As a parent, creating a safe and fun playroom for your children is both an exciting and challenging task. It’s a thrill to know you’ll be able to provide your little one with an engaging and entertaining space that will help them grow, develop and play. But on the other hand? You want to ensure that the playroom is a safe environment where they can test their limits - without any risk of harm.
In this post, we’ll provide you with some super handy tips and ideas on how to create the best playroom for your kids that is the perfect blend of fun AND safe. From choosing the right toys to creating a layout that encourages exploration and creativity, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a playroom that your kids will LOVE!
Factors to consider when creating the playroom for kids
When it comes to creating the perfect playroom for kids, it’s a good idea to consider factors like age, gender and interests to create a space that engages and entertains them.
For example, younger children will need more safety precautions and ample, soft space for crawling, while older kids may need more areas for study.
Incorporate their interests into the playroom where possible, too. If your kid loves sport - include elements like a basketball hoop or ball-shaped pillows to engage their play. If your kid loves art and creativity, sprinkle some arts and craft activities through the playroom, and even hang some up on the wall to keep them inspired!
Considering these few factors will make a great difference in not just the enjoyment of this playroom, but the safety features you’ll need to include.
Tips for creating a safe (yet fun!) playroom for kids
We know - it’s all well and good to tell you what to consider, but here’s our top tips to create the perfect playroom for kids!
-
Choose the right material
When it comes to creating a safe (and fun) playroom for kids, choosing the right materials is crucial. Opt for non-toxic, durable and washable materials that are kind to little one’s skin.
Something with a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) offers safety for kids to touch and super easy clean up too.
-
Choosing durable furniture
When it comes to a safe and fun playroom, invest in furniture that is sturdy, durable and can actually withstand the wear and tear of kids’ play. Try to avoid furniture with sharp corners and ensure that it’s also the right size for your child - or is designed to grow with them.
We may be a little biased, but here at Funsquare all of our kids play furniture is designed with kids play in mind. Our priority is to create great quality products that are safe and multi-FUNctional, and built to last for years to come.
-
Right accessories
One of the most important things to consider is the assortment of accessories you have in your playroom! Be sure to select age-appropriate toys, books and games that your child can use independently. If there are any items they need supervision with, be sure to keep these out of reach, but it’s best to only give them an assortment that is perfectly safe for their use, anytime.
Don’t forget to incorporate their interests and ways to not only inspire play, but developmental growth!
-
Correct playroom layout
Space planning is a big factor in a safe and fun playroom! There must be a good balance of space for storage, and space for play. You can consider a mix of built-in storage and ready-made shelves that are accessible and within reach of your child (perfect for a Montessori style playroom), and arrange your furniture and play equipment in a way that maximises space and allows for easy movement through the room.
Sometimes it can be handy to create designated spaces for each activity - which can easily be broken up with different coloured rugs!
-
Consider toy storage
While it’s important to keep your toys organised in a way that your kids can access them easily, it’s important to keep toys and other tripping hazards OFF the floor! Opt for some useful storage that will save them from any fall risk.
-
Decorate and organise
When it comes to setting up your playroom, incorporate bright colours, posters and fun patterns to make the playroom more engaging and enjoyable for your child. Check out this link to learn more about the benefits of colour and which ones work best for your little one!
Some parents find that using decorations/different colours to signify different organisational areas makes it super easy and fun for kids to work with too.
-
Remove any sharp edges
To maximise safety in your playroom, be sure to avoid any sharp edges, using edge guards or sanding down any sharp edges on furniture or play equipment.
-
Avoid toys with button batteries
Button batteries can be super dangerous if swallowed and can also put kids at risk of acid burn! It’s a good idea to avoid toys that use batteries or ensure that they are inaccessible to children.
Montessori-inspired toys that are made from wood and other natural materials aren’t just safe for your kids, but will also inspire open-ended play that is super beneficial for development. Consider opting for these toys in your playroom to maximise safety and fun!
-
Review soft toys regularly
Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to regularly check your soft toys for damage and wear and tear. Discard any items that are no longer safe and clean any items that may pose a health risk. You’ll find this routine will also help you keep inventory on which toys your child actually plays with, so you can optimise what items you have on offer in their space!
-
Install safety brackets onto furniture
If we could lock our kids up into a completely padded room and let them go crazy, the world would be a much easier place. But the fact is - this isn’t possible or realistic for their play or growth!
Be sure to secure large furniture items such as bookcases and wardrobes to the wall to prevent them from falling or being knocked. It’s scary to think about, but it’s REALLY important to take this step for optimal safety.
-
Install a baby gate
If you have really young children, a baby gate can work to prevent young children from accessing areas that are not safe for them.
While we prefer the Montessori method of giving them safe and easy access to their toys and only providing furniture and toys that align with their safety, it’s important to remember that if there’s anything you want to keep them away from, this can be a really helpful preventative measure.
It may even be a case of having two kids of different ages - a baby gate can separate the littlest one from getting amongst toys that may be a little out of their age range!
Frequently asked questions:
What makes a good playroom?
A good playroom for kids should be the perfect blend of safe, age-appropriate and engaging. It should have enough space for kids to be active and move around, with furniture and equipment that is durable, easy to use, and especially easy to clean!
What should be in a kids playroom?
A kid’s playroom should contain age-appropriate toys, books, games and puzzles that won’t just engage their play, but help develop the different skills associated with their growth. It should also have comfortable seating, - for the moments they want to curl up like possums and read a book - storage solutions, and appropriate lighting. Consider adding areas that align with their personal interests and aspirations - like a play kitchen, dress-up clothes and a reading nook to make the playroom all the more enjoyable.
In conclusion, creating a safe and fun playroom for your child is essential. By considering the factors mentioned above and following our tips, you can create a space where your child can learn, play, and explore safely. Remember, safety should always come first, and a well-designed playroom can provide hours of entertainment and fun for your child if set up right!
If you’re looking for the perfect furniture option for your child, one that offers safety, durability, comfort, and will also act as an open-ended toy with limitless potential for play, explore our range of open-ended play products at Funsquare. We’d love to make your playroom a fun, safe, and durable space they’ll love for years to come.
“Recently purchased for our granddaughter we are so happy and so is she! We try different builds so far we’ve had a cosy reading nook, a castle, a fort and a car and of course a comfy little couch by far the Best Buy! Can’t wait to purchase add ons very soon thanks so much for a wonderful product so versatile and easy to clean.”
~ Karen
