Sibling room: yes or no?
Clearly, this decision must be made individually. The age or the age difference of the children is important when considering whether a shared room is a good idea. If the siblings are too far apart, they have different sleep needs, daily rhythms and interests. Conflicts are part of being together, but such a constellation could exacerbate it.
If a baby or toddler is to move in with a sibling, it is important to ensure that the younger one sleeps through the night and does not constantly wake the older one. Again, it is important to weigh up whether this is best for everyone. If the older child has to leave their room all the time because the baby takes a nap in the afternoon or goes to bed much earlier in the evening, they can quickly feel left out. If there is no other possibility spatially, other solutions may be found, for example the baby sleeps in one during the day cradle in the living room.
The fact that both learn early on to be considerate and to make compromises speaks in favor of a shared room. And some siblings are happy to have a roommate! You can find ideas for furnishing a sibling room in the gallery. More tips follow here!
9 tips for the sibling room
1. Beds
A loft bed is probably the dream of siblings! Another huge advantage is obvious: If the room is rather small, such a model saves a lot of space. Other positioning options are to put the ends of the bed together or, if space permits, one on each wall. So each of the two children has their own sleeping area.
2. Separate areas
In order to avoid disputes in advance, it makes sense to define a separate area for each child. So each has its own corner, which it knows is its own realm. If you want, you can also visually separate these areas, e.g. B. by different wall colors.
3. Classify functional areas
Defined functional areas, such as reading, playing games or doing homework, are also helpful.
4. Use storage space
Two kids, two toys, two clothes, two hobbies! That takes a lot of storage space. Depending on how old the kids are, the storage options should be at eye level. So that the children can easily get to it and later easily store their things again. Baskets, boxes and of course shelves. Here it can also make sense to divide the areas if the storage space is not in the area of the respective child anyway. This can be a cupboard divided into two areas or color-coordinated boxes. In this way, the kids also learn to respect each other’s things.
5. Common play area
It’s nice for the two if they can have a play area together. That can also be easy games carpet or a small table for crafting and painting in the middle of the room.
6. Desk for school children
If at least one of the two children goes to school, they definitely need a desk where they can work in peace. With two tables it can get cramped in some children’s rooms… Here you can try placing a (larger) table in the room so that a child can sit and work or play at it from either side.
7. Create retreats
Pulling back to read or cuddle is a need that should not be underestimated. Indoor tents, bed canopies or simply an armchair are suitable for this.
8. Separating the room
If the children are older and need more space for themselves, the siblings’ room can also be separated. If you cannot (or are not allowed to) put up a wall right away, you can use room dividers. Large shelves or curtains can work wonders (you can find more room divider ideas here).
9. Visit from friends
Sooner or later both of them want to invite their friends over to play. It is important to make agreements that everyone can live with. If one has visitors, the other can play in the living room, visit the grandparents or friends themselves.
Sibling room decoration
The decor is certainly a matter of taste. Some children really want to stand out and not always be the same as their sibling, while others find it difficult when the other has something different. Here you decide together with the children whether the beds, cupboards etc. should be the same or whether each one should choose their own.
Textiles should not be missing in order to bring cosiness into the shared children’s room. Carpets, blankets and pillows make a room look more homely. Just like different light sources: Ceiling and desk lamp for doing homework, night light for sleeping, fairy lights for listening to stories – the right light for every situation.
In terms of wall design you can let your imagination run wild. Different colors for different areas, photos or framed works of art of your little ones, tapestries or self-designed wall motifs give the sibling room a personal touch.
You can find more furnishing ideas such as designing children’s rooms, setting up Montessori children’s rooms, baby rooms or reading corners here!
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