As your kids transition out of their crib and learn how to become more independent, they’ll need their own space. 

Most kids typically start enjoying independent play at 12 months but you can start thinking of creating their playroom as early as 6 months. 

Why do I need a playroom?

Your kid’s playroom is going to be their sanctuary. It’s going to be their safe space as they play with their toys and explore their imagination. Besides that, it’s also an environment where they can be creative and learn more about the world. 

As your little ones grow up, they’ll want a space where they can have fun at any time of the day. Here’s how you can design the perfect playroom and a list of must-have items to make it truly special.

How can I design the perfect playroom for my kid?

1. Choose the right space

Before creating the playroom, you’ll need to find a space in your home that can house it. It can be a spare room, a corner of the living room, or an unused storage near the stairs that you can turn into a room! 

Once you’ve chosen your playroom location, make sure it’s safe for your little one. It should also be easily accessible and filled with natural light to encourage them to play. 

2. Pick a theme

Now that you’ve found the space for your playroom, let’s pick a theme! 

Having a color scheme can make your kid’s playroom feel a little more exciting. It also makes the process a little easier as you shop for the furniture and decorations later on. 

However, with that being said, go for a flexible theme— your child’s interests might change over time, so a neutral theme can be a smart choice. 

3. Use child-friendly colors

Bright and cheerful colors are perfect for a playroom, but consider using a combination of hues that won’t overwhelm the space. Soft pastels can create a calming atmosphere, while bold primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) can stimulate creativity and playfulness. You can incorporate colors through wall paint (or wallpaper), rugs, and furniture that match the color scheme. 

4. Incorporate learning elements

A playroom should be a space for both fun and learning. When planning your kid’s playroom, incorporate educational toys, books, and puzzles that encourage cognitive development. A small reading nook with a cozy chair or a bean bag can create a quiet spot for your child to dive into their favorite stories!

5. Create zones for different activities

Besides a reading nook, design a playroom with different zones for different activities. Here are some fun playroom zone ideas you can consider:

• Arts and crafts zone: Include a small table with kid-friendly chairs and store art supplies like crayons, paper, and paint in a small container or cabinet. 
• Play zone: Have an open space with a soft rug where your kids can spread out their toys or stack their building blocks. 
• Dress up corner: Build a small wardrobe or install a clothes rack to hang costumes and include a small mirror nearby to see their outfits. 

6. Safety first

Safety is the most important part of creating a space for your kids to thrive in. Here are some playroom safety tips you should take note on: 

• Ensure the playroom furniture are sturdy and secured to the wall to prevent tipping
• Cover electrical outlets and ensure no loose wires are hanging around
• Use non-toxic paints and materials for the walls and furniture 
• Secure your rugs, carpets, or mats on the floor with an anti-slip underlay 
• All sharp corners on the furniture should be cushioned
• Install child locks on windows and doors 

Consider the placement of items to avoid any playroom trip hazards. 

@elizabethhomen1 | neutral playroom, playroom decor, playroom inspo, playroom fun, toys, toddler activities, motherhood, playtime, mama, cute baby, rainbow playroom | #playroom #playroomdecor #playroominspo #playroomdesign #playrooms #playroomideas #playroomorganization #playroomstyling #playroommakeover #playroomfun #playroomfurniture #miltonandgoose #cuddleandkind #cuddleandkinddolls #neutralplayroom #neutralplaymat #kidspace #kidspaces #playroomfun #playroominteriors ♬ love song (hesitations) (sped up) - Lofuu & Shiloh Dynasty & dprk

What are some things I can get for the playroom?

Now that you’ve planned the playroom, let’s go shop some things for it!

1. Fun and educational toys

Your kids’ playroom should have a mix of both fun and educational items, like stuffed animals, building blocks, puzzle games, and more! If they’re a bit older and leaning towards a specific career, you can get them interactive playsets (e.g. a playset) to help them visualize their dream job or a dollhouse to encourage imaginative play. 

Likewise, if your kid is a bit more active and loves to play outside, you can get them kid-friendly sports equipment like badminton racquets, basketballs, and soccer balls. They can be kept in the corner of the room or inside a toy cabinet when not in use. 

Also read: 8 Fun and Educational Toys for Young Children

2. Toy storage solutions

To keep up with your kids’ toy tornados, you’ll need easy storage solutions to keep the playroom clutter-free. There are so many ways to organize your kids’ toys, including toy bins, baskets, toy storage racks, and more. If you want to keep them off the floor, I personally recommend the stuffed animal net hammocks from Lilly’s Love because they’re durable and can hold a lot of toys! 

3. Tables and chairs

Get a set of kid-sized tables and chairs next to our list of playroom items. They’re great for an arts and crafts station, for snack breaks, or when they want to play other games instead, like tea parties or building houses. A beanbag chair is also a great option if you want your kid to be more comfortable. 

An underrated option is getting a modular couch for your kids. They’re both comfy and versatile and can encourage playtime in different ways. If you’re interested in one, you can check out ours at ComfyBumpy. 

4. Art supplies

Speaking of the arts and crafts station, you’ll also need non-toxic art supplies for your creative kid. These include stationery like pencils and erasers, colored pencils, crayons, markers, paper, and painting supplies. You can store them in a small drawer/cabinet or a small container on the table. 

You can also consider a small chalkboard, a whiteboard, a small painting easel with a canvas, or a few coloring books if your little artist loves to draw and paint!

@ana.peru My playroom Essentials. We got the easel and bookshelf when my son turned 11 months old and we still use them to this day. For reference my son is 2 years old. The easel has adjustable height legs so it grows with your little one. #playroom #playroominspo #playroommakeover #playroomdecor #playroomideas #playroomtour #montessorimom #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler ♬ Otra Vez - ProdMarvin

5. Books and a bookshelf 

For the voracious reader, build a bookshelf for the playroom and fill up the shelves with your kids’ favorite books. Include a mix of picture books and storybooks for early readers. If they love bedtime stories, you should get a big book of fairytales that they can fall asleep to. 

You can get kids’ books at a local bookstore or you can browse them online. 

Quick parenting tip: Move the beanbag chair closer to the bookshelf so your kid has a comfier reading nook!

6. A dress-up rack or a kid's closet

For your kids’ costumes and clothes, of course! If you’re running out of wardrobe space in your room, you can set up your kid’s closet in the playroom to store their clothes and their costumes together!

7. Throw pillows and floor mats

To ensure your kid has a cozy and safe space, you can cushion the floor and corners with pillows, throws, and floor mats that can protect your child while playing and tumbling. 

8. The decor 

There are so many ways you can add life to your kid’s playroom. Wall decals and murals add a pop of color through theme-related art, while rugs add a sense of comfort and warmth to the space. You can also hang up posters or framed photos that match the theme of your kid’s playroom. 

On the other hand, think about how you can set the lighting of the playroom. String lights, a small lamp, and a nightlight all do the trick pretty well!

How do I organize my kid’s playroom?

While toy storage solutions are a lifesaver, the mess after playtime is unavoidable. But luckily, there’s a way to manage the mess. 

1. Create an organization system for the playroom 

One of the ways you can organize the playroom is to have a system in place. Separate the toys or art supplies into different categories and store them in labeled containers or bins. If they come in different colors (e.g. building blocks), you can color-code them and store them that way. As for books, you can organize them alphabetically, or by genre. 

2. Make tidying up fun

Another way to ensure the playroom stays organized is by teaching your kids how to tidy up their space after they’re done. You can make it fun by treating tidying up as a timed game, or by playing fun music while they do it. 

Besides timed challenges, you can also work on creating a consistent routine or habit around clean-up. Break down the task into small missions and give directions to encourage them to start. 

Most importantly, set an example of cleaning up after yourself too. Show them why it’s important to have a clean space.

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3. Declutter when necessary

When the playroom is overwhelmed with too many toys or items, declutter once in a while. Get your kid involved in the process and work out which items they want to keep and which items they don’t want to use/play with anymore.

For items that are in good condition, you can give them away to friends or family, or donate to local charities that will give your kids’ toys and clothes a second chance. You can also sell your kids or baby’s preloved items at a thrift store or through online marketplaces like Amazon and Facebook Marketplace. 

Also read: 10 Organization Hacks for Busy Parents

4. Clean and refresh the space

Once or twice a week, clean the playroom. Refresh your kid’s playroom by rearranging the furniture or decor, vacuuming the space, and wiping down surfaces. You can also wash your kids’ toys every month or rearrange the layout of the whole playroom for a new look. 

Also read: 9 Toy Organization Tips to Help Reduce Toy Tornados

By combining thoughtful design with practical and fun elements, you can create a playroom that your kids will love spending time in. This space will not only be a hub of activity but also a place where their creativity and imagination can truly flourish.

Featured image by Tatiana Syrikova