CREATING A FUN AND FUNCTIONAL PLAYROOM
Children spend a lot of time playing indoors – make their special space work for you too.
Whether it’s in a finished basement or a corner of the family room, there’s one thing all playrooms have in common: the goal of providing a fun-filled playtime for youngsters where their imaginations get to run wild. The tips below will get you started, from organizing the room into different play stations to maximizing the space:
Kill the Clutter
It’s funny how decluttering is part of many home solutions, and that’s true in this case, too. In fact, it’s the first thing you should do when setting up a playroom. Remove everything that doesn’t belong there – you’ll be shocked at how much more room you have to work with now. Give an extra look at toys: Are any broken, duplicates or age in appropriate? Clear them out!
Chalk It Up
One feature no playroom should be without is a giant chalkboard for drawing and writing. As an alternative, use chalk paint on one wall – it may become the focal point of the room and it will give younger children a wall that’s ok for drawing on!
Set Up Activity Areas
If you have the space, designate areas of the room for different activities and have the necessary supplies nearby to keep the room organized. Some ideas: Have a comfy place to read books, a child-size table and chairs for art projects, an open space to play with blocks and puzzles, and a place to play dress up with costumes.
Use Storage Containers That Promote Style
Keep the room neat by putting toys in containers. Plastic tubs work great but if your playroom is out in the open, such as in the living room or you want the playroom’s look to complement the rest of your home, opt for neutral colors for any playroom furniture. Use stylish wire or straw baskets, wood bookshelves, and ottomans with interior storage to stash toys.
Save Half Their Toys for Later
If your kids have a lot of toys, don’t put them in the playroom all at once. Too many choices can be overwhelming to a young child; instead, offer only half and put the rest in a place that’s out of their reach, like a high shelf in a closet. It’ll free up space in the playroom as well as allow the kids to come up with creative ways to use the same toys. When your child becomes bored with the toys they have out, you can rotate them and give them the feel of getting new toys without spending a dime.
Make Tidying Up the Playroom a Daily Task for the Kids
Though it’s okay to be messy when they’re having fun, teach the littles about organizing and cleaning up at day’s end. Give them each a job they can handle like gathering their stuffed animals and placing them in a designated basket on a low shelf. Even toddlers can learn to be responsible for putting their toys away at the end of the day.