Create the ultimate playroom/craft room for kids. Learn practical tips and design ideas to set up a perfect space that sparks creativity and joy.
If you have space for a playroom at home for your child, this is a space that will be so well used and loved. It’s somewhere they can relax, let off steam, get a little messy and play with their friends. When we first bought our home, I had a 4yo and one in the oven. We bought the home with an unfinished basement – still is, actually – but I wanted to have a cheerful and colorful space for my little man’s energetic and playful excursions. I wrote up a post about it back then:
I think we did a fine job with what was available to us at the time, but I’d much prefer to have had an available finished space to use! When creating a playroom or a craft room for kids, setting it up so that it stands the test of time is important. It needs to be really kid friendly and also kid proof! Here are some things to consider.
Choosing the Right Flooring and Paint
When you’re setting up a playroom/craft room for your little one, start with a durable and comfortable flooring. If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of painting, crafting and other artwork in here then go with a wipeable floor surface- you could buy terracotta floor tile, vinyl or laminate which will make it easy to clear up any spills and mess. Add some rugs to make it soft and cozy underfoot, by exploring options – when you buy rugs online, focus on ones that are washable. That way you can wash or replace them easily without the cost of replacing entire carpets. Again, where any kinds of art materials are involved, you’ll want to choose wipeable paint or washable wallpaper for easy clean-ups after those artistic adventures. Any splashes or spills (or artistic adventures on the walls!) can easily be wiped away and you don’t have to worry about constantly redecorating.
Smart Storage Solutions
To maintain a tidy play space, invest in smart storage solutions. Utilize everything from bins, baskets, and shelves to categorize toys and art supplies. Clearly labelled containers make clean up time so much easier and reduces tantrums! Teaching your child the importance of organization while keeping the playroom clutter free and ready for the next play session.
Kid Friendly Furniture
When it comes to furniture, think kid-friendly. Choose pieces that are sturdy, safe, and easy to clean. Soft chairs and bean bags offer comfy spots for reading or relaxing, while a child-sized table serves as a perfect craft station. Consider furniture with rounded edges for safety, and maybe add a splash of color to make the space extra cheerful. I chalk-painted a table in a Batman theme for my son’s playroom.
Personal Touch with Decor
Let your child’s personality shine through with playful decor. Hang their artwork on the walls, display favorite books on accessible shelves, and add vibrant, themed decorations. Personal touches not only make the playroom uniquely theirs but also create a space that brings joy and sparks their imagination. Turn a wall into a learning playground for your child. Use colorful charts, numbers, and maps to make it visually exciting. Add peel-and-stick decals or posters with engaging pictures for interactive learning. These displays not only make the playroom look good but also help your child learn letters, numbers, and about the world around them. It’s not just decoration; it’s a way to make learning fun, nurturing that curiosity and a love for discovering new things.
In the playroom, consider making a focal wall that stands out and captivates the room’s essence. Choosing a vibrant, colorful wallpaper with playful patterns or themes can instantly transform the space, making it feel warm and inviting. This choice of wallpaper serves as a delightful backdrop for the various personal touches and educational elements you’ve introduced. It complements the colorful charts, maps, and decals, bringing everything together in a harmonious blend. Choosing a pink wallpaper with flowers or patterns, for example, doesn’t just add color; it stimulates the senses, encouraging creativity and imagination in your child. It becomes a canvas for their growth and exploration, embodying the joy and wonder of childhood.
You can also make your own wall art for the playroom, craft up something that matches a theme or your child’s personality.
Functional Lighting
Good lighting is needed for both play and crafting activities. Make sure that the room is well lit up with a combination of natural and artificial light. Add fun, colorful lamps or pendant lights to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere, and at any craft areas add focused task lighting as this will avoid eye strain. Proper lighting enhances visibility and sets the mood for creativity and playfulness.
Quiet Corner
A quiet corner is a good idea for your playroom too- a spot to read, play on a quiet game or even have a nap. Create a cozy nook with soft cushions and blankets where your child can retreat for some downtime.
Interactive Play
Consider adding a magnetic whiteboard or chalkboard on one wall, you could even paint an entire wall with chalkboard paint. These sorts of things offer endless opportunities for learning and play. Your child can practice writing letters, numbers, or draw imaginative scenes. Magnetic letters and numbers can be used for interactive spelling and counting games, turning the playroom into a hands-on learning haven. You could also add shelves with labelled bins to organize educational toys and learning materials. Add in age appropriate puzzles, flashcards and activity books into these designated spaces encourages self learning and helps develop crucial cognitive skills in a playful and enjoyable manner. Introduce a calendar or daily schedule display which can help to teach kids concepts of time and routines.
I made an easy magnetic chart that you could repurpose for sensory play!
