In an ideal world, the perfect playroom is where all the toys live and get played with. In reality, it can quickly turn into a dumping ground with barely enough floor space left to actually play. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and the good news is that a few clever tips and tricks can turn things around without a big budget or a full renovation.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free newsletter packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Before you dive into creating the perfect playroom, start by emptying the space of all toys and having a proper declutter. It’s easier said than done, but get the kids involved and be ruthless — a keep pile, a bin pile and a charity pile will make the next steps much easier.
Once that’s done, you’ll have a much clearer sense of what storage solutions you actually need, and you can start pricing those up and planning where everything will go. Where possible, choose pieces that can grow with your kids and with your ever-expanding collection of toys, books and games.
And if the budget doesn’t stretch to buying everything new, check secondhand marketplaces or local charity shops for storage pieces you can upcycle with a coat of paint and a bit of imagination.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Quick Ways To Tidy Up The Playroom
Creating the Perfect Playroom
#1. Host Your Own Art Gallery
Image: Random Supermom
Instead of spending money repainting the walls, turn them into a gallery for your children’s artwork.
From preschool age onwards, there’s a never-ending stream of masterpieces coming through the door, so this idea solves two problems at once — storage and decor.
You can stick pieces directly to the wall, or hang a string high up and use pegs to display the artwork — there are lots of creative ways to display your child’s artwork worth exploring.
You could also cover a section of wall with maps or photographs to create a uniquely personal space for your children.
You May Also Enjoy An Easy Kids Playroom Makeover on a Budget
#2. Keep Things At Eye Level
When planning your perfect playroom, remember it’s the toys at eye level that get played with most. Bear this in mind when you’re setting up storage.
It’s a good idea to rotate toys every couple of months so everything gets a turn, or try a “one in, one out” rule to keep things manageable.
Indoor climbing frames or jungle gyms are also a great option if you have the space for one.
You May Also Enjoy: 10 Hacks for Parents to Organise Toys
#3. Super Storage Cubes
Storage cube furniture is everywhere for good reason — it’s a genuinely great way to keep toys in order. The versatility is what makes it so popular: use it flat as a play surface, or upright to save floor space.
Many parents set up a cube for each category — art supplies, dolls, dress-up gear, kitchen play, building blocks — with a few open shelves left free for books and larger toys. As kids grow, those cubes can simply be repurposed for whatever comes next.
Inserts come in lots of colours and materials, so they’re also an easy, low-cost way to add a splash of colour that you can change up any time.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Practical Storage Hacks to Help Declutter the House
#4. Have a Seating and Work Space
Image: Kate Decorates
It’s worth having age-appropriate seating and a workspace in your playroom. Puzzles, drawing, colouring, building, homework — there are endless ways this space gets used.
Look for wipeable, easy-clean surfaces, or try upcycling an old table with a lick of paint to match your colour scheme. We love this vibrant example from Kate Decorates, which brightens up the whole room.
You May Also Enjoy 10 Excellent Kids Bedroom Ideas on A Budget
#5. Suitable Flooring
Image: Karndean
In the perfect playroom, flooring should be easy to wipe clean when spills happen. Laminate, solid wood or vinyl all work well.
If your child likes to play on the floor, a rug with a non-slip backing is a good investment (bonus points if it’s machine washable). Or keep a few cushions handy for floor-based activities.
You May Also Enjoy 14 Glorious Girls Bedroom Ideas that Aren’t Just Pink!
#6. Use All Your Space
Image: Pinterest
From hanging chairs to storage nets and baskets, hanging storage is a great way to free up floor space in smaller rooms.
Don’t forget the backs of doors, either. Over-door shoe racks work brilliantly for craft supplies, colouring items, action figures, dolls or soft toys.
You could also fit a rail around the playroom and hang hooks with containers and baskets for smaller items — easy to take down to play with and just as easy to put back.
You May Also Enjoy 15 Affordable and Nifty Small Room Ideas for More Space
#7. Built In and Bespoke
Image: Sawdust Girl
If your budget allows, built-in storage around the playroom walls can be a great long-term option, like this idea from Sawdust Girl.
Bespoke storage lets you maximise every bit of space and height in the room, tailored exactly to what your family needs.
You May Also Enjoy: 12 More Clever Toy Storage & Organisation Hacks
#8. Have a Chill Space
Image: Goods Home Design
Even if you don’t have room for a dedicated playroom, you can carve out a cosy corner within another room. A pop-up tent, a screen, or simply some cushions can create a spot for kids to play, read and unwind — and it can be moved or changed as needs shift.
Or go all-in with something truly special, like this playhouse tucked under the stairs from Goods Home Design.
You May Also Enjoy: 8 Simple Small Bedroom Ideas to Make It Feel Great
We hope these ideas inspire you to create your own perfect playroom. If you have tips we haven’t covered here, we’d love to hear them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start organising a messy playroom?
Begin by clearing the whole space and sorting everything into keep, bin and charity piles. Once you can see what you actually have, it’s much easier to work out what storage you need and where things should go.
What’s the best storage for a small playroom?
Look for solutions that use vertical space and door backs, such as hanging nets, over-door organisers, and stackable storage cubes that can double as seating or play surfaces.
How often should I rotate toys in the playroom?
Every couple of months works well for most families. Rotating toys keeps things at eye level fresh and interesting, and a “one in, one out” rule helps prevent clutter creeping back in.
Do I need a separate room to create a playroom?
No — a cosy corner within a bedroom or living room, using a tent, screen or cushions, can work just as well if you don’t have a spare room to dedicate.
You Might Also Like
- 10 Quick Ways To Tidy Up The Playroom
- An Easy Kids Playroom Makeover on a Budget
- 10 Hacks for Parents to Organise Toys
- 12 More Clever Toy Storage & Organisation Hacks
Save These Ideas For Later
Loved these playroom tips? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite ideas board so you can come back to it whenever you’re ready to tackle the playroom.
Want more ideas like this delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly inspiration, family activities and parenting tips.
