Let’s be honest—siblings sharing a room is a recipe for chaos. One minute they’re besties, the next, they’re arguing about invisible borders like tiny landowners in a very dramatic soap opera. “Mum, he’s looking at me from his side!” “Mum, she BREATHED on my stuff!” Sound familiar?The thing is, kids, no matter how much they love each other, need their own space. It gives them a sense of independence, reduces the amount of bickering (a little), and honestly, it saves your sanity. But what do you do when you don’t have an extra room and building a wall isn’t exactly in the budget? You get creative!
Here are 10 budget-friendly DIY hacks to divide a shared bedroom and give each child their own mini kingdom.
1. Bookshelf Barrier
Cost: £20-£50
Got an old bookshelf? Boom—instant wall! Place a bookshelf between their beds to create a physical divider that doubles as storage. Open-backed bookshelves work great because they still let light through, so the room doesn’t feel like a dungeon. Plus, extra space for books, toys, and random knick-knacks they refuse to throw away.
2. Curtain Partition
Cost: £15-£30
A ceiling-mounted curtain rod or a tension wire with a cute curtain can separate their spaces without making the room feel closed off. Bonus: It’s great for when one wants alone time but the other wants to play. Just pull the curtain across, and voilà—privacy achieved!
3. Colour-Coded Zones
Cost: Free to £20
If a physical barrier isn’t an option, trick their little brains with colour. Give each child their own colour theme with bedding, rugs, and wall art. When they see their side looking unique, they’ll naturally feel like it’s ‘theirs’—less fighting over imaginary borders.
4. Loft Beds with Personal Space Below
Cost: £100-£300 (or a DIY frame for less!)
If you can, elevate their beds into lofts and create a personal area underneath. One gets a play area, the other a reading nook. Or one gets a mini office, and the other an art space. It’s a win-win (and saves a ton of floor space!).
5. Storage Cube Wall
Cost: £30-£80
Stackable storage cubes make fantastic dividers. Arrange them between beds to act as both a wall and extra storage for their very necessary collection of toys, books, and “secret stuff” they never let you touch.
6. Pegboard Partition
Cost: £15-£40
A simple pegboard on a freestanding frame works wonders as a divider. Each child can personalize their side with hooks, baskets, or decorations. Bonus: It’s easy to switch up as they grow!
7. DIY Canopy Over Beds
Cost: £10-£25
Hang sheer fabric or netting from the ceiling to create a little ‘bed bubble’ for each child. It adds a dreamy, private vibe to their sleeping area without taking up space. Plus, it makes bedtime feel magical!
8. Hanging Beaded Curtain
Cost: £10-£20
For a retro touch, use beaded curtains as a divider. They add a fun visual barrier while still letting light through. Just be ready for some dramatic slow-motion entrances and exits.
However, here are some safety tips to consider, especially for young children:
- Choose Larger Beads – Avoid small beads that could be a choking hazard for younger kids. Opt for larger, lightweight plastic or wooden beads.
- Securely Fasten the Curtain – Ensure the beaded curtain is properly installed so it doesn’t easily fall down.
- Avoid Long, Tangled Strands – Make sure the beads are spaced well to prevent tangling, which could pose a strangulation risk.
- Opt for Fabric or Soft Alternatives – If you’re concerned, consider fabric strip curtains or soft felt beads instead of traditional plastic or wooden ones.
9. Shared Workspace
If your kiddos need a place for homework, consider a single long desk with two chairs. It’s cheaper than buying two separate desks and teaches them how to share (in theory, anyway).
DIY Tip: Use a wide plank of wood as a desktop and mount it on affordable IKEA trestle legs. Voila, a sleek, budget-friendly desk!
10. Stylish Wooden
Cost: £50-£100
If you’re feeling extra handy, install a sliding barn door or large panel. It’s stylish, practical, and saves space compared to traditional doors.
Final Thoughts
Dividing a shared bedroom doesn’t have to mean expensive renovations or endless battles over ‘whose side is whose.’ With a little creativity and these budget-friendly hacks, you can give your kids the personal space they need while keeping the peace (most of the time).
So go ahead—set up those dividers, sit back, and enjoy the temporary silence… until they start arguing about who got the bigger side. 😂
No comments
Post a Comment