30 Kids’ Playroom Ideas to Spark Creativity

Use bins, baskets and shelving to keep toys accessible for children. Here, designer Anne Gillyard of grOH! Playroom uses stylish polka dot bins and a storage wicker ottoman to keep toys tucked away, in addition to open shelving to display their entire book collection.

“Children need organization with their toys in order to be able to make a plan and carry out their ideas,” says Becky Thomas, founder and teacher at Playgroup. “When children are able to initiate their own play ideas with organized materials in sight, they are better able to sustain play for longer periods of time.”

Here, interior designer Kate Abt converts an awkward attic space into a functional playroom. Not only do the open display shelves look great, they help encourage your little ones to play.

“Placing larger, highly motivating toys on shelves keeps the toys in mind,” says Becky Thomas, founder and teacher at Playgroup. “Leaving a ladder, step stool or climbing structure to reach high-up toys allows children to be independent with their toy choices.”

What used to be basement storage, designer Arlyn Hernandez turns into a cheerful kid-focused space. Patterns, colors, plenty of seating and kid-friendly textiles fill the room, but the small wooden swing is the star of the show.

The swing provides more than just entertainment for children, Psychologist and Parenting Coach Rebecca Hershberg says that “rhythmic movement, such as swinging or rocking, can be tremendously helpful in helping children regulate both their bodies and their emotions.”

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

Chances are your child draws, paints and assembles endless art projects, and you’ll very quickly run out of fridge space. We’ve got a genius idea: Use their work as decor in the playroom. “Displaying your kiddo’s artwork boosts confidence and encourages creativity,” says Gillyard. Take it up a notch by framing each creation in a vibrant frame and turning them into a gallery wall.

Here, designers from Alluring Designs Chicago go for a cool-toned color palette and elevate the space with images of mountains along the wall, a cozy tent and an engaging activity rug. According to teacher Becky Thomas, “An activity rug is a great way to provide structure within play.”

She adds, “We want to teach our children to play independently and having the play idea right in front of them, can be helpful in achieving this goal.” A tip: Add block buildings and cars to encourage creative play.

While the rest of your home may follow a neutral color palette, the playroom is a space meant to inspire creativity. From the bright ceiling to the geometric area rug, this room exudes color from floor to ceiling.

“Infuse your space with color and interest to inspire your kiddos,” says Anne Gillyard of grOH! Playrooms. “A visually inviting environment enhances play exponentially for the whole family.”

Jenni Yolo of I Spy DIY makes a sunny attic space feel like an inspired treehouse. The best part? The chic green walls are made from chalkboard paint, so kids can give this interior an entirely new story with every fresh drawing.

Hershberg says: “A chalkboard wall provides not only an easy way for children to express their creativity, but also makes drawing tremendously accessible — a tool that many children use to process and cope with big feelings.”

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If you’re committed to a soothing aesthetic, pastels are a great way to bring in color without going too bold. In her personal home, blogger @meishaclaire fills a playroom with a pale pink couch, play kitchen and playful artwork.

“If you want to create a calmer space, think a more mid-tone or pastel palette,” says Gillyard, who also suggests using limited color schemes — like shades of a singular color.

As much as we love a large playroom full of toys, games and activities, sometimes all children need is a quiet space they can call their own. Interior designer Elizabeth Krueger turns a small closet under the stairs into a playroom, even painting a bright rainbow on the wall to give it a pop of color.

“Finding quiet spaces can help to eliminate sensory stimuli when playing,” says Thomas. “Some children need less visual and audio stimulation to be able to regulate their bodies in order to play calmly.” If you’re not able to give up a closet, you can bring in an enclosed space with a tent or blanket.

Turn an unused (or under-used) attic into the perfect playroom. Interior designer Abby Leigh decorates white walls with colorful stickers and adds a geometric rug to breathe life into the neutral space. Due to the high ceilings, she’s even able to add a gold chandelier that’s out of reach from the children.

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Neutral doesn’t mean lacking imagination — check out the custom ship mural. Next, the table set is situated in the center of this room to encourage art projects. As much as we understand the importance of a table fit for your little ones, it’s great when you manage to find seating that can accommodate adults as well — which is what interior designer Emily Henderson does here.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

Whether they love to draw, paint or play school with their siblings, an art easel is a great way to inspire play. Tip: The tray included in most kid easels is small, so add a bin beside or underneath to store art supplies like extra paint, markers and pencils. Designed by Rise Interiors, this artistic play space wouldn’t be complete without the city-inspired wallpaper.

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From the bench beneath the window and sofa to the craft play table, this cool-toned play space (designed by Studio Munroe) combines various types of seating.

According to Thomas, “different seating options can provide feedback to our children’s bodies” and “allows the child to choose what they need.” Additionally, seating that allows children to place their feet firmly on the floor (hint: child-size table sets) can help a child better focus while crafting or building.

SHOP PLAY TABLE

This playroom by Summer Thornton, as seen in her book Wonderland: Adventures in Decorating, uses woven baskets with lids to tuck away toys and games that aren’t in use. Placing the bins on the floor keeps everything within reach for children, plus making it possible for them to clean up on their own.

“Children feel increased ownership over a space that is well-designed aesthetically, which means that they are more likely to take care of it by cleaning up and keeping things organized,” says Gillyard.

If you have a small space, allow your children to fill it with their book collection. To give them seating options, add a fluffy rug on the floor or try a window seat topped with a few plush throw pillows. Hint: Don’t forget a stuffed animal or two.

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Not only does this polka dot tent elevate a neutral space, but it provides a safe and cozy escape for your children. Here, interior designer Jessica Risko Smith fills it with a faux fur rug, owl plushie and a few books.

“A tent offers an easy way to create a calm-down corner or soothing space for kids,” says Hershberg, who suggests keeping this area full of tools that align with this idea, such as coloring supplies, bubbles and fidgets. “Add whatever a child may need to come back into regulation when the outside world becomes too stimulating or overwhelming.”

Whether it’s used as a crafting room, building space or study spot, having a full-size table with chairs is ideal for older children. Add a wipe board and built-in shelving to maximize productivity.

Plus, the wipe board doubles as a place to display artwork. Tip from teacher Becky Thomas: “Provide a variety of art and writing materials such as paints, clays, stamps, scissors, envelopes and different paper choices to keep the art area interesting and the products to hang on the wall will always be different.”