This $300 Loft Bed Is the Key to Two Kids Sharing a Bedroom In a Small NYC Apartment
When Tim and Liz Everett traded life in Texas (which included living in a 2,600-square-foot house) for a fresh start in Brooklyn (which included a 745-square-foot apartment), it wasn’t just for the two of them. They also have two children, Ethan and Harper, who moved across the country. It’s safe to say that the spatial difference was an adjustment.
“It was originally a one-bedroom that was converted into a two-bedroom, which is why our living room is a bit small,” Liz, who documents their new life on TikTok, says of the apartment. “It was definitely a transition moving into such a small apartment.”
However, it was an exciting change that the family took on cleverly — and that’s easily seen in Ethan and Harper’s shared bedroom. Initially, the beds the family brought from their previous home were too big and didn’t leave a lot of space for the kids to play, even though Liz admits the room was spacious enough. (It didn’t help that the room didn’t have closets, and finding adequate storage space was tricky.)
So, with the help of Ethan and Harper, who had their hand in redesigning their room, Liz set out to reimagine the space. She wanted to combine functionality with elements of their personalities as they shared the room. “I wanted them to feel like the room was truly theirs, with enough space for them to grow, play, and express themselves,” Liz says. “At the same time, I wanted to make sure we kept it organized and practical, especially since they share the room and have different needs at different ages.”
So, the family started by mapping out a layout that would maximize the room’s square feet. Enter: functional bunk beds from Amazon. Both beds are elevated so Ethan and Harper can utilize the space underneath — there are even desks. Liz admits the bunk beds are a win because they “free up floor space” and are “practical, space-saving, and still fun and functional for both of them as they grow.”
MERITLINE Metal Twin Size L-Shaped Loft Bed,
Amazon
$273.99
After the room was mapped out and the bunk beds were purchased, it was time for Ethan and Harper’s creativity to shine with the color scheme. The kids chose the accent colors, which could be seen in the decor (Ethan loves science, and Harper loves animals), while Liz focused on keeping the overall aesthetic calm. “We added some personalized touches, like framed posters of their favorite things and cozy throws, to make the room feel like their own little world,” she says.
Coming from a larger home and then sharing a bedroom was likely a big adjustment for all of the family members, but Liz picked up some shared bedroom tips along the way. Liz says the key ingredients for curating a successful, cute, and functional shared kids’ bedroom are: personalized zones (think: a space dedicated to solely space posters for Ethan while blending into the overall room design); multi-functional furniture (storage bean bags); and storage for each kids’ personal items (lots of accessible shelves and bins for easy retrieval).
Even though it was likely a big change downsizing into a smaller, shared bedroom, the kids and Liz appreciate their new space. Liz loves how the room is the perfect balance of “work and play,” while Ethan and Harper love that the bedroom feels large enough to hang out together.
“They really love spending time in their room — it’s their little sanctuary. They do a bit of everything in there! There are lots of spontaneous dance parties, and they both enjoy reading in their cozy corners,” Liz shares. “Of course, they also spend time doing homework at their desks, which I’m happy about because it’s a dedicated, quiet space. When they’re not reading or working, they’re usually playing games — whether it’s board games, video games, or just creative play.”
To see more of Liz’s wonderful home, visit the full home tour on Apartment Therapy.
Product List
Further Reading
These 15 Kids’ Storage Beds Have Hidden Depths
You’re Not Allowed to Lock Strollers at Disney Theme Parks, So Instead I Do This
49 Stylish Nursery Ideas for the Unique Baby Room of Your Dreams
