How To:

Design a Shared Nursery

When you're expecting multiples, designing a shared nursery can be a fun challenge. Organization and creativity are key. One of the first things you'll want to think about is what furniture and accessories can serve both of them (is one changing table enough?), and where you'll need duplicates (two cribs are a must). Remember that while it needs to be safe and stimulating for your babies, it also needs to be comfortable and welcoming to you. There may be times when you are feeding or rocking one baby while the other one sleeps, so convenience is key.

Storage

Storage space is at a premium in any nursery, and becomes even more essential when designing a shared nursery. You'll probably be able to store most of their books and toys in one place, but it may be helpful to have separated storage for some clothing – especially if your babies are not the same sex. In an armoire, you can establish one half for each child.

Make the most of your closet by installing a good closet organizer or hanging multiple clothing rods at varying levels, perfect for tiny clothes. Hang hooks on the backs of doors and make sure to keep all essential changing items – diapers, wipes, etc. – in open storage within easy reach of your changing table.

Choose a Theme and Color Palette

If you are expecting babies of both genders, or you've decided to wait to find out, choose a neutral theme. Themes that work well for both boys and girls include animals, letters or simple motifs like stars and moons. Bring your theme to life with playful wall decals, a colorful rug or curtains in a coordinating color. Reinforce the look with collections, accessories and art.

If your babies are the same sex, you can make the cribs identical, or choose two bedding sets with matching palettes but slightly different prints. If you have mixed genders, look for crib sets that are available in different colorways for girls and boys. Either way, make sure to plan areas where you can add in accessories that speak to the babies as individuals after they're born.

Furniture Layout

Furniture placement dictates the ease with which you will move around your nursery. Once you've chosen the cribs, changing table and storage furniture, plan your layout thoughtfully, putting primary emphasis on crib placement. Make sure it will be easy to get each child in and out for feedings and nighttime changes without disturbing the other. You may want to place cribs away from one another to prevent one baby from waking another.

Growing babies spend lots of time on the floor; set up an area with a plush rug where you can let them roll around with one another.

Remember, there will be times when you're in there late at night, so keep a low wattage lamp easily accessible to prevent a bright overhead light from waking a sleeping baby.