How to Make a Cozy Nook in the Playroom for Kids

Add a bean bag to an area of the playroom to encourage reading and relaxation.

Your child's playroom is her own getaway room and was created with toys, art and entertainment in mind. A cozy nook, however, will add space in the room for lounging and hanging out. Encourage her to read by providing her with the space and the books she needs. Make time every day to read to your little ones. A nook can be easily created and personalized by your child with a few comfy items, so don't hesitate to repurpose objects that may reside in other rooms.

Things You'll Need

• Bookcase
• Small totes
• Rug
• Bean bag or other comfy chair
• Pillows
• Stuffed animals
• Blankets

Instructions

1. Set up the nook by placing a small bookcase against the wall. This creates a focal point for the area and adds storage for books as well as toys. Stock the shelves with her books as well as a few storage baskets or totes for her toys.

2. Put down a rug that matches the decor of your playroom. A fluffy rug will add texture and comfort in a room that has hardwood floors. A thinner rug will do if you have carpet in the room.

3. Place a bean bag or other comfortable chair next to the bookcase. Add more if you expect more than one child to use the nook at a time. They could be placed next to one another, or, alternatively, placed in a semi-circle facing the bookcase.

4. Add a few throw pillows to the nook. They make additional seating for the floor area or they could be stacked together to create a custom soft spot for your child to rest against.

5. Stuffed animals and a blanket or two will add the last warm touches to the nook. Choose his favorites or buy a few new items just for use in the playroom to create a new and personal space for your child.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are deciding where to put the nook, pick an area that doesn't get a lot of traffic. Consider which areas get used the most and where the path to the door is.

• Keep a steady rotation going on with the books. Start off with his current favorites on the lower shelves and after a week or so, rotate them with books he hasn't looked at for awhile.

• Add a pop-up tent to the nook if you have room if your child enjoys more privacy.

References

• Little Ones Reading Resouce: The First Step in Teaching Children to Read is to Encourage Reading