Create the perfect playroom
Having a dedicated playroom – or play area, if that’s what space allows – not only gives children a place to call their own. But it also helps keep other rooms tidier... and means that bedrooms are dedicated to sleep!
Here are some ways to make a perfect playroom.
1. Ground level
Children love to sit and play on the floor – so make sure there’s plenty of space available. But playroom flooring needs to be practical, warm and hard-wearing, making surfaces such as wood, rubber or printed lino ideal.
2. Express yourself
No-one wants drawings on the walls but creative space is important. So build in a blackboard using chalk board paint and a piece of guttering or wood block trim to hold pieces of chalk and to catch the dust!. (And don’t forget the all-important chalk board wipe)
3. Box clever
Target storage for different items. A large cupboard is ideal for bulky toys, while decorative or unusual containers to hold small toys, like a nest of colourful suitcases, lacquered stacking boxes or wicker baskets, make storage an interesting feature. And get rid of bulky boxes by storing games in cloth drawstring bags that don’t get tatty with continuous use.
4. Top tables
Cover a low table with a piece of Perspex and you’ve got a practical and original art, craft and play space. You can show off their artwork underneath, or slide a board game under the glass for a readymade chess or draughts board. And it’s easy to keep the surface clean.
5. Clock watching
Help children learn to tell the time with a fun clock – such as a cuckoo clock (that can be turned off at night!) Make sure it’s positioned at the right eye level for them, not you.
6. Sitting comfortably
Everybody loves to nestle down in a beanbag. They’re great for reading or just daydreaming and mean that adults are at the right height when they’re allowed in to the play area.
7. Secret hiding place
Children love to hide away and create dens. Give them a teepee or tented house that they can use – they won’t need to adopt other furniture then!