How To Design A Fantastic Playroom

What makes a great playroom? Toys? Color? Fun? Well...yes. But, ultimately, what makes a playroom both functional and fun requires a lot more forethought and planning. You want to make sure you are seeing to your child's developmental needs, not just their storage needs.

Accessible Storage

Not only do you need tons of storage in a playroom (hello, toys galore!), that storage needs to be accessible to small hands. Plan on doing a toy rotation? Keep current toys stored down low, while out-of-use toys are stored at a more adult height. Additionally, be sure to use lightweight storage bins and baskets when tucking things away - encouraging independent play. Whenever possible, use child-size furniture, making play easier and more fun!

Photo and Design: Greenwich Play

Flexible Space

Imagination grows when kids have the freedom to change how they play. Open floor space allows flexibility and freedom for use, and even make great space for group play and birthday parties! Open and flexible space also allows for physical activity and getting that energy out!

Play Zones

Whenever possible, separating different play styles into zones prevents kids from feeling overwhelmed and getting decision fatigue. Keep all the play kitchen toys and food in one area, the art supplies in another, and the oversized play cushions in another. Use book and toy shelves to help divide spaces, when necessary, and include multiple ways to play in each zone.

Photo and Design: Be In Wonder Design

Multiple Levels

Have tall ceilings? Use that to your advantage! Build an indoor treehouse or play loft. Maybe even build a reading nook! Kids love to climb, and encouraging it builds courage, balance, and independence. Fill the lofted space with bean bags, books, and a magnetic whiteboard or chalkboard to create a multi-use space.

Photo and Design: grOH! Playrooms

Room to Grow

Look, you're never going to be able to prevent the teenage need to change everything about their childhood spaces, but you can delay it as long as possible by designing you space to grow with your children. Modular furniture is a great way to have the space physically grow with your children, but choosing colors - rather than themes - for the playroom will also help. Kids tend to outgrow their nursery designs quickly, but color schemes last much longer. Using storage systems that can accommodate many types of toys and equipment is ideal.

Sensory Play

Just like adults, kids have sensory needs - maybe even more than adults. Play is a great way for kids to see to their sensory needs, and having extra things like a rock wall, sensory swing, or even foam pit are fantastic for helping kids meet their sensory needs. Don't have the space for all that? Incorporate multiple textures and colors into the space. Use rugs, cushions, pillows, and wall decor to incorporate visual and physical textures to help those sensory needs.

Photo and Decals: Cass Denson

Often, people focus on making kid spaces educational - they want their kids to learn and grow. But kids learn by living, so give them a space where they can live their fullest kid life. Make it fun, make it your own, and make it playful!

Not sure where to start? Reach out! We love kids!

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