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Design Dilemma kids room

Kids bedroom

7 years ago

We have 3 girls in a 12x11 bedroom. They range in ages 5-13. We are trying to come up with a functional furniture plan with a triple bunk bed design, storage solutions, and color scheme that will work for everyone.
Our 13 year old actually has her own room but she doesn't like sleeping by herself (yet) so we are trying to squeeze her back in with the other girls.
We also have this chair rail that goes around the entire room that we could likely do some really cool things with as far as paint and design goes but I need some ideas.
What are your thoughts?

Featured Answer

Judy Mishkin

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

i like the 'everyone bunks in one room, hangs out in the other' set up.

another thought, the middle daughter may want to make the leap even if her big sis doesnt want to? (reminded of jane austen books where younger sister cannot marry before her big sister does...)

Comments (13)

PRO
JAN MOYER
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Prefaced by NOMB, I would say the younger girls deserve some play space. Three girls in 12 x 11 is quite crowded, and means two must share a full or queen bottom bunk. The real solution is the eldest,, in her own room at night. if these siblings, were of male gender, it's not even an idea that would be contemplated or remotely desirable in any scenario.

Perhaps a night light, a soothing radio with the sound of the ocean, and a chat as to the delights of privacy? ! This fearful phase seems it would be outgrown very, very shortly, and is NOT something in which I would invest a furniture plan that crowds the younger girls, only to have the eldest announce she is ready for total privacy!!

How about instead, a grown up queen size bed for the 13 year old, new room scheme or bedding, and a sleepover with a close friend now and then, as a reward for being so grown up.. A bonus for you, as almost no decor will make both a five year old, and a thirteen year old, equally thrilled. Paint the wainscoting white, it needs nothing more. Have fun with the upper portion instead. Tailored to the younger two girls........with new privacy at the windows, on a well supported curtain rod, appropriately sized. : )
partim
7 years ago
If you remove the toy and book shelves from this room, could you get 3 single beds in? This could be the sleeping room, and the other room the play room.

I wouldn't invest in new furniture since your 13 year old may change her mind quite soon.
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Do you own or rent? I ask, because the first thing I would do is paint. Maybe green; something not stereotypically a "boy" or "girl" color if that is likely to provoke disagreements. Because the space is so small (especially for the number of kids), you don't have a lot of space for art or "stuff." Adding a runner on the floor would be one opportunity to add color and interest, as well as being functional. Depending on the ages of the kids, you might think about a full length mirror on one of the wardrobe doors. It would give an extra place for hair brushing and primping (I'm assuming since you are short on bedrooms you are probably also short on bathrooms).
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I think actual kid patterned bedding isn’t necessary at all. You have a great start and the choices we see will not be outgrown quickly. Now you need to just add some of your child’s favourite colours into the room in other ways. Turn down the comforter and add some coloured or patterned pillow cases and sheets. A couple cute toss cushions and a cozy throw to curl up with during a nap or reading. You could add a coloured trim to edges of drapery panels. Add some artwork on other walls. I am sure the areas of the room not pictured have toys and books or other furniture that make it obvious that this is a child’s room too. Good luck and I am sure it will be closer to what you had envisioned very soon.
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Wow - great suggestions already! It's a young boy's room, and the closet is underutilized for all the hang space, which is why we were looking at drawers. We currently use the back sections for winter coat storage and the like. The nook above the closet does have a light for upglow effect (we're the 2nd owners - didn't design as is). Haven't thought about a desk, but might be nice. He's almost 4 and we're migrating to a full size bed now, but a desk might be nice in a couple years. Jan - appreciate the sketch. Had been looking at using something like a linen cabinet, but love the idea of a kitchen drawer base. ptreckel - correct, would have to move the HVAC, but it's a return, and can be easily redirected into the adjacent wall (for some reason it actually comes up that wall on the left to begin with, then 90s under the floor into the closet front.
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shirlpp
7 years ago
What size bedroom does the 13 year old have. Is it larger than this one. What about switching, if it is larger. In the interim, I'd create the space for the other 2 girls, and make a rule that the 13 year old could only sleep in their room 3 or 4 times out of the week, and on the other days, she has to sleep in her own room.

I'd remove the wainscoting and paint the room one color.
er612
7 years ago
What are the girls' interests? Are the colors pictured their favorite?
auntthelma
7 years ago
The premise is, how do I fit three girls in one bedroom?

If they need play space, there is a whole other bedroom for playing.

So, beds, I love creative bunks and I bet the girls will too. You can buy them or have them made. If you have access to a good carpenter, I'd have them custom made. How old are the other two girls?

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auntthelma
7 years ago
Remember Marcia, Jan and Cindy's room? It looks like there is room for another bed where the bookcase is.

Then, the bookcase and other pieces that aren't needed for sleep can go into the empty 'playroom.'
auntthelma
7 years ago
Here is a cool use of space for a bunk I found while searching for the Brady Bunch girls' room. I love how the bed is using the same space as the dresser and other bed.
auntthelma
7 years ago
I found some more (as you can tell, I love a well planned bunk!)

Bedz King Bunk Beds Full over Full | White | Twin Trundle | Quality Bunk Beds · More Info

Ashland Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed, Snow White · More Info
carriebear28
7 years ago
We have 3 girls sharing one room, too (11x13), ages ranging from 5-9. The first thing I would do is get all of the books, toys, etc out of there. We have two double beds in the room (it is tight!), knowing that eventually one of the beds will go back to its own bedroom. A twin and a double would fit better, but I will not buy a new bed for this temporary setup. Their bedroom is for sleeping, we have nothing else in there (besides clothes). And then they use another bedroom for their toys, books, etc. I have a small couch in there for them for reading and hanging out. It works well for us for the time being.

I would work with the furniture you have, if possible. It is likely that one of them will want to branch off to their own room sometime soon. No guarantee, though.....my 19 year old niece still sleeps in the same room as her 7 year old sister (by choice). She uses her room for studying (she has a desk in there), hanging out with friends, etc.
PRO
Pearl Remodeling
7 years ago
I agree with Partim, a 13 YO girl would want her own room soon. If you can hold off the project for another year or so that will be the smartest move. If not, I saw many layout and furniture in the comments above - Chose your favorite :)
er612
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The smaller boxes next to the beds are meant to be under-the-bed storage boxes.
tomhank09
last year
A great substitute for TVs and smartphones as a source of entertainment for kids is the best kids radio. Even though it's outdated, this is a great way to listen to music in a fun way while cutting down on screen time.

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