45 Small-Space Kids' Playroom Design Ideas
Don't have extra square feet to devote to a full-time playroom? Check out these fun and stylish solutions for adding a play area to your kid's bedroom, a home office and more.
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November 25, 2014
By:
Chelsey Bowen,
Briana Mowrey,
and
Chelsea Faulkner
Attic Conversion: A Space to Play
After a two week remodel, what was a dark, contractor-grade finished attic is now a shiny, happy spot for playing games, experimenting with crafts and hosting sleepovers. To give the small space a large, open feel, designer Brian Patrick Flynn mixed sea foam blue with a grassy shade of green, then combined traditional and modern design styles for something unique and up-to-date. See more of this attic-turned-playroom >>
Attic Conversion: Function Meets Fun
In its original state, the inset areas around the dormers were a waste of space. To give these areas a true purpose, they were transformed into two separate homework nooks complete with custom floating desks. The space in between was then made into a fun and imaginative felt activity wall. Learn how to make this DIY activity wall >>
Attic Conversion: DIY Craft Table
To complete the space, designer Brian Patrick Flynn created a clever, crafty activity table by cutting down an old kitchen table and adding a mixing bowl to the center for art supplies and pencils. Learn how to make this DIY art table >>
Window to the World
Tucked into a narrow niche, this charming window seat was built deep to accommodate two kids or several stuffed friends. The white base and gray cushion are ideal foils for the bright mix of pillows, toys and the cheery yellow shade. See more of this travel-inspired playroom >>
From:
Kendall Simmons
Business Kid
Do you share your home office with imaginative little ones? Make the most of it by setting up their very own work desk complete with a play phone, filing system and other office supplies.
Dress Up
Do your kids love to put on plays and dress up? Create easy storage that doubles as a display for all their costumes. Learn how to make this easy costume display and storage rack >>
Upcycle for Fun
Home improvement bloggers Sherry and John Petersik filled their daughter's play space with upcycled items and clean, simple colors. The chairs are from a thrift store, and John cut down the base of a Target side table to make it just the right height for Clara to sit and play. See more of this gorgeous house featured in HGTV Magazine >>
From:
HGTV Magazine
Cohesive Family Room Design
One corner of this midcentury modern family room was made for entertaining little ones. To appeal to imaginative minds, North Fork Design Co. created a vibrant space that seamlessly incorporates just the right amount of color, pattern and natural texture. See more kid-friendly home design from North Fork Design Co. >>
From:
North Fork Design Co.
Play to Their Interests
With a dad that plays professional baseball, it's no wonder the kids love it too. Large baseball-themed marquee letters and a plush baseball diamond rug stylishly tie together the sports theme in this fun, rustic playroom.
From:
Angelica Henry Design
Office Space
No need for a babysitter! If you work from home, adding a play space to your home office is a great way to get work done and keep an eye on baby. In this office + playroom combo, an area rug provides a soft place to play while a tall white storage cabinet keeps toys, art supplies and work documents neatly organized.
From:
Regan Baker
Fixer Upper Fun
The back room of this small home serves double duty as a play area and the pathway into the backyard. In order to keep the space sophisticated but also fun enough to appeal to a growing boy, designer Joanna Gaines painted the walls a masculine gray-blue and filled the room with sports and travel-themed decor. See the rest of this fresh Fixer Upper makeover >>
From:
Chip Gaines
Toy Corner
Designer Claire Paquin created a space in the basement of her client's home that could function for young children, as well as adults. For the play area, carpet tiles create visual interest and warmth for kids to play on the floor while a tall bookcase cubby provides ample storage for toys and games.
From:
Claire Paquin
Kitchen Play Area
As seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens, this kitchen space was designed to be family-friendly. Adjacent to both the kitchen and office space, the kids' play area provides little ones with a place to play within eyesight while mom and dad fix the family's meals.
Kitchen Play Area: Looking Out
The back side of one of the kitchen's storage cupboards, which faces the kids' play area, is painted with kid-friendly chalkboard paint. See the rest of this loft-inspired kitchen makeover >>
Pint-Size Style
Designer Kendall Simmons infused tons of personality into this neutral play corner with fun accessories and toys like a graphic-patterned teepee, bright pillows and a gold leather pouf.
From:
Kendall Simmons
Monkey Around
HGTV host Jennie Garth created an activity space within her daughter Fiona's bedroom, complete with a rock cimbing wall and monkey bars.
Play on Wheels
Made from an old rolling kitchen cart, this DIY toy workbench can be transported to any room in the house for endless fun. Get the step-by-step instructions >>
Moving On Up
In a small space, creativity is key. The designers of this charming playroom upped the fun factor by opening the space above the bathroom and adding a loft for the homeowners' two daughters.
From:
Eric Aust
Treehouse Loft
In addition to being a really cool place to sleep, this custom-built treehouse loft bed frees up valuable floor space for playing and reading in this little boy's bedroom.
From:
J&J Design Group
Cheerful + Modern
This colorful playroom features multiple floral accents, including a red, orange and white upholstered sofa with coordinating throw pillows. White and yellow cube shelves offer a spot for storing kids' play things, while a white faux fur rug sits atop the neutral carpet.
From:
Bronwyn Poole
Traditional Tea
A pint-size table and mini silver tea set are lovely, kid-friendly additions to this cozy cottage sunroom.
Growing Design
Designed with growth in mind, this Moroccan-inspired multipurpose space facilitates play, study, storage and the occasional sleepover. The custom U-shaped storage bench is a comfy spot for crafts or can be pulled out into a daybed for sleeping or lounging. See the rest of this eclectic playroom >>
Basement Art Studio
One corner of this remodeled basement is now an electronics-free creative space where kids can paint, draw and play games at their craft table. Artwork — hung from Ikea picture rails and curtain rods with clips — fills the room with vibrant color. See more of this basement remodel >>
From:
Justine Sterling
Black, White & Bold
Bold patterns are the order of the day in this fashion-forward bedroom + playroom. Defined areas for reading, sleeping, crafting and playing keep the room from looking cluttered against the graphic black and white striped rug and raindrop wallpaper. See the rest of this sophisticated girl's bedroom >>
From:
Sissy + Marley
Double Duty
This kid room is a little's dream come true with a bed cozily tucked inside a playhouse. The blue rug and sheepskin throw are like a sky with a cloud.
From:
Genna Margolis
Entertainment Hallway
An unused nook off an upstairs landing provides a perfect place for play. Classic red theater seats are a comfy spot to watch movies while a plush, white rug covers the floor space for extra coziness when coloring, reading or watching a movie.
From:
Inspired Interiors
Door to Creativity
A chalkboard-painted door offers hours of fun for kids of all ages in this dreamy playroom. Next to the door, shelves keep toys, crayons, paper and puzzles off the floor and organized.
From:
Rebecca Zajac
Playhouse Under the Stairs
No space is wasted in this refinished basement. The empty area under the staircase was transformed into a dream kids' clubhouse. To mimic the look of a real cabin, laminate flooring was installed on the exterior and bright orange shutters and a mini door added for a fun pop of color.
From:
Javier Fernandez
Stick the Landing
A large upstairs landing is now a serene place to play in this remodeled farmhouse. Designer Tim Brown centered the design around a bright chevron rug, adding plenty of storage and comfy bean bag seating in bright, coordinating colors. See more of this modern white farmhouse makeover >>
From:
Tim Brown Architecture
Integrated Design
What looks like a large living area is actually a playroom for the kids — but, obviously, one the parents can enjoy as well. Multiple colors create an area that feels inspirational and creative, perfect for drawing, playing games or doing puzzles together. A lengthy sectional sofa provides ample space for a family to curl up in front of a favorite movie while a long TV cabin stylishly hides toys.
From:
Judith Balis
Repurpose Old Furniture
Save money on an expensive toy kitchen by turning an old entertainment center into a personal playset for your budding little chef. Get the step-by-step instructions >>
Magnet Art Wall
The wall of this sunny playroom is coated in magnetic paint, allowing children's art to be hung and swapped out with ease. See more of this kid-friendly home from HGTV Magazine >>
From:
HGTV Magazine
On the Stage
With the addition of a curtained stage, microphone, dress-up area and audience seating, a once empty corner is now prime real estate for a budding singer.
From:
Liz Carroll
Hidden Bed
The whole bedroom can be a playroom if you choose a unique layout. With a bed cleverly tucked under "trap doors" in the floor, there's plenty of extra space for ladders and toys. Photo courtesy of IKEA.
Do It Up With Decals
Temporary wall decals are a damage-free way to decorate a playspace without ruining the walls. Plus, the design can be swapped out to appeal to changing tastes as your little ones grow. Check out more cool wall decals for kids' rooms >>
Scrabble Wall
This fun and functional playroom features a custom, life-sized Scrabble board accent wall.
From:
Masterpiece Design Group
For Book Lovers
Fun wall letters made from children's book pages lend a playful, decorative touch to this playroom reading space.
From:
J&J Design Group
Hallway to Fun
On one side of the hallway that leads to a shared girls' bedroom, a chalkboard wall invites children to express their creativity.
From:
Alison Damonte
Hangin' Around
Easily installed in any play space, a comfy hanging rattan chair is a cozy spot to cuddle up, read and imagine.
From:
Lisa Furtado
For Relaxation + Play
This chic play area offers seating for both parent and child. A small round table features built-in toy storage while a plush rug provides cushion for little feet. Nearby, an adult-size sofa gives mom or dad a place to supervise comfortably. See more of this dreamy black and white nursery >>
From:
Allison Lind
Closet Space
Peek behind the bookshelves of this little girl's room, and you'll find a secret hideaway that features a chalkboard wall and a small seating area for imagination and creativity to roam free.
From:
Paisley McDonald
A Special Spot for the Older Sibling
In this ombre mountain nursery, a built-in toddler bed adds a place for an older sibling to comfortably enjoy a new room with the new baby. Shelves on either side of the bed and drawers below add storage for toys and clothes, giving the big kid a corner of the room that is all his own. See more of this mountain-themed nursery >>
From:
Rebecca Zajac
Update a Garden Shed
From the floors and ceiling to the walls and lighting, what was a dingy playhouse is now a bright, cheerful place all about toys, crafting and reading. Learn how to create your own playshed >>
Endless Art
A simple play table with a built in craft paper station is the perfect spot for little ones to enjoy a show while creating their masterpieces.
From:
Masterpiece Design Group
Secret Castle
Tucked away in a basement closet beneath the stairs, this enchanted castle playhouse opens the door to a child's imagination. Meanwhile, parents can shut the door to a playroom mess.
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