space. If you think outside the box, there are many ways to increase storage in any room. Under-the-bed storage containers are a great place to store out-of-season clothing.
Put up shelves or invest in stackable storage cubes to store belongings. Hang hooks on the back of the door. Tuck a clothes hamper into the closet to avoid dirty clothes all over the room. Ensure every item in the room has a place it belongs. Being organized will go a long way in eliminating clutter.
Consider investing in furniture that doubles as a storage solution. Try a bed with built-in drawers, for example, or an ottoman that provides seating and hideaway storage for toys or extra bedding.
Shared Bedroom Idea #2: Sleeper Sofas
A sleeper sofa is an excellent option in a small space, especially if you want the bonus of adding a seating area to the room during the day. Sleeper sofas for small sparces are much more comfortable than a traditional couch. Most sleeper sofas are similar to futons. Instead of just pulling it out flat, a sleeper sofa also contains a hidden mattress in the frame.
When shopping for a sleeper sofa, pay attention to the quality of the mattress. The ideal sleeper sofa will have a thick, comfortable mattress so that sleep isn’t sacrificed for style.
Shared Bedroom Idea #3: Simplify the Room Contents
Removing any item that isn’t needed in the room will go a long way in opening up floor space, a precious commodity in a shared room. Using the tenets of minimalism can help make a shared space more comfortable and inviting. Keeping décor and belongings simple and organized will prevent the room from getting cluttered and chaotic.
Shared Bedroom Idea #4: Accessorize
The two people sharing the room will inevitably have their personalities and preferences. Luckily, there are some simple ways to let their individuality shine. Let each person choose their duvet covers, throw pillows and wall art, so there’s no mistaking whose side of the room you’re in.
Shared Bedroom Idea #5: Pick Light Colours
A monochrome colour palette may seem boring, but it’s the right choice for a small space. Contrast and bright colours can create visual clutter. Consider matching any window treatments and fabric room dividers as closely as possible with the wall colour. You can add splashes of interest to the space with throw pillows and other décor pieces.
Shared Bedroom Idea #6: Room Dividers
Most people sharing a room will be concerned about the need for privacy and want to feel like they have their own space. A sense of personal space is especially beneficial for siblings. Try setting up a double-sided bookcase (or two shelves back-to-back) to create separation between the beds. Curtain panels or beaded curtains can also create a sense of division without taking up much space. A canopy over each bed will provide instant privacy.
Choosing a light and flowing fabric will help to enhance the room by adding the illusion of height. Installing wall panel room dividers is a great way to divide a room right down the centre without any expensive renovation required. Finally, don’t rule out a simple tri-fold panel. Available in a multitude of different designs, a tri-fold divider is an inexpensive option perfect for dividing small spaces.
Shared Bedroom Idea #7: Bed Arrangement
If you use two twin beds in the shared space, you don’t have to place them side by side, hogging all the prime floor space. Try using an L shape design or placing the two beds head-to-head along one wall if space permits. These two arrangements open up more floor space. You can even add throw pillows to dress them up as if they were a couch for daytime use.
Shared Bedroom Idea #8: Bunk Beds
A traditional bunk bed is a great way to accommodate more than one person in a small room. The footprint of a bunk bed is the same as if there was only one bed, freeing up extra floor space. You can also arrange the bunks in an L shape by purchasing a loft bed and placing a single bed underneath.
Shared Bedroom Idea #9: Trundle Bed
Trundle beds are another great option if you’re designing a small room. The bottom bed can be rolled in during the day to create more space, and then you pull the bed back out at night when it’s time to sleep.