Kids Playroom Ideas

A dedicated playroom nurtures your child’s curiosity and provides them with a safe place to explore and have fun. Planning a new space in your home can seem overwhelming, but with the right furniture and design layout along with a little preparation, creating an entertaining playroom for your children can be fun for the whole family.

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Playroom Ideas for Out-of-the-Way Spaces

Deciding on a play space may be as simple as repurposing a spare room or finished basement. Using a room like this allows for larger kids’ playroom furniture and concentrates roughhousing and messes in a dedicated playroom rather than other parts of your home.

Playrooms in apartments and small houses take some ingenuity as you’ll most likely need to use a room that serves multiple purposes. An unused breakfast nook or dining room is the perfect small playroom idea for families who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. For parents who work from home, combining office space with a playroom is a popular solution.

Creating Dual-Purpose Home Office Playrooms

Versatility is key when designing a playroom-office combo. Look for furniture suitable for work as well as play. For example, colorful bins serve as a chic storage space for office supplies as well as toys that keep your children busy while you’re working. Poufs and ottomans can also double as handy kid-sized seating for stories or snack-time during breaks.

If you have some extra room in your home office, consider a kids’ table and chair set for arts and crafts. With this set-up, your little one can work on fun projects while you’re on the phone with clients. Also, comfy furniture such as a sofa or futon can give kids a cozy place to nap when they’re tired.

Basement Playroom Ideas

A finished basement is a great spot for a fun and creative playroom. Take advantage of whatever natural light you can and use lighting fixtures like floor lamps to make underground spaces feel brighter and more open. If your ceilings are high enough, consider a chandelier for overhead lighting, especially if your basement is on the smaller side.

Since most basements tend to be cooler than the rest of the house, adding plush area rugs gives floors a little more warmth. Storage options such as lockers with cubbies or wardrobes can hold extra sweaters or jackets if the kids get chilly. Add a playroom couch, a kids’ daybed or a couple of fun bean bag chairs to let your children and their friends kick back and relax or play games.

Living Room Play Spaces

The living room is where people spend most of their time, and it can be the perfect place for a play area. One of the first things you’ll want to do is set up boundaries in the room. Use area rugs to show your child the limits of their space. If you’d prefer their toys remain in a corner, you could even use room dividers like a small bookcase that can double as storage.

Other living room furniture, such as storage benches, can provide extra seating for parties as well as a place to tuck away items discreetly when playtime is over. Likewise, ottomans offer comfortable guest seating as well as a fun place for your little one to stretch out while they’re reading or playing a game.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Playroom Decor

Whatever your child’s age, they need a space that’s all their own. For younger kids, opt for bright colors and fun prints when choosing playroom chairs, mats and decor. For tweens or teens, involve them in your decorating plans, and dedicate this space to their pursuit of creative interests and hobbies so they can develop their skills.

Playroom Decorating for Toddlers and Young Children

Spark your child’s imagination with fun colors and prints to keep them occupied. Bright kids’ wall decor can help liven up toddler playrooms and give them a sense of style. Soft floor mats in vibrant hues are also helpful for building with blocks or playing on the floor.

Do your children like to read? A fanciful lamp on an accent table can encourage them to keep turning pages. Upholstered chairs and floor pillows give them plenty of space to relax, do homework or watch television, too. For a touch of comfort, pile accent pillows on top of a compact sofa to create a cozy spot for afternoon naps or handheld gaming.

Designing a Teenage Hangout

While the idea of a playroom might make some teens roll their eyes, having a space to be able to find yourself is an important part of adolescence. A seldom-used section of a finished basement or converted guest bedroom offers teens a place to practice music, write or try new ventures like podcasting or photography. Support their interests with a desk and the right equipment.

When it comes to room design, your teen has plenty of choices. For a more grown-up look, consider modern or contemporary furniture and decor in neutral colors. To punch up their palette, let your teenager choose a few bold accents like colorful canvas art or a chic lighting fixture to put their personal stamp on their layout.