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Original poster

Sleeping in the living or dining room - making it work

249 replies

gwrachod · 04/03/2023 23:17

We're 4 people in a 3 bed - my DC's dad and I live as if a couple still, even though we haven't shared a bed for years, and never will again.

Eventually, we'll either split or move to a bigger house, but neither are on the cards just now, so I need to work out a semi-permanent solution.

The DC are 10 and 15.

I was on the sofa in the living room for the first few years, then we swapped last summer. DP is on the sofa, but it just isn't working having the living room doubling up as his bedroom, I knew it wouldn't (which is why I chose the sofa originally). So, I need to work out how else to do it.

There is one v. large bedroom. DS (15) is in it and I'd like to keep him there, as he's getting bigger and needs space for his hobbies and studying for his GCSEs.

Then there's also a double bedroom, a single bedroom and the dining room, the same size as the double.

I'm thinking DD in the double, so she has space to play and have mates round, "DP" in the single and me in the dining room.

But I'm not keen on losing the dining room completely.

Am I mad to think I could keep it as a dual function room? I've been looking at daybeds and thinking of having it as a dual function room. Is this a crazy idea?

If I do that there's no space for a wardrobe, I'd maybe have to get a large wardrobe for DD's room and share it, or convert the hall cupboard into my wardrobe.

Or, should I just accept we lose the dining room, and always eat in the front room?

What would you do?

OP posts:
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21
NuffSaidSam · 04/03/2023 23:24

Could you split the very big room into two?

How big is the kitchen? Big enough for a table?

Undecidedandtorn · 04/03/2023 23:25

Can you fit a table in the front room?

MeinKraft · 04/03/2023 23:27

I can't believe you've both been sleeping on this sofa all this time rather than turn the dining room into a bedroom. You all need a proper bed to sleep in.

You and your ex could get bunk beds Grin

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Home improvement
quietnightmare · 04/03/2023 23:28

Where are your clothes now?

Struddlefor1 · 04/03/2023 23:32

Can you put your ex/DP in the shed?

sorry, all joking aside, the dining room sounds like the best option. Day bed & a folding table.

Seaweed42 · 04/03/2023 23:32

Can you put a stud wall into the very large bedroom and create two small single for yourself and DH?

Seems crazy to have two kids in very large double rooms while losing half the living space downstairs.

SimplySipping · 04/03/2023 23:34

Murphy bed in the dining room and a foldaway table or gateleg table for special occasion meals? Or you might be able to get a Murphy bed with integrated cupboards and a table that folds out.

SimplySipping · 04/03/2023 23:35

stacking dining chairs would help a lot if you did find a way to keep the table.

maddiemookins16mum · 04/03/2023 23:40

I’d not be changing anything downstairs, the v large bedroom would be turned into two areas for the menfolk.

EliflurtleTripanInfinite · 04/03/2023 23:43

I'd split the biggest room into 2 seperate rooms for you and Ex. Or into 2 rooms for the kids. I think a non load bearing wall wouldn't be too expensive. You could even just get some room dividers with a curtain above to start.

olympicsrock · 04/03/2023 23:47

My preferred option would be dividing one of the double bedrooms into 2 small bedrooms for you and DP. Them as long as everyone has private space size doesn’t matter.

Second option would be a fold away/ pull down bed for you in the dining room with wardrobe next to it and a folding table and chair set. Could you eat in the kitchen?

Struddlefor1 · 04/03/2023 23:47

If you split the biggest bedroom in two, and the children each have a smaller bedroom, then they can use the dining room for homework.

Redglitter · 04/03/2023 23:48

There is one v. large bedroom. DS (15) is in it and I'd like to keep him there, as he's getting bigger and needs space for his hobbies and studying for his GCSEs

Surely the opposite is the case for a 15 year old. They generally need less space. They only need a desk to study.

Splitting it sounds sensible. Even if you and your husband have very small rooms if it's split at least you have a bedroom

FiddleLeaf · 04/03/2023 23:50

Loaf have some great looking beds that fold down into footstools so it’s possible to have the dining room looking normal

namechange1487 · 04/03/2023 23:53

Sorry, got to ask. Do you date other people?

If not, share a room if it's still all close?

FatGirlSwim · 04/03/2023 23:56

I sleep on a daybed in the lounge in order to give dc their own rooms. If I had a separate dining room however I would turn that into a bedroom. Is your lounge big enough to have the table at one end?

Ponderingwindow · 04/03/2023 23:58

Build a wall in the large bedroom.

oldest in double until starts uni or job
youngest in single for now and swaps with oldest in about 3 years.

you expend your creativity on making the living room and dining room work as multi function spaces that can handle kids playing

PriamFarrl · 04/03/2023 23:59

When DH was young his parents had a bed in the dining room that folded out from the wall.

FatGirlSwim · 05/03/2023 00:02

I agree that teens need less space than little children though, who have loads of toys, as a rule.

CovertImage · 05/03/2023 00:05

I think that adults subsuming their own needs / requirements for their kids is good for no-one, including the kids

Triflenot · 05/03/2023 00:42

Put a floor plan up. There are some very practical imaginative posters on here.

Emptycrackedcup · 05/03/2023 00:48

Can you get one of those log cabin things or else can you rent out your house and rent something more suitable? Otherwise a daybed spinds great. Do you really need a dining table?

Original poster
gwrachod · 05/03/2023 00:57

Wow, loads of suggestions, thanks. Will have a read...

OP posts:
Original poster
gwrachod · 05/03/2023 00:59

NuffSaidSam · 04/03/2023 23:24

Could you split the very big room into two?

How big is the kitchen? Big enough for a table?

Galley kitchen. No room for a table, sadly.

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