When my oldest daughter took over the playroom for her bedroom we knew we would be down a play space. I thought we could get by without a dedicated play room but our house just ended up feeling chaotic. My husband’s office was overrun with toys and I was constantly shuffling (and stuffing) things away. While we have plans to finish our walk up attic and create a family room and play space I knew we needed a solution that worked for our current situation.
Our living room made the most sense for creating a play space. Selfishly it was the last place I wanted to put it. I like having a calm and peaceful space at the end of the night and I was worried our living room would be constantly messy and chaotic. I was determined to create a play space that was stylish and functional.
4 Tips for Creating a Play Space in a Living Room without Giving Up Style
Dedicate a Storage Spot
Take a look at your living room and locate a spot for dedicated storage and play space. Some spaces might allow for a corner or nook while others may be better suited on a wall. In our living room we have a bay window where I could tuck a cube storage unit and also have space in front for floor play.
Hide Toy Clutter with Furniture & Baskets
Cube storage is my go to for play spaces. It allows for younger kids to pull what is needed and clean up is easy if you have the right storage and organization in place. If you prefer closed storage look for a sideboard that has doors that are easily opened with shelving inside. Baskets will be your best friend for hiding toys!
Organization
Whether you have a dedicated playroom or a play space in your living room organization is key. It was important that when my husband and I were relaxing at night that we didn’t feel like we were in a chaotic messy playroom. If everything has a place then cleanup is a breeze. Each basket in our cube storage has like toys (magna tiles in one and puzzles in another, etc.). The tops cubes have some favorite books, a small basket for dolls and wooden toys.
Display with Color in Mind
In order for the play space to be cohesive I displayed the seen items with color in mind. The books are grouped in color order and the wooden toys as well. The top of the cube storage is for me. A pretty lamp, flowers and diffuser (which I’m constantly finding princess in!)
Is the play space a mess during the day? Yes, absolutely! Every toy seems to be pulled out but cleanup is a breeze because everything has it’s place. And for those toys that don’t fit neatly into the baskets or open cubes? I hide those under the couch. Bluey’s house is currently tucked under there along with a mini golf set!
I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite way to make a living room and play space work together?
