Kids, believe it or not, appreciate order and organisation. When you are creating a toy room for your kids, making it a user friendly and safe space will help them grow through play. Your kids are most at ease in the toy room so aim for a space that gives them the freedom to learn and have fun.
A toy room is a space your kids can call their own; however, you may need to come to a compromise about the decoration, layout and rules. Instead of completely overruling your kids’ imaginative ideas, agree to meet in the middle at a place that works for everyone. You also have to account for kids growing up or kids of different ages using the same space.
A Shared Space
For families with more than one child it is important to make sure the toy room is a place for everyone to relax and have fun. The minimal approach can work in this respect, with light or neutral colours that will appeal to every age. To mix things up a bit you can add some exciting colours using carpets or rugs. Make sure to take advantage of wall space, too. Adding a combination of fun and educational posters is a great way to encourage active learning.
A blackboard is a great addition to any toy room as it has a number of potential uses for kids. They can draw, practice writing, and play games with nothing more than a blackboard and chalk. A standing blackboard may not work for your space so consider attaching to a wall or cupboard door. Blackboards don’t have to be black either, you can use colourful chalkboard paint and apply to toy boxes, furniture and walls.
Do you have kids old enough for homework? A workstation is a great idea to give them somewhere to study in peace and quiet. You will need to establish rules for use of the toy room during study time. If you have toddlers at home all day it makes sense to allocate their time in the morning and afternoon while the older kids are at school.
Toy Room Themes
Your kids should contribute the most input when it comes to decoration and soft furnishings. This is their space so you want them to feel comfort and familiarity. Relating to the room is also important, so include elements of each child’s personality when decorating the room or choosing themes. This may take some compromising but there is room in even the smallest space to allow everyone to contribute to the theme.
Whatever the theme, make sure to include a table and chairs in the room. Kids love playing on the floor but it helps to encourage them to sit on chairs at a table. Tables are a great place to draw, play games and generally interact in a positive way.
Furniture & Storage
Furniture and storage play a vital part in keeping a toy room clean and organized. Your toy room can also double up as a spare room for when friends visit. If you intend on having a bed in the toy room, you can amp up the fun. Beds that are designed for rest and play are a great choice for toy rooms, as are beds that provide additional storage space.
Storage cupboards, cabinets and boxes should be fit for purpose. Think about the age of your kids and the types of items they will want to keep in the toy room. Labelling storage can also help kids to learn organisation and – most importantly – to clear toys away when they are done playing.
