Kids Playroom Creation: How to Designate an Area

Posted by jsimpson at 9:00 am

Jul 262011

If it’s too hot, too cold, too rainy or too dark outside, kids are stuck indoors. That’s when a designated playroom would be ideal! But what if you don’t have a room you can devote to play? Take heart, there are still options available. Take advantage of room you do have by converting, dividing or even improvising with “found” space.

Converted Space

Take a close look at your home, rethinking use of each room. Can room use be swapped around? Do you have a seldom-used formal living room or dining room that can be converted to a kid’s playroom? Can attic, basement or garage space be cleaned up to use for play? A loft, den or spare bedroom easily converts to a kid’s play area. (It’s ok for guests to sleep elsewhere ‘til the kids are grown.)

basement play rooms for kids with storage wall for toys

Room in a basement converted to cheery room for activities and play.

Divided Space

If you have part of a room available, use storage units, room dividers, furniture or fabric to create separate areas. Take a corner of a guest room or den and create a play area. Partition a section of a basement, attic, garage or family room for the kid’s corner. Split room designs are a great way to create multi-use areas but be sure to select a spot where noise can be tolerated.

play area for kids built under stairs in family room

End of a room closed off to create a secluded play area, yet still near parents.

Found Space

My favorite spaces are “found” in unused areas of the house. Dead space under stairs can become a hideaway by enclosing, installing a light inside, and adding a door and window. Walk-in closets, enclosed porches, and areas under peaked dormer windows make great havens. Kids will gravitate toward pint-size spaces proportionate to their size so make sure to not cram too much into a confined space.

Corner of family room for pint-sized playhouse. Kids will spend hours here!

childrens playhouse in attic with dormer

Found space in dormer window alcove. Ceiling height is perfect for kids.

When all is said and done, it doesn’t really matter to the kids if the play area is a separate room or a corner in the den. It isn’t the size of the space that is the issue. Kids just need a place they can call their own…..where they won’t be scolded for leaving toys out for a while.

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The full Kids Playroom Creation Series: