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 creating 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 with many people, the only appropriate place of your house is in the basement, make sure there is enough light.
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.
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.
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.
