Everyone with children knows what a nightmare it can be clearing up after them and making sure they’re safe when they’re playing in the house. Life seems to be a constant cycle of snatching sharp objects out of their hands, covering up plug sockets and scrubbing poster paint out of the carpet. It is for reasons such as these that lots of parents are now creating spaces in their homes dedicated to playing – but what exactly should you include when designing a playroom?
Firstly, the focus should be on the practical aspects of the room. It’s no use spending a fortune on a heavy pile carpet with lots of lovely, fluffy rugs and cushions if your children are going to be using the room for their arts and crafts. Instead, a heavy duty, easy-clean carpet or wooden floor might be a better idea. A non-slip playmat can be a useful addition as it can prevent staining to the floor below.
Storage is absolutely essential in a playroom. You need a chest or trunk in which all of your child’s toys can be stored so that they don’t have to live on the floor where they can become a tripping hazard. Shelves or a bookcase are also a good idea, as you can keep all of your child’s favourite books here ready for storytime or when they want you to help them learn to read. The rest of the shelving can be used for other objects so that you use the space as efficiently as possible.
When buying furniture for the room, remember it needs to be child sized. Buy either a table at child-height or a coffee table that your child can reach comfortably, and buy some small chairs or stools for your child and their friends to sit around the table and hold a tea party, draw pictures or do a jigsaw puzzle. One adult-sized chair would be a nice touch if you like to supervise your child at play.
In a playroom, you might want to think about leaving out TVs and video games. This is because a playroom should be a place to encourage creative, inventive play, and if the child is glued to a screen they won’t necessarily be interested in their other toys. Instead, provide lots of interesting, stimulating games and toys for them to play with, including craft materials, educational games you can play together and dressing up clothes.
Don’t forget to keep the colour scheme bright and fun. Children are drawn to bright, primary colours, so make sure it appeals to their tastes and isn’t just another grown-up room.
Patti Miller is a proud mother to two rowdy boys who love their new playroom
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