Children of all ages love to play but playing also means toys. Not that long after a baby is born, the house is submerged with toys and that’s enough to justify a playroom.

The location

The playroom deserves a great location in a well-lit room. Ideally, it should be near the common areas so that parents can keep an eye on the children in action. If, as for many people, the only appropriate place of your house is in the basement, make sure there is enough light. Remember to choose lamps that can resist an occasional lost ball.

The finish

In a playroom, you must think “practical”. Because the walls and floors are doing a lot for the room, carefully choose the finish. Walls and floor coverings must be washable. Choose semi-gloss paint. Also choose solid flooring such as floating vinyl. It is softer than ceramic or wood, does not fear liquids, is easily washable and you can choose from a lot of styles.

To decorate the walls, you have many options:

Painted mural decorations:

• Wall decals
• Painting a section of the wall with chalkboard paint;
• Wallpaper (some are washable);
• Stencils;
• Frames and paintings (photographs, drawings, etc.)
• Mirrors.

Zoning

If the room is big enough, creating specific areas is a good way to organize the space. Draw a list of the activities that will take place in the room and organize the space around your list. Create a space for crafting, one to read, one for the little cars, one to dress up, depending on the age and interests of your child. Simply regroup the toys and the furniture accordingly.

Crédit : © Thrifty Decor Chick

To create a relaxing space, you can add a mat. Choose it dark or with patterns to hide eventual and probable accidents. Puzzle mats are ideal to also absorb physical games.

If you lack space, turn a wardrobe into a reading space by removing the door and making a seat. You can place boxes under it and install higher shelves. Curtains on each side will give it a “secret hiding place” look.

Furniture

Think small. The furniture must be appropriate for the size of the children who will play there.

Crédit : © Modern Karibou

A solid table is essential to draw, craft or play board games.

Depending on their age, a suspended chair or a hammock can also be an original idea. Beanbags are also a classic, appreciated for their multiple uses. Even oversized cushions placed on the floor will do. Furniture with washable covers is a must.

Storing

Dedicating a room to children is good but it must be easily kept clean. Here are a few tips to manage:

• Place storage at the children’s height, easy to access and well identified;
• Use labels with images instead of words;
• Avoid the huge toy box that will soon become a mess and place many little boxes in an open shelf instead;
• Suspended nets and claw chains are a great way to put away all the teddies that are inevitably accumulating;
• For crafting, a cabinet with transparent drawers makes it easier to find what we are looking for.

Finally, it is important to involve your children in the design of that space, their space. This process will give them a feeling of belonging and of pride and will encourage them to take good care of it. Don’t forget to plan ahead so that the room can evolve with your children. Finally, always keep safety in mind because the whole purpose of this space is to provide a safe place where you can leave your child without any worries.