We’ve been toying with the idea of updating the boys’ twin bedroom for ages now. I’d Googled ‘boy bedroom ideas’ and ‘shared bedroom ideas for brothers’ but not really find anything I loved as much as their nursery. Creating a twin bedroom for boys can be problematic in a shared space. Especially with two very strong identities!
I loved everything about their nursery.
Because we didn’t know what sex they were, we purposefully chose a gender-neutral colour-scheme; opting for white and brights, which made their room such a happy place to be.
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Our Twin Nursery
The colourful bird wallpaper was perfect. It was bright and fresh and served us really well over the years.
And the cot-beds — that seemed like such a colossal expense when they were first purchased — turned out to be a really savvy buy.
The boys were 3 when the cot sides finally came off; then they transformed from cots to dinky little toddler beds.
They lasted so well, and it was really only when the boys started school that they began to really look too small.
How to Arrange a Twin Bedroom?
But how do you go about choosing a theme — or arranging — a twin bedroom?
I wrote a while ago about different themes for Bertie and Cosmo’s new room.
We’d bandied about a few ideas — everything from superheroes to Lego; outer-space to under-the-sea — but settling on one actual idea was hard.
My two little friends have opposing tastes; ‘outerspace-superheroes’ seemed to be the overriding favourites!
Designing a twin bedroom for boys is no mean feat! Decor aside, would they have kids bunk beds?
Or regular singles? How to arrange a small bedroom with two twin beds can be tricky.
I began creating a Pinterest board of ideas and all of our favourites had old fashioned ‘dormitory style’ beds, rather than bunks.
So just before Christmas, I decided to bite the bullet — buy the boys new beds — and give their colourful nursery a twin bedroom makeover. From childish nursery, to a more grown up twin bedroom for boys.
Decorating a Twin Bedroom For Boys
Off came the wallpaper — which was replaced with liberal amounts of white paint on the walls and ceiling — with a soft grey eggshell on all of the woodwork (including the stripped pine wardrobe doors).
I bought some lovely black painted metal framed beds from an online store and the lovely people at Leesa kindly gifted the boys some mattresses to go on top (more about that in another post).
After so much colour the first time round, I decided to go the other way entirely and decided on a monochromatic scheme.
It’s times like this that Pinterest is such a brilliant tool. I’d been pinning lots of images and loved how the colour in a room could come from the toys, rather the fixtures, fittings and soft furnishings. I wanted their room to be restful but also somewhere fun that they could go and play or read, without being overstimulated when it was time for bed.
It did worry me slightly that an all black and white colour-scheme would be an impossible goal, in a house where all the toys and books we own seem to be vivid and bright.
In ‘Pinterest-land’ people don’t seem to have plastic toys or real kids’ books.
They have tasteful monochrome toys and the book covers all match.
But I’m really delighted with how it’s all turned out.
After years of seeing two little beds through the doorway of their room, this is now the view.
How Do You Split a Boy’s Room?
Bertie now has the side nearest the door, with Cosmo on the other side.
I must admit, seeing just one bed through the doorway has taken a little bit of getting used to!
But the two single beds are just too wide to have side by side, so we’ve used this as a positive to zone the room.
To be honest, it’s probably a good thing as they now have half of the room each.
In a room that they have to share, it’s given them a clear space of their own.
Eventually, they’ll probably have a room of their own (if they want to).
We have two separate bedrooms at the top of the house, along with a little shower room — that we use as guest bedrooms — so there’s certainly scope for them to have a room each in the future.
But the access to the attic is tricky; there are some really steep, narrow stairs and restricted head height.
Certainly too tricky for two little children, who sometimes need to get up in the middle of the night.
When the boys are older — and not quite so dependent on us — it’s quite nice to think that we have the top of the house as an option for them.
But, for now, the room that they’ve occupied for the last (almost) 6 years, which is on the same floor as ours, is the perfect place for them to sleep.
Bertie’s Side of His Twin Bedroom
The little side tables were given to us by our friends at GLTC to test out.
They’re the perfect height and size for little people. But whilst their external dimensions are fairly modest, they open to reveal a cavernous space, that more than houses all the ‘treasures’ that a small child likes to collect.
Bertie and Cosmo couldn’t be more different in that respect; Cosmo’s cupboard is very orderly but Bertie’s is a crazy mess of books, Lego, things he’s found and things he’s made.
I love the fact that the Sherwood Bedside Cupboards look so neat and tidy from the outside — without giving away the chaos that lies beneath!
Cosmo’s Side of His Twin Bedroom
Cosmo’s bed is almost a mirror image of his twin’s, but he has his own bits and bobs around him; including the ‘Roses Red’ nursery print that he used to have next to his cot-bed.
It doesn’t really tie in with anything else in the room, but he loves it. In fact, when we first moved the beds apart, Cosmo particularly was quite unsettled. It was only when his daddy put the print back up on the wall that he felt happy with the new setup.
Just goes to show that children are creatures of habit!
We, adults, think that they’d like a change — a ‘new’ bedroom — but in actual fact, they still crave a little bit of familiarity.
I think I was so keen to give my little man-cubs a ‘big boy’ bedroom I forgot that actually, at *not quite* 6 years old, they’re still fairly young. And maybe not quite ready to totally let go of the comfort and familiarity of their old room.
Along with the prints, both boys still have their Star Book Ledges from GLTC. These have been really well used and definitely grown with them over the years. I’d highly recommend them.
Once upon a time, they used to house sippy cups and toys, but now they’re mostly used as book storage.
Talking of which…
the boys have so many books!!
The old bookshelf that used to sit in the corner of the room was groaning — plus it took up so much valuable floor space.
Wall-hung book-shelves are definitely the best solution. I remembered that in the kitchen of our old house, I’d used perspex display ledges to house all our spices, so revisited the same supplier who, thankfully, is still selling the same ones I’d used before.
They’re perfect for kids books!
The Twin’s Reading Corner
The little shelves were the perfect solution to our book dilemma.
You can fix the shelves at any height you like, which means they can house books of all sizes.
And as the shelves are also fairly deep, you can fit quite a few books stacked on top of each other.
I love how the books take centre stage.
You barely see the shelves. They literally do display the books — almost like little works of art — and the books can be seen in all their glory.
To finish off our little makeshift ‘library’, I made a roof out of black electrical tape, which tied in nicely with the little constellation decals (from Etsy), that are scattered around the walls.
The lovely folk at GLTC gave the boys a black and white chevron beanbag (and also a lovely matching rug) which has totally transformed the room.
The boys love sitting on the beanbag, reading or playing on their Kindles.
I think they’re a little too young, at this point, to need a proper desk or workstation. But, in this transitionary phase, where they’re learning to do a little bit of homework or practice their reading, having a little dedicated space to sit has been brilliant.
How to Decorate a Bedroom for Twins
Decorating a bedroom for twins can be a daunting — but fun — process.
Whether your twins are babies, toddlers, or older children, try to create a space that reflects their personalities while being comfortable and functional.
Here are some ideas to help you decorate a bedroom for twins:
Choose a Theme
Selecting a theme to tie the room together can make it visually appealing. Involve your twins in the decision-making process to ensure they feel included.
Colour Scheme
Decide on a colour scheme that complements your theme and creates a cohesive look.
You can choose complementary colours or opt for a neutral palette that allows for flexibility in decor. Consider using gender-neutral colours — whether you have boy-girl twins or not.
Zone The Room
If your twins have different sleep schedules or interests, create separate zones within the room.
Use furniture placement, rugs, or curtains to visually divide the space. This will allow each child to have their own space while still sharing a room.
Bunk Beds or Separate Beds?
Depending on the age and preferences of your twins, you can opt for bunk beds or separate beds.
Bunk beds save space and can be an exciting option for children who enjoy climbing and playing. Ensure that the bunk bed meets safety standards and is appropriate for their age.
Personalised Bedding
Choose bedding that reflects each twin’s personality or interests. Consider patterns, colours, or characters they love.
If the twins have different tastes, you can give each of them their own distinctive bedding set.
Individual Storage Solutions
Provide each twin with their own storage solutions to keep their belongings organised.
Assign individual shelves, bedside tables, or drawers for clothes, toys, and books.
This helps promote a sense of ownership and makes it easier for each child to find their things.
Wall Decor
Hang artwork, posters, or decals that match the theme and reflect the twins’ interests. Personalise the space by including their names or initials.
Reading, Play or Study Zones
Dedicate a corner of the room as a reading nook, play or study area.
Set up a small table with chairs for arts and crafts, puzzles, or homework. Add shelves or storage boxes to keep supplies organised and easily accessible.
Personal Touches
Add personal touches to the room to make it special for each twin. This could include photo frames, memory boards, or small display areas for their favourite toys, artwork or collectables.
Incorporate elements that make them feel connected to the space.
Remember to involve your twins in the decorating process, allowing them to have a say in certain aspects. Creating a space that reflects their individuality and fosters a sense of togetherness will make their shared bedroom a special place for both of them.
It’s amazing how different the space looks with just a few changes.
Losing the old sideboard that used to take up the entire end wall has given us so much more space.
I thought we’d struggle with less storage but with an added hanging rail in the wardrobe and new chest of drawers from IKEA, the boys’ clothes have loads of room.
And the ‘monochrome’ inspired theme — which I worried may be too clinical for a child’s bedroom — works so well.
Whilst, it’s not quite the (Pinterest-worthy) 100% black and white scheme we initially planned, it works!
Pops of vibrant colour come from the prints on the walls, the fairy lights from Cable and Cotton and the boys’ artwork; which is displayed on a pair of little cloud shelves from Flying Tiger.
It’s such a lovely change.
Fitting for my two little sons, who are also changing — and growing — so quickly these days.
And hopefully, this twin bedroom for boys will keep us going for another six years.
I almost don’t want to blink — in case I miss it — this past six has flown by.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
I absolutely adore this space. Honestly, you’ve done an amazing job creating this room and I actually love the fact that they both have their own little spaces. They are lucky boys to have a room like that :)
Aaah thanks so much Anne Marie — that’s lovely of you!! We’re so thrilled with how it’s turned out (albeit, I’m a bit sad to be waving goodbye to the baby years!!! My tiny boys have grown so fast)!!
This looks so gorgeous Caro, you’ve done an amazing job! Do the boys love it? I really like how the decor is so modern with the monochrome and touches of colour but the character of your home still shines through with the beams etc. Perfect space for two growing boys :)
Thanks Suzanne — yes! They really do. Initially they were a bit spooked; the combination of a new bed — and also being across the other side of the room from each other (rather than right next to) — threw them a little bit!! But they love it now!! They’re really proud of their lovely new room :)
Lovely post! I recently set up a flat pack bed frames with The Handy Squad to fit in a twin bedroom too. You’ve done incredibly well with the space. Take care, Luke.
Thanks so much!
The bedrooms look lovely and like they will grow with them for a few years. I love the penguin prints above the beds.
Thanks so much Claire!! The Penguin prints are my biggest seller, funnily enough!! I designed them for the boys but have sold hundreds since!! :)
Love this room, Caro! The change in layout is so clever, giving each child his own space, and the design is gorgeous, sure to last many years! Lucky boys :-)
Thanks Meera! I must admit, I was sad to say goodbye to their little beds!! It was a shock to realise that standard singles won’t fit where the old ones used to It’s forced our hand a little bit with the layout, but the boys are so please to have their own space :)
Such a cute room! I bet the boys are over the moon with it? I especially love the book display and cloud shelves! Xx
Thanks so much Cara! We’re so thrilled with how it turned out! The library corner is my favourite thing too — its lovely for them to have a place to sit and read :)
Such a precious room!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
It’s all changes since these pics were taken!! The boys are now upstairs in the attic!!