12 Kids’ Playroom Decor Ideas to Inspire Fun and Creativity
Imagination and children go hand in hand. When it’s time to play, children’s rooms should be filled with toys that stimulate their imagination and creativity. Whether it’s a kitchen playset for the aspiring chef or a worktop for all kinds of creations, the options are endless. If you’re looking to highlight your child’s creativity at home, this Redfin article is for you.
Whether you live in a house in Duluth, Minnesota, or an apartment in Wilmington, North Carolina, read on for 12 expert-backed kids’ playroom decorating ideas to help spruce up your child’s space.
1.Ensure that each item has a dedicated place
First, focus on design and organization. It’s important to design a playroom with purpose so that kids can learn valuable skills and make the most of their space. “A good way to do this is to ensure that each of their items has a designated place,” said Adriano Tori, founder and CEO of RexMont Real Estate. “Not only does it keep the room clutter-free, but it also teaches kids how to organize and respect their belongings.”
2.Include an organizational system
Regardless of the space, be sure to include an organizational system. Storage bins are a great way to achieve this. “Bins are excellent for sorting, organizing, and storing different items,” said the team at Biltmore Design Square. “Use similar items in various sizes to optimize your organizational system,” they advised. “You can also extend the system to other areas of your home, including bathrooms, closets, and even small spaces.”
3.Label storage with pictures and text
When using storage boxes, take pictures of the contents and label them with both pictures and words. “Not only does this help keep toys organized, but it also enhances children’s literacy skills by connecting written words to images,” commented Stacey Grumet, Founder and CEO of Paper Pinecone. “And don’t forget to make books easily accessible.”
4.Choose an interesting theme
Consider designing a playroom around a theme that reflects your child’s interests, such as travel, outer space, or the ocean floor. “Incorporate captivating wallpapers, murals, stencils, and decals while adding small decorative touches that fit the theme,” notes the team at GTC Design. “Once the overall theme is established, complement it with cozy cushions, convenient shelves, art supplies, and anything else the child desires.”
No matter the theme or decor, prioritize safety by choosing child-friendly furniture, securing heavy objects, using non-toxic materials, and adding soft foam padding as needed.
5.Use playful colors
One of the first items on your child’s playroom decorating checklist should be painting the walls a vibrant, playful color. “Options include sky blue, sunny yellow, or warm green,” says Heather Sheridan, owner of Decorating Den Interiors. “If you decide to go with a specific theme, such as a jungle theme or a princess theme, use wall decals that are easy to peel off,” she advises. “Regardless, make sure your kids love the colors and that they will withstand the test of time.”
6.Create an engaging art room
Design a colorful art space that inspires creativity and naturally draws kids to it. “When designing an art room, start by figuring out what your child enjoys doing, their developmental stage, and how you want the room to look,” advises Ann Cox, owner of Ann Cox Design. “Then, display enough artwork to be encouraging without feeling overwhelming,” she says. “If you have the space, consider incorporating some of your child’s original artwork into the design.”
7.Invest in fun transitional furniture
Furniture should grow with your child, so it’s important to choose high-quality items for your child’s playroom that are safe and enjoyable. “Instead of buying small, cute chairs, opt for a couple of great armchairs or sectional chairs that can be used alone or with the family,” notes the team at Mecc Interiors. “If you want them to be easy to clean, purchase custom washable covers so you can clean and replace them simply and easily.”
8.Include ways for your child to release energy
Children need movement, so their playroom should encourage it. Kyle and Kim Griffiths of State of Play Kids recommend, “Replace small toys with items like toddler trampolines, nugget play couches, and wooden climbers to let toddlers burn off all their energy.”
9.Create zones for maximum efficiency
Since kids tend to get bored with the same toys every day, use designated areas to rotate items from day to day. “This way, you don’t have to keep every single toy organized and on display,” advises Jess Klein, owner of Jess Klein Studio. “For toy storage, consider grouping toys by color, as too many toys can become visually overwhelming.”
10.Create a hideout under the stairs
A fun and space-saving option is to create a secret hideout by adding holiday lights and shelves to the nook area under the stairs. “It’sa great place to build towering block castles, solve puzzles, and conduct science experiments,” says the team at Green Piñata Toys. “Additionally, a monthly toy or science rental subscription can help keep your hideout fresh and tidy.”
11.Provide age-appropriate open-ended materials in the playroom
Toys should serve multiple purposes, especially if they can be enjoyed for more than a year. “Examples include wooden blocks, art supplies like playdough, and natural elements like sand, water, rocks, or sticks,” notes Lauren Besack, Director of Curriculum Development for Ducklings Early Learning Franchise. “These toys encourage creativity, experimentation, trial and error, problem-solving, and critical thinking.”
12.Maximize space with custom millwork
Regardless of the room, custom millwork is great for tailoring a space to your child’s specific needs. “You can add versatile, custom-built furniture to accommodate a variety of play styles,” says Genevieve Chambliss of Vieve Interiors. “Options include bunk beds with built-in storage features, built-in desks, reading nooks, or custom wardrobes,” she advises. “These options will maximize space and give your child more floor space to stretch out and play.”
By incorporating these expert-backed decorating ideas, you can create a vibrant and organized playroom that sparks your child’s imagination, encourages creativity, and provides a safe and enjoyable space for them to explore and play.
