Decorating Ideas for Teenage Boys and Girls Sharing a Room

Create Division

• Division is the most important part in giving each child a sense of privacy in the space. This is essential for establishing a sense of harmony in the room between the siblings. Room dividers can help separate the space. Possible room dividers are curtains, walls or folding screens. Another option is to divide the room with shelving units. This is not only an effective option for a room divider, but also for providing extra storage space for each teen's belongings.

Gender-Neutral Wall Color

• While teens should be able to personalize the look of their own bedding and wall art in their area of the room, the base for the wall color should be gender-neutral so both teens will feel represented in the space. While it can take some compromise, both teenagers should review color swatches to find one that meets both tastes. Colors such as green and red are typically considered gender-neutral, though you can also choose more muted colors such as tan or gray.

Prints and Patterns

• Just like color, gender-neutral prints should be considered for this type of space. For example, a floral pattern is typically considered feminine, which is something a teenage boy might not be fond of. Instead, you should look for a print such as stripes, which is appropriate for both boys and girls. Solid colors and graphic prints, such as geometric-inspired patterns will function well for both sides of this space.

Floorplan

• How you arrange your furnishings in the space is pivotal to allowing the room to be functional and decorative. If the room is boxy in shape, flank beds on opposite sides of the wall, allowing equal space for both children. If the room is rectangular, arrange the beds in an "L" shape from opposite corners of the space. Shared furniture, such as desks or dressers, should be in the center of the room to create a sense of communal space.