Playrooms are a place where imagination can flourish. If your kids are lucky enough to have a playroom or a designated space for their toys and activities, the design can make the experience of play that much more special.
There must be a fun factor in creating a playroom where children can learn through play. A great playroom is more than a room to store toys; it's a space that inspires children to expand their minds. This guide explores playroom ideas that your little ones might like.
Designing the Ultimate Playroom
With that in mind, here's your guide to creating the ultimate playroom that your family can enjoy for years to come.
Create the Space
You don’t need a ton of space to create a fantastic playroom. If you don’t have a spare room that you can dedicate solely for playtime, consider space-saving furniture and creative storage to make the most of a guest room.
Install a Murphy Bed in Your Playroom
Murphy beds are designed to make rooms multifunctional. A rarely occupied guest room, for example, can quickly transform into an open space for a playroom when not in use by overnight guests. Some models, like the Lori Bed, offer shelf storage when the bed is in the upright position, which can hold coloring books and display stuffed animals.
(Read about what to look for in a Murphy bed in this post)
Smart Storage
(Credit: Rooms Need Love)
A kids’ playroom is made for fun, but it still needs to be practical. Keep toys organized with smart storage. Whether you opt for cabinets with doors, units with open shelving, or those with built-in shelves separating toys into storage boxes makes it easier for the kids to access, plus it keeps clutter (or tripping hazards) off the floor.
The Callum Wall Extra Wide by Pottery Barn Kids is a popular choice because it features the right balance of open display and concealed storage.
And don’t forget the walls! To free up extra space on the floor, use a coat rack or decorative hooks to hang dress-up costumes. The key to optimized storage solutions is arranging your stuff well with whatever available storage space.
Creative Colors and Wall Art
(Credit: extraspace.com)
A playroom that encourages creativity and imaginative play for your child and their friends can engage them more. The space and all its amenities can add color to their playtime.
Leave the soft color palette for the living room. Bright and bold paint colors inspire energy and excitement. Vibrant blues, reds, pinks, or purples are excellent choices for a playroom. Get the kids involved by asking them to choose their favorite colors.
Make the design interactive with chalk paint. Designate a wall that the kids can color on to their hearts’ content. Your young Picasso can create a mural or practice their penmanship. Simply wash it away with a damp sponge when it’s time to make the next masterpiece.
(You can find more interior design inspiration in this post)
Fun Flooring
(Credit: Retro Renovation)
As seen in an article from Retro Renovation, the vinyl flooring is available in a host of different styles—are both playful and durable. In a playroom, even the flooring can be fun. The design experts at Retro Renovation also share these modern vinyl flooring designs available from Tarkett. If the playroom is near a window, add chairs to create a window seat vibe.
Plus, they are easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about scratching. The Funtastic Island floor tile pictured above lets kids take an adventure without leaving the house.
Best Playroom Gear
Art Station
(Credit: Project Nursery)
A dedicated art station inspires creativity—and helps keep playtime organized. Try hanging baskets with all the goodies: crayons, non-permanent markers, crafting paper, stencils, etc.
Like this perfectly sized option from Amazon, a small desk can also be used as a designated homework spot when playtime is over.
Set Up a Stage in the Playroom
(Credit: Project Nursery)
What kid doesn’t like to put on a show? Set up a small stage and let them bask in the limelight. Project Nursery built the above custom stage and dress-up closet in an unused corner of the playroom. The impressive yet straightforward stage was constructed of wood, white outdoor paint, and stage curtains made out of colorful LuluDK's fabric for Schumacher.
Indoor Exercise
(Credit: Smart Playroom)
If you want to win the Parent of the Year award, an indoor fitness setup will make you a top contender. Companies like Smart Playroom make it simple to transform an unused space into the ultimate activity room. Adding a climbing obstacle course and swings is a fun way to keep the kids moving even if you can’t make it to the regular old playground.
(Speaking of exercise, read about creating the ultimate home gym with a Murphy bed next)
Forts
(Credit: Twin Pickle Interiors)
Indoor forts have come a long way since your childhood—no more flimsy DIY tents made with pillows and blankets. The children’s forts of today have fun themes that fit all of your kids’ interests.
These options featured in Twin Pickle Interiors are dynamite ideas that include everything, from ice cream truck-themed forts to astronaut-themed tents. Fill the tents with books and turn them into your kid’s very own reading nook.
You don’t need a lot of extra space to create an incredible playroom for your children to enjoy. Start by furnishing the room with space-saving furniture like a Murphy bed and basket storage.
Once the basics are in place, the sky's the limit. Invite your children to dream big by giving them a special space where their imaginations can grow. As parents, every playroom idea you have should be complete with all the necessary materials and equipment for your kids to spend time in.
Did you learn a lot from this post? Here are three more to read next:
- Lori Story #1: How the Lori Bed Fostered Connection between a Grandpa and his Grandkids
- How To Create The Ultimate Home Gym
- How-To Create The Perfect Guest Room For Your Overnight Visitors
This post was first published in 2020, but it was updated in 2024 just for you.
