How to Make a Den into a Playroom

If you have kids, more than likely your den is already your unofficial playroom. Why not throw in the towel and fix it up so that your kids have their own special place to play, perfect for when their friends come over or when it's raining outside? By containing most of the toys in the den, you may end up freeing up other rooms in the house from getting too cluttered with kids' stuff. When you start to feel overwhelmed by the amount of toys your kids have, just take a breath and realize that in 10 years or so, you'll have your den back to it's normal, boring, functional old self. In the meantime, enjoy the clutter and the fanciful, youthful presence your kids have brought into your house. Read on to learn how to make a den into a playroom.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get some bookshelves at your thrift store. Low ones, high ones, you'll need several.

2. Pick up some plastic crates or a toy chest or two. Also pick up some plastic organizer shelves that have drawers you can pull in and out for art supplies, paper and crayons.

3. Rearrange the den so that there are bookshelves against the walls. One shelf is for books, one for puzzles, one for games, one for blocks, one for dolls, one for toys. Use the crates or toy chests to put dress up clothes in, toys with small parts (like LEGOs or fake food). There should be a designated television area with a couch or chairs and a coffee table.

4. Set up a small, kid-sized table and chairs to use for tea parties and as drawing table. Set up your art organizational shelf nearby, stocked with pens, paper, markers, crayons, scissors and glue.

5. For the deluxe playroom, add a small slide or climbing structure, or some colorful gym mats for the floors.