In an ideal world the perfect playroom is where all toys are stored and played with – but the reality is often very different. The playroom can turn into a dumping ground with no room to actually play in it! Help is at hand with our perfect playroom ideas to inspire you and delight your kids!
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First things first, before embarking on putting together the perfect playroom you really have to empty the space of all toys and do a bit of decluttering. I know, easier said than done, but get the kids to help and be ruthless! Have a keep pile, a trash pile and a charity pile.
Once you have done this, you will quickly know what sort of storage solutions you need and begin the process of pricing those and deciding where everything is going to fit. It is best to get items that can grow with your kids and your ever-growing selection of toys, books and games.
Remember, if the budget doesn’t always stretch to new, check out online deals sites for pre-loved storage solutions, or visit local thrift or charity shops and choose items that can be up-cycled with a little bit of paint and imagination.
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Creating the Perfect Playroom
#1. Host Your Own Art Gallery
Instead of spending a fortune on getting the walls painted, turn them into an art gallery for your children’s artwork.
From preschool onwards, you will have a never-ending stream of masterpieces coming through the door, so this idea offers a solution to 2 problems – storage and design!
You can add them directly to the wall or add a string high up on the wall and use pegs to hang the artwork – there are lots of creative ways to display your child’s artwork which may come in useful.
You could also paper your walls with maps or photographs to create a uniquely designed space for your children.
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#2. Keep Things At Eye Level
When planning your perfect playroom, remember it is the toys at eye level that will be played with most. When adding storage, bear this in mind.
It is a good idea to move toys around every couple of months so that all toys get played with. Or implement a “one in, one out” rule.
Indoor toys like these jungle gyms are also great if you have the space.
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#3. Super Storage Cubes
We’re all familiar with the iconic storage cube furniture, but they really are a great way to keep toys in order. The reason they are so popular is the versatility they offer – place them flat as a surface to play on, or upright to use less floor space.
When my girls were younger, I bought a set of cube storage shelves with some storage boxes that fitted into the inserts and we had an art cube, a dolls cube, a dressing up cube, a shop/kitchen cube and a lego cube. We left a few shelves free for books and to store larger toys and as they have grown, we have just added to the books and now have a nail bar cube, a hair design cube, a study notes cube and they display gifts and statement pieces in the empty spaces.
Inserts come in many different colours and materials so they are also a great way to add colour to your playroom in a quick, cost-effective and easily-changed way.
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#4. Have a Seating and Work Space
It is a good idea to have age-appropriate seating and workspace in your playroom. Puzzles, writing, drawing, colouring, LEGO building, homework…there are lots of ways this space can be used.
Keep an eye out for wipeable, easy to clean pieces or try your hand at upcycling an old table and painting it to match your colour scheme. We love this vibrant choice from Kate Decorates, which brightens up the playroom no end!
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#5. Suitable Flooring

Image: Karndean
In the perfect playroom, flooring is easily cleaned with a quick wipe down when spills occur. Laminate, solid wood or vinyl are all perfect playroom floor coverings.
If your child likes to play on the floor, purchase a rug with a non-slip backing (and if it can be washed in the machine, all the better). Alternatively, have a few cushions on hand for them to use for activities.
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#6. Use All Your Space
From chairs to storage nets or baskets, adding some hanging storage frees up floor space in smaller rooms.
Remember the backs of doors too. Using over-door shoe racks to store craft supplies, colouring items, action figures, dolls or soft toys all work well.
Or you could add a rail around your playroom and use hooks to hang containers and baskets that can be filled with smaller items, taken down to play with and easily stored again after use.
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#7. Built In and Bespoke
If the budget stretches, it can be a good idea to have storage built in around the walls of your playroom like this idea from Sawdust Girl.
You can create the perfect situation for your room, maximise all the space and height of the wall, catering for the specific needs and wants your family has.
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#8. Have a Chill Space
Even if your home does not allow for a separate playroom, you could always dedicate a space within another room to create a cosy corner. Use a pop up tent, a screen or just some cushions that can later be moved, to create the perfect place for kids to play, read and unwind.
…Or go for something truly unforgettable and add a playhouse under the stairs, like this idea we found on Goods Home Design!
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I hope I have inspired you to create the perfect playroom. If you have any tips that I have missed, please share them with us in the comments box below.