One Room Two Children Both Happy

Sharing a bedroom does not mean sharing a personality. With a few practical choices around beds, storage and display, two children can each feel the room is properly theirs, even when square footage is limited.

A bed that feels like their own territory

Each child's bed should feel like a little kingdom. Let them choose their own bedding and cushions, and keep favourite soft toys close by. Small fabric pockets fixed to the bed frame are a neat way to store treasures within arm's reach without cluttering the floor. Where floor space is limited, as it often is in Maltese apartments and maisonettes, a bunk bed frees up room for play underneath, though top bunks suit children aged eight and over rather than younger siblings.

KURA reversible bed, white/pine, 90x200 cmBUSUNGE extendable bed, white, 80x200 cmVITVAL loft bed frame, white/light grey, 90x200 cmTUFFING loft bed frame, dark grey, 90x200 cmBUSUNGE extendable bed, light pink, 80x200 cmSLÄKT headboard, white, 90x40 cm

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Storage that children can actually use

Toys get played with far more when children can see and reach them. See-through boxes let them spot what is inside without opening every lid, and lightweight tubs mean they can pull out what they want and push it back under the bed afterwards without help. The aim is storage your child can manage alone, not just a tidy-looking shelf that only an adult can reorganise.

PÄRKLA storage case, 55x49x19 cmKNAGGLIG box, pine, 46x31x25 cmSAMLA box, transparent, 56x39x28 cm/45 lSAMLA box, transparent, 78x56x43 cm/130 lKNAGGLIG box, pine, 23x31x15 cmSOCKERBIT storage box with lid, white, 50x77x19 cm

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Shelves for showing off favourite toys

Open shelving turns storage into display. Giving each child a shelf for their most-loved pieces, whether dinosaurs, toy trains or something else entirely, makes those toys easier to find and encourages children to look after things they are proud to show. It is a simple way to let two children with different tastes each have a visible corner of the room that is clearly theirs.

LACK wall shelf, white, 110x26 cmKALLAX shelving unit, white, 77x77 cmLACK wall shelf, white stained oak effect, 110x26 cmLACK wall shelf, white, 30x26 cmEKET cabinet, brown walnut effect, 35x35x35 cmLACK wall shelf, black-brown, 110x26 cm

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A desk built for drawing and homework

A desk positioned so children sit facing each other gives them a shared table while still feeling like their own side of it. Keep the desktop clear by storing pens and paints in small tubs on a nearby shelf, ready to carry over when needed. Framing a few favourite drawings and hanging them in a row on the wall costs little effort but tells children their creations are genuinely valued.

PÅHL desk top shelf, white, 64x60 cmÖVNING trolley, white/grey-green, 54x33 cmLÄRANDE desk with pull-out storage unit, white, 120x58 cmBERGLÄRKA desk top and shelf, white, 100x70 cmBRYTNING desk, white, 85x53x75 cmFLISAT Children's desk, height adjustable/green, 97 cm

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Soft flooring and playful lighting

A rug over a hard floor makes a real difference to how much time children spend playing on the ground, something worth considering given how much of the year is spent indoors away from the heat. Wall lights shaped like clouds or other playful forms add character without needing to pick one single theme two children must agree on. Small personal touches like these let each child find something in the room that feels made for them.

UPPLYST LED wall lamp, cloud white, 30x19x8 cmFUBBLA LED wall lamp, white, 10x15x20 cmAFTONSPARV LED table lamp, rocket/multicolour, 15.1 cmISNÅLEN LED work lamp, white/brass-colour, 13 cmPELARBOJ LED table lamp, multicolour, 10 cmUPPLYST LED wall lamp, heart pink, 27x27x8 cm

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Maltashopper brings these IKEA pieces to homes across Malta and Gozo, making it easier to put together a shared room that works for both children.

More children's room ideas