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How to Create an Inspiring (and Stylish!) Play Area Little Ones will Love

February 9, 2021 by Elizabeth Wieck

By definition, playrooms are places for fun activities—but they can be tricky to decorate for a number of reasons. First: a lack of space! And second: all the toys and clutter can feel out of sync with the rest of your home. Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks up our sleeves when it comes to creating a functional area for your little ones to enjoy. Keep reading—we’ll let you in on all our inspiring playroom ideas below.

boys playroom ideas
Our Tribal Moroccan Washable Area rug. Photo by @megan.t.hunter.

Lay down a soft rug. 

So much of playtime is spent on the floor, so we suggest rolling out a soft rug in your child’s play area to ensure maximum comfort and to create a stylish, finished look. Shag rugs are extra soft and plush, and we love layering faux sheepskins (even small ones!) over other rugs for added coziness. 

  • Kids’ bedroom rug ideas to know before buying are also just a click away!

Our latest obsession for play areas (and really, any area that might get dirty!) is our new washable rugs collection, which you can see in the photo above. Life is messy, and kids are definitely messy, so we love having the option of just tossing the rug in the washer to clean when any spots appear.

girls neutral nursery
Our Braided rug in off-white. Photo by @thistle.harvest.
colorful playroom ideas
Our Native Symbols rug. Photo by @aestheticstate_.

Add personality through color, art, and toys. 

One of the playroom ideas we believe in most is this: that they should be fun! You want to create a space that feels like an extension of your kids—a space where they can relax, play, and explore their imagination. Hang up inspiring artwork (especially any pieces by your little ones!), display their favorite toys, organize items by color. We’d be willing to bet that the more creative they feel, the more fun they’ll have.

living room play area
Our Jute Braided rug in natural. Photo by @plantsandivory.
neutral play area
Our Handwoven Jute Birdseye Diamond rug. Photo by @taylorkrabill.

Create a play nook with a small rug. 

No playroom? No problem! We know most homes don’t have space for a dedicated playroom, so here’s an easy solution: roll out a small rug to create a play nook within a larger room (like the living room). A round rug in the corner will feel quirky and fun, and even our smallest 2’ x 3’ accent rugs will make the area feel like a space of their own. It will also help encourage your kids to keep toys and any messes in their nook—which is key to maintaining sanity in a smaller space!

cozy playroom ideas
Our Natural Double Pelt Sheepskin. Photo by @amy_oppedisano.

Get cozy. 

One of our favorite playroom ideas is to create cozy areas that are perfect for naptime, reading books, hide-and-go-seek, and anything else your little one dreams up. Try putting up a fun fabric tent and filling it with plush pillows, or pair a couple floor cushions with lots of blankets for the ultimate comfy spot.

kids at home school room
Our Fading Herati Medallion rug. Photo by @ournyfarmhouse.
playroom with chalkboard
Our Reversible Faded Crosses Tassel rug in ivory. Photo by @lifebyleanna.

Make space to learn. 

Playrooms are for play, but they’re also a great spot for more educational activities, too. We love the idea of adding a mini table and chairs for schoolwork, arts and crafts time, or having a snack. Make it feel more fun with a colorful wall of books or a chalkboard setup (rainbow chalk not optional!).

playroom storage ideas
Our Diamond Textured Trellis Tassel rug in ivory. Photo by @kenzie.salomon.
cozy boho playroom
Our Carved Tribal Shag rug. Photo by @lolascasa.

Bring in bins, baskets, and bookcases. 

With play areas comes toys, books, and art supplies. And with all of those things comes clutter! So every playroom needs something to keep it all organized, whether it be cubbies with labeled bins, an easily accessible low-slung dresser, a color-coordinated bookcase, or pretty woven baskets. These types of pieces will help streamline the space visually and (bonus!) make it easier to tidy up once playtime is over.

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Filed Under: All Articles, Ideas & Inspo Tagged With: Family-Friendly, Kids Rooms, Living & Family Rooms, Organizing, Small Spaces, Washable Rugs

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