The playroom is the room that should have the most fun. Playrooms are a place where functionality and creativity come together to create a space for your child to grow and play, while also containing toys. You should let your children’s imaginations run wild, and follow their lead with your design choices.
Find inspiration for your children’s playroom by using these 10 design ideas. They include storage ideas, color inspiration, and creative ways to utilize every square inch.
1. Create Activity Zones
You can use the classroom of your child to inspire you when designing a space. You’ll notice that in a typical preschool class, there are different zones and centers where children can explore. Each activity is given its own space. Instead of mixing the dress-up clothing with the construction sets, and placing the trains and trucks on top of the art and craft supplies, the activities are separated. The kids can easily move between the different zones, exploring, creating, and playing.
This method can also help keep the area organized (and make clean-up easier for teachers).
2. Chalkboards Can Be Upgraded
Addition of a chalkboard to the playroom is a feature that’s always popular. An oversized chalkboard is a great place for kids to draw, learn letters and numbers, and play games. Chalkboards are a better option for children to create than paper and markers. The quality of the paint and its usability has also improved in recent years. You may even be tempted to install a wall of chalkboards in other areas of your house.
Paint a wall or small corner in your playroom using chalkboard paint.
3. Make an Indoor Playground
The playroom is a place where children can relax and play quietly. If you have a child who needs to burn off energy, turn your playroom into an indoor gymnasium. This will give them a place to move around and dance. Create a space that allows kids to explore and play, even if the space is small. Think climbing walls, mini-trampolines, swings, and tumbling floors.
You can also add soft mats or surfaces to areas where children may fall while playing.
4. Select Storage that Adapts
We wish our children would stay at the same age, but they keep changing and growing. You’ll need to adapt your storage system to accommodate the changing needs of their toys.
This pegboard unit is an excellent example of adaptable storage, as you can swap the shelves out and move them around to suit your needs. Try storage baskets and bins with tags that can be adjusted based on the toy inside.
These elements will make it easy to store your child’s toys, no matter how many they have.
5. Add Pint Size Pieces
When choosing furniture for the playroom, consider the size, height, and footprint. You want to fill up the space but not overcrowd it.
Choose functional items that your children will use. Would a vintage rocking-chair look stunning in your child’s room? If you’re worried that it might be damaged quickly or used to build a blanket fort in the room, it is best to leave it out.
Add comfortable seating to the room for your children and yourself. A large bean bag chair can be used for a place to cuddle and take a break between playing.
6. Choose Calming Colours
Bright and bold colors in your child’s games and toys can easily overwhelm you. Avoid colors that can cause chaos when choosing a color scheme. Choose calming and cool pastels to make the room feel grounded. If you enter a room with toys all over, the walls will be a soothing color.
Sage green, light gray and navy blue are some of the best paint colors for kids’ bedrooms. You can also let your children choose the color of their playroom.
7. Play with Art
It’s unlikely that you have many rooms where a large canvas with a frog in glasses and giraffes in bright colors would be appropriate, but a playroom is the perfect place for them. Keep the art playful and fun, whether you decide to hang your child’s artwork on the wall or fill the room with characters that your children will enjoy. As your children grow older, you can change the art that is displayed.
Choose standard art sizes (think 8 by 10 inches), so that you can change the art at any time, but still keep the frames or the spot on your wall open to upgrade it later.
8. Leave Space for Play
You may be tempted to try and incorporate everything into a playroom. Don’t forget a place for the kids to play. You’ll need room to clean, set up and play as toys come and go.
To ensure that your children have enough room to move, leave plenty of room in the middle. You can even include items like a fold-up tent. The minimalist style can make any items you choose to include in the space really stand out.
9. Swing Into Action
Indoor swings are not only a stylish addition to any room, they can also help children calm down when they feel overwhelmed or need a break. They can also add a whimsical, fun vibe to a room. Installing a swing requires that you choose a location away from walls and attach the swing to a ceiling beam.
You’ll want to make sure that you install the swing safely, as your children will be using it. A handyperson may be needed if you are unable to do it yourself.
10. Do Not Forget A Reading Nook
Create a cozy reading nook with all their favorite books. A book nook can be created in any space, whether it’s a corner of the room, a closet or even a blank wall. It allows kids to relax and read at their leisure. Add blankets, pillows and illustrations of their favorite characters to the space.