If you can allow it, giving a child their own space is a great way to keep toys controlled and offers a safe place to play. Most children treasure a space of their own besides their bedrooms. When decorating a playroom, always think about safety. No matter the age of your child, protection comes first.
For toddlers and young children, study safety issues such as corded blinds and cabinet doors, and plan for these safety concerns in your preliminary design.
For younger children, consider using soft storage boxes or bins. Heavy buckets or bins are easily pulled off of the shelf and can cause severe head injuries.
Ensure furniture is over knee height. Cabinets, dressers and shelving should be secured to the walls. This is important even in teenager’s rooms. Bookcases have been known to tip and injure all ages.
If you are creating a teen room with computer and television access, Internet and television safety is obligatory. Set up or activate parental controls. A playroom is a great way to provide your teen with a secure environment where they can feel they have some space and control, yet you are still protecting them, as well.
Install a carbon monoxide detector. Small children are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Picking out a color palette or theme for your playroom can be really enjoyable. This is a great time to go bold! Children react to bright colors and large patterns, but don’t be afraid to break away from the preschool primary tones. There are many up to date color palettes that would work well in a playroom, yet still, make it feel grown-up enough that the adults don’t feel like they are hanging out in a kid-only space. If there is going to be a bed, pick a duvet cover & duvet to fit with the colors.
Start with the basics. Every playroom needs sufficient storage in conjunction with a table and chairs. Even if your child hardly ever sits still, a table can provide an elevated surface for every activity from tea time to Play-Doh to train-track building.
Playroom furniture needs to be extra sturdy and durable but doesn’t need to be expensive. If you would rather purchase than produce, shop around for furniture tailored for teens, as well as adults.
Even if your playroom is chosen for a teen, providing a table for study, board games or reading encourages a love for something other than electronics. It can also present your preteen or teen with a quiet place to spread out and be his or herself – especially if your child is artistic or introverted – without separating him or her from the family.
Think about all of your child’s storage needs when planning your playroom. Make sure that there is room for artwork to be displayed – and created! Make sure that the shelves are kept low so little arms can reach. You could add a soft basket beside the shelf, to add extra storage for books or other small items.
Along with storage needs, it’s important to evaluate lighting. Lighting should be safe but adequate. Natural light is the best if it is available in your space, but other lighting sources such as sconces or recessed lighting also work well.
Table lamps aren’t always a good idea since cords are easily pulled, or worse. If you use lamps, make sure cords and sockets are secure. A lamp on the bookshelf can add additional lighting, but it is essential to remember to keep the cord tucked safely away behind the shelving.
A storage area and art area provide a fun, organized place for a child to play, while a calm but hip color palette makes adults feel at home also.
Pick patterns which are perfect for kids. A large neutral sofa provides a comfortable spot for adults and children. Throw pillows are inexpensive to make or purchase and can be exchanged as your child’s (and your) tastes grow.
Built-in storage doesn’t have to be custom or expensive. A shelf and chalkboard painted wall can easily be surrounded with molding to create a custom look, like in the photo.
Clipboards create an easy way for older children to hang their own art, and it also makes for an easy swap when your child brings home their latest masterpiece.
Many playrooms become rooms for the entire family, and this is perfectly okay. But don’t forget to provide space for your little (or big!) one to have some private time or downtime.
Kid-only reading nooks, alcoves, tents, and recesses can provide the perfect spot for your child or teen to unwind. Make sure the wall decor is at kid height (which is exactly where it should be, by the way) and comfortable, and that kid-only seating is thoughtfully planned around a stocked bookshelf.
Use a color palette and theme that is soft and calming, but also feel free to be a bit more aggressive and exciting in terms of color choice, especially with an older child. For example, just remember that red walls aren’t calming for anyone and should be reserved for the most playful sections of your playroom.
When you feel that it is time to give your child some space within the home, always make sure that the renovation costs and additional costs (like furniture, paint, DIY jobs) fit within your budget and you are not going to be left struggling with your finances. If you plan it all properly, and take the time to think about what you want the playroom or bedroom to look like and feel like, then you run a good chance of avoiding any unnecessary stress.
Always make sure that the space you are designing will fit within your child’s needs and they will be happy and content with everything you have provided. Also, it is important to go through safety checks at least once a day. As your child will be spending a lot of time alone in their space, ensure they are protected and that you can relax knowing they are safe and nothing in the room can harm them or fall on them.
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