Michelle from Iron & Twine is back today with another fantastic post on all things babies, and planning a space! Such an exciting time that I get to live through vicariously – Our fab contributors give me baby fever (for a whopping 3 seconds). So without further ado…it’s a nursery for two! {Yes, that was on purpose. Shhhh.}
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Hello Friends! I’m so excited to share some of our nursery plans! While still a work in progress, our goal has been to make a warm, cozy, happy space that’s pretty in form and BIG on function!
With twins on the way, we knew we would have to make the most of our 100 square foot room that would become the nursery. Yes, I just said 100 square feet to fit two babies along with two cribs and all the other necessities they need. Like any small space, our biggest challenge has been how to fit it all in while also accomplishing a balance between both form and function. I recently shared four easy steps to maximize space when designing a floor plan and boy am I putting those tips to use when designing our nursery!
After our gender reveal, we knew designing the space for both boy and girl would bring on additional design challenges, but before we could take on that decorating dilemma, we needed to tackle our biggest problem, this room has NO closets and NO built-in storage!
After brainstorming needs vs wants, we came up with what the absolute bare necessities were for our space…two cribs, a changing table and a glider. In addition we hoped to add two shelving units to provide more storage. This is what I initially envisioned…
Now that we’ve solved where to put the necessary pieces, additional storage will be key to turn this space from functional to cute & practical.
And speaking of cute, here are some of my favorite finds for adorable storage for a nursery or kids room:
Whether designing a nursery or small space, storage can be practical and add personality to a room! Thanks for letting me share a sneak peak into our nursery plans!
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As always, thanks for sharing, Michelle! For those of you out there who are nursery planning veterans, what were some of your most valuable pieces you used that helped you not pull out all of you hair stay organized and sane? We’d love to hear your input!
Jenna says
It looks like you’re on the right track! Shelving of some kind, especially without a closet is a must to survive 😀 love your ideas and can’t wait to see what you do!
Michelle @ Iron & Twine says
Thanks Jenna!!
April says
As a mom of twins who also had to deal with a tiny room for them, I just want to point out that your proposed crib arrangement will only work so long as they are swaddled or in sleep sacks. The second they can move around, their arms and legs will go through the sides (even if you use breathable bumpers, trust me) and they will be kicking each other all night. Once they get old enough to REALLY move around and/or stand up, that arrangement will absolutely not work. One will intentionally steal the others’ stuffed animals or blankets, will hit the other one, will try to wake the other one up–it’s just baby nature. Plus being that close they are more likely to wake each other with babble and crying. If there’s any way to get a foot or two between the cribs, I’d recommend it. Honestly I’d put the built-ins in between the cribs, not on the outside. Just also know that the second they can reach, they will pull everything off the shelves in their reach (my daughter’s crib is in FRONT of a built in shelving unit and she empties it of the stuffed animals on a daily basis). I’m not saying this to burst your bubble. I’m so excited for you to become part of the twin mom’s club because it’s wonderful (I have boy/girl too). Just wanted to share what I learned, also having a small room for mine! The nursery plan looks great otherwise!!! Congrats!
Sherry says
My comments exactly. They will feed off each other. I too have twins and their cribs were on opposite walls which was best because they couldn’t throw things into the others crib or reach in to pull, pinch, hit, etc.
We set up their bedroom for sleeping and made another bedroom the playroom when they got a little bigger. The bigger challenge is finding room for two swings, two high chairs, two bouncy seats, and a playpen in the living areas. It gets better as they get older. Good luck!
April says
We did one swing and one bouncy seat and alternated them between them. We definitely didn’t have room for two of everything!
Alexis says
Those stripes are great! Will you be painting them or is that wallpaper?
Michelle @ Iron & Twine says
Hi, Alexis! I agree those stripes are super fun, we ultimately have gone in a different direction, but those in the photo above are wallpaper from Serena & Lily (fyi, probably not to scale) ~ found here: http://www.serenaandlily.com/Fabric-Paint/Fabric-Paint-All-Wallpaper-Wide-Stripe-Wallpaper-Turquoise
Layla says
Well, I don’t have twins. But I do have four kids and I know that regardless, you usually start out with a plan and end up rolling with the punches. Our youngest had a nice nursery and spent most of his days with us in the bed. I do love your plans, and woot woot for storage options!
Mindy says
Very timely post as my niece is expecting twins early this winter – a boy and a girl. What fun!
Michelle @ Iron & Twine says
Congrats on becoming an Aunt Mindy…again 🙂
Sharon says
I faced the same challenge with my twins! Boy/girl and small room! I had almost the exact same layout that you have. Instead of the traditional changing table, I added one to the top of the dresser. There was plenty of room on top for the changing area and diaper changing supplies, so I had the drawers for clothes. Just a little tip – we had two bassinets (and of course two cribs), but for the first few months the twins could not stand to be apart. They were so fussy and restless for the first few days until we figured out that they just needed to be together! So sweet!
Michelle @ Iron & Twine says
Sharon, this is just the sweetest thing!!! I’ve heard this can be the case and can’t wait to see what our twins prefer. Great idea with the changing table!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
We’re loving all these tips from the twin mamas! So sweet and such a totally different world!
Lanne says
We are also expecting twins and are moving to a new unit next week to make room. Our room is 11×11 and thankfully has some built ins.
I have been reading about how to set up the room and it seems space between is the way to go. If you are building the built ins… Id consider that in 18-24 months they will need beds.. And the beds cant be lined up like the cots.
I have bought them a 2×2 expedit from ikea (it has a new name now) and we will have that beside the glider. It will give use a table top for bottles/water a lamp etc. two open shelves and two baskets for storage. Its about $35? I am also trying to get a 1.5 wide sofa rocker. I had a glider rocker for my son and as soon as he was done it was a useless piece of furniture. Im hoping the glider rocker means reading for two as they age and def better resaleability if they dont uae it. Best wishes for a safe delivery!