Shea McGee shares the 'perfect formula' for designing a kids' twin bedroom – featuring an unexpected layout
Less is more for the interior designer when it comes to twin-bedroom furniture


Kids' bedrooms are the perfect spaces to embrace playful decor and let creativity run wild. However, that doesn't mean these rooms come without their fair share of design challenges.
If you're designing a kids' twin bedroom, furniture can quickly overpower the space if a traditional layout is followed.
But with the right layout, kids' room ideas can feel balanced and stylish, and interior designer Shea McGee proves this in one of her latest decorating advice videos all about small bedrooms.
In the YouTube video, Shea shares an unconventional approach to the furniture layout of a kids' twin bedroom, and not only does it look stylish, but it's a great idea for kids' or guest bedrooms that are already tight on square footage.
A post shared by Studio McGee (@studiomcgee)
A photo posted by on
Shea suggests teaming twin beds with just one nightstand in the middle, rather than a separate one for both beds, as demonstrated above in the bedroom she designed.
'When I am designing kids' spaces with two twin beds I often opt to do one larger nightstand in the middle so that it centers the space and also breaks up the pairs,' Shea explains in the video.
'I like to have a central focal point if the room allows for it,' she continues, explaining that the more traditional layout of a nightstand beside each bed can create 'so many pairs'.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
To further enhance the focal point enabled by the standalone bedside table, Shea continues to explain how a rug can complete the look: 'I think that the rug also provides that centering function,' referencing the McGee & Co. wool and jute handwoven checkered rug that features in the space.
Following the expertise of Shea and including just one nightstand in your twin bedroom can enhance its design appeal by avoiding too many bulky furniture items, instead creating a balanced look.
When choosing the right nightstand, make sure it's large enough. The nightstand should allow enough surface and storage space for two and be big enough to properly fill the space between the beds.
Below, you can shop some of our favorite nightstands to recreate a similar look in your kids' or guest bedroom.

Emily is a freelance interior design writer based in Scotland. Prior to going freelance in the spring of 2025, Emily was Homes & Gardens’ Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interiors and home decor for the Homes & Gardens website. Having gained specific expertise in this area, Emily is well-versed in writing about the latest color trends and is passionate about helping homeowners understand the importance of color psychology in home design. Her own interior design style reflects the simplicity of mid-century design and she loves sourcing vintage furniture finds for her tenement flat.
-
This is the single best upright vacuum we've ever tested – and it's on offer with $130 off at Shark for a limited time only
You won't want to miss this one
By Dan Fauzi
-
Nate Berkus says slipcovered sofas are back on trend – and I just found a way to create this designer-approved laid-back look from just $86
This classic style is making a strong comeback, but did you know you don't have to buy a whole new couch to get this Nate-approved look?
By Eleanor Richardson