How to Decorate a Child's Play Area in a Living Room
Creating a play area in your living room gives your child a place for her things in the center of the home where you likely spend most of your time. This allows you to keep an eye on her as she plays without having to remain in her room or be separated from her. Including a play area in your living room doesn't mean the entire room has to look like a play room. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Paint one wall as an accent wall where the play area is located. Choose a color that invokes creativity in your child and complements your living room decor. If you'd prefer to stick to neutral paint, introduce color in other ways.
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Use your living room furniture to block off an area or create a defined space for the play area. Pull your sofa off the wall for a play area that you can easily conceal when you don't want it to be visible. Or use a corner as the play area. If you have a child's table and chairs or other play furniture, arrange it in the designated area.
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Implement a practical storage system for your child's toys to keep your living room uncluttered and tidy. Lower shelves and drawers can line the walls and contain baskets or containers for your child's toys. Rolling carts are another option if he enjoys playing in the middle of the room. An open bookcase can also serve as a room divider if you choose to separate the space a bit more.
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Visually separate the space by adding a play rug or divider if you want to close the play area off when it's not in use. Room dividers, curtains or retractable panels can work as dividers.
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Decorate the wall directly above the play area with child-friendly images. Hang pictures, paint murals or apply adhesive vinyl pieces that contain something your child enjoys. Use numbers, letters, spell out your child's name, cars, butterflies or whatever interests your child.
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Add functional accessories if you want the space to have more character. Interactive clocks, lamps or larger toys can sit on top of drawers or shelves for easy access and to decorate the play area.
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Tips & Warnings
Implement a rule that your child has to clean up her toys immediately after play time is over to keep the living room functional as a living room and not just a play room.
Avoid letting the toys take over the room. Choose a certain amount of space for the toys and store the rest of your child's toys elsewhere. Occasionally swap toys out to keep things interesting.
References
- Photo Credit playing image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
