How to Turn a Closet Into a Kid Space

Convert even the smallest closet into a safe playspace for children.

Kids need space to play, imagine and pretend. If you don't have enough room in your home to give your children a dedicated playroom, consider turning a closet into a kids-only play area. Even the smallest closet has plenty of room for your child's growing imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Paint brush and/or roller
• Plastic milk crates in various colors
• Child-size table and chair
• Chalkboard paint (optional)
• Area rug (optional)
• Curtains (optional)
• Artwork (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the closet to become a kid space. Empty it out completely. Dust cobwebs out of the corners, sweep the floor and wipe the walls down. Make the space as clean as possible. Remove clothing rods and other hardware.

2. Paint the space, but before you do, allow the kids who will play in the space to help with the color selection. It does not need to be the same as the wall colors in the room, but it should at least coordinate. Bright colors work best because most closets do not have adequate lighting. If you have artistic ability, you can paint a mural on the back wall of the closet.

3. Determine whether or not you will replace the closet doors with curtains. Leaving the doors up will make the space usable as a closet. Removing the doors and hanging curtains in the doorway will allow light into the space and make it more inviting as a play area. Both options have merit, and either one will work.

4. Add toy storage to the closet space. Plastic crates can be stacked up to create color shelving. The closet's original shelving can be used to keep some toys out of reach so that the space stays organized.

5. Decorate the space. Add a small area rug and hang framed artwork made by the child who will use the space. Consider using chalkboard paint to create a section of wall that is perfect for letting kids scribble. Add a small child-sized table and chair if the closet is large enough to give the child a place to color and craft.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't clutter the space will too many toys or too much furniture. The space should give kids a chance to express their creativity through crafts and pretend play.

References

• More Closet Transformation Ideas

Resources

• How To Remove the Door