Is your playroom more of a dumping ground than a place the kids actually want to play in? Or maybe you don’t have a whole room to spare, just a corner of a shared space, and you’d like it to feel a bit more special. Either way, you don’t need a big budget or a full renovation to make a difference.
We’ve teamed up with Wall Stickers For Kids to bring you 7 easy ways to spruce up your playroom that will have the kids wanting to spend time in it.
If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated playroom, it’s perfect for keeping toys, games and clutter out of sight — but it can just as easily turn into extra storage rather than somewhere the kids want to hang out. And if your play area is really just part of a bigger room, or doubles up as a home office or spare bedroom, a few small changes can make it feel like it belongs to the kids again.
Here’s what we’re covering:
- Decluttering the space
- Giving the decor a makeover
- Choosing flooring that works for play
- Clever, multi-functional furniture
- Adding a blackboard or magnetic wall area
- Setting up a toy rotation system
- Future-proofing the space as they grow
Ways To Spruce Up Your Playroom
#1. De-Clutter The Space
Before you start any project to spruce up your playroom or play area, the first job is to declutter. Involve the children in this — it makes a real difference. Explain how they’ll be helping other children by donating toys, games and books they’ve outgrown to charity, and how much extra space they’ll have to play once it’s done. Being a little ruthless here pays off.
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#2. Give The Decor A Makeover
Whether you have a whole playroom or a play area that’s part of a multi-functional room, wall stickers are one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to update the decor and make the space feel special. Wall stickers can:
- Brighten up and add interest to a playroom instantly.
- Be changed easily as your child grows and their interests change, unlike paint.
- Highlight an area and give it a clear purpose.
- Appeal to everyone from toddlers to teens, with an endless variety of options from farms to oceans, space to unicorns, world maps to superheroes and everything in between.
- Tie in with your existing decor for a seamless look.
- Avoid the mess of painting — no surface prep, no drips, no clean-up.
- Work brilliantly even if you’re not especially creative — the stickers do the heavy lifting.
- Be applied to almost any surface, not just walls, so you can update shelves, storage units, doors or anything else.
- Go up quickly, with no waiting around for decorators.
- Come off just as easily when it’s time for a change.
#### Wall Stickers For Kids
Sprucing up your playroom has never been easier. Wall Stickers For Kids is an Irish company that specialises in fun decorations to transform any space, for any age. From glow-in-the-dark to educational, themed to personalised, or stencil options if you’re feeling adventurous, you’re sure to find something to spruce up your playroom or play area. Check out the full range here.
Order online and have your goods delivered quickly — no fuss, no mess, and no waiting for decorators.
#3. Use Suitable Flooring
Flooring needs to be easy to clean or wipe down, but it also needs to be comfortable for children to play on. If replacing the current flooring isn’t in the budget, a large rug or some scatter cushions can help. Rugs or cushions can be removed for cleaning and are an inexpensive way to refresh a tired space and add a bit of colour.
Your children will find their own uses for them too — cushions become seats, and rugs have a habit of turning into forts and dens, which is no bad thing when it comes to imaginative play.
#4. Incorporate Clever Furniture
Wherever possible, furniture in a playroom should earn its keep by doing more than one job.
Seating — Benches work well as seating and storage in one. Wide benches can double as a table, with the children sitting on cushions on the floor.
Storage units — Cube storage units with deeper shelves than a regular bookshelf work well. Leave some sections open for display and easy access, and add storage boxes to others to corral smaller items. A floor-to-ceiling wardrobe with doors is a great option for shutting away clutter when toys aren’t in use.
Up-cycle and be inventive — A piece of string with some pegs can become a gallery. A drawer in a unit could become a fairy land or a bedroom for dolls. A laundry basket can double as soft toy storage. Old furniture can be given a new lease of life with paint or stickers. The possibilities are genuinely endless.
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#5. Add A Blackboard Or Magnetic Wall Area
Encourage creativity by adding a blackboard or magnetic wall area to your playroom. You can buy a large blackboard or magnetic board to hang on the wall, or simply paint a wall or surface with chalkboard or magnetic paint, both of which are widely available in home decor stores or online.
Add magnetic numbers, letters or shapes, or some smart dust-free chalks, and let their imagination run wild. As they grow, these areas come into their own for reminders, lists and study notes.
#6. Rotation System
If your house is anything like ours, there’s an overwhelming amount of toys, games and books to choose from at any given time. A rotation system can help.
One approach is a monthly rotation: after a declutter, get the kids to choose a selection of games, books and toys they want to play with most. The rest go into storage (remember to remove batteries first). After four to six weeks, swap most of the toys back out for the stored ones. Another option is a simple one-in-one-out system.
Whichever version you use, the toys that are out get played with more, and each time “new” toys appear, it’s like your kids are rediscovering them all over again. It also gives you a natural, low-drama opportunity to send a few items to the charity shop.
You may also enjoy 10 Hacks For Parents To Organise Toys
#7. Future Proof Your Playroom
Future-proof your playroom by adding a study section. Younger children can use it as an arts and crafts area, while older children can use it for homework or independent study. And while the kids are at school, it can double up as your own workspace.
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Have you tried any of these ideas to spruce up your playroom, or do you have a favourite of your own? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to spruce up a playroom?
Decluttering costs nothing and makes the biggest immediate difference. After that, wall stickers, a rug or some scatter cushions are low-cost ways to refresh the look without a full redecoration.
How often should I rotate toys in a playroom?
There’s no fixed rule — many parents find a monthly or six-weekly rotation works well, but a simple one-in-one-out system can suit busy households just as well.
Can I use wall stickers instead of painting a playroom?
Yes. Wall stickers go up quickly, come off easily when your child’s interests change, and can be used on shelves, doors and storage units as well as walls, without any of the mess of painting.
What furniture works best in a small playroom or play area?
Look for pieces that do double duty — benches that offer seating and storage, cube units with deep shelves, and baskets or boxes that can be tucked away when not in use.
Related Articles
- Clever LEGO Storage Ideas
- 10 Clever Storage Hacks To Help Declutter The House
- 10 Hacks For Parents To Organise Toys
- Bullet Journaling – The Perfect Way To Get More Organised
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