How to Decorate Playrooms for Young and Older Kids

Create a play space and reading area for all your children.

A playroom for both young and older kids caters to the needs of several ages without clashing or compromising style. Many themes appeal to a broad age range of kids, from toddlers to teens. Combining a playroom for all your kids encourages the younger siblings and older kids to spend time together and get along. The right furniture, design and other elements make the room functional for everyone. Ask all the kids to get involved in the decorating process.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Couch
• Beanbag chairs
• Pillows
• Small bookcases
• Children's books
• Art
• Wall hangings
• Clocks
• Large table
• Small table
• Box
• Crayons
• Easel
• Large white paper rolls

Instructions

1. Write down themes that might appeal to all of your children, and ask them for suggestions. Talk about different themes and decor options, and see what they say. The older children might end up making the final decision because the younger kids might like just about anything you present to them. Some themes that might appeal to all of your kids include polka dots, dogs, cars, trains, travel, baseball and nature.

2. Place a couch and small beanbag chairs against one main wall in the playroom. Adorn the couch with pillows to make it more cozy for your children. Older kids can use the couch, while the younger kids use the smaller beanbag chairs.

3. Place small bookcases filled with children's books near the couch and beanbag chairs. Keep the books for the youngest children on the two bottom shelves, and stock the top half of the case with books that your older children like.

4. Hang art that appeals to the theme. Avoid cartoon-like art unless the older kids prefer such a theme. The kids might like to see decorative wall hangings, clocks and other themed decor in the room.

5. Place a large art table in the center of the room for older kids, and set a toddler-size table next to the big table for your little children. Keep a box filled with crayons on the smaller table, unless your kids like to eat crayons. If this is the case, keep all art supplies up high in a closet and take them out when you can supervise the children directly.

6. Set up an easel by a wall near the smaller toddler table. Stock it with art supplies, or keep these up until it's time to play. If you don't have an easel, you can make an art wall by taping large, white 6-foot-long sheets of paper on the wall. The craft store sells huge paper rolls for art projects.

References

• "Family Fun" magazine: Instant Easel
• "Family Fun" magazine: Playroom Ideas

Resources

• Pottery Barn Kids: Playrooms