How To Create A Play Area In A Small Space (Smart Ideas For Any Room)
Play is a vital part of a child’s life, teaching important skills, shaping who they’ll become, and well, it’s just fun. If you have kids, setting up a play space in your home should be a top priority, even if you don’t have a lot of room. But the beauty of this is that a play space doesn’t have to be huge to be effective.
To set up a play area in a small space, prioritize storage and smart organization. Designate zones when possible for different activities, and include opportunities for physical, creative, and educational play. If the play zone is in a shared family room, use multifunctional furniture to maximize space and keep playthings out of sight.
Sometimes you get to devote an entire room to play, which is great. But if you can’t have a playroom, a designated place works well, too. Use these tips to create a play area in a small space that invites children to imagine, let loose, and have a ball.
How To Create A Play Area In A Small Apartment Or Home
When space is limited, a play area isn’t impossible, it’s just a bit more challenging. You need to know where to focus your efforts to make the most of the space you have. Also, be intentional throughout the setup process to maximize functionality and fun.
- Use vertical and hidden storage
- Create flexible play zones
- Set up a toy rotation system
- Make the play area portable
- Use multifunctional furniture
Small Space Play Area Storage Ideas
The top priority when creating a play zone in a small space is storage. Kids need room to play. If things are scattered about, it’s hard to maneuver, and it can be overwhelming, too. Since every inch counts, use storage ideas that help kids keep things tidy. Bins, baskets, and cubbies are good options. Vertical storage is also essential, such as hanging mesh bags, over-the-door organizers, and tall shelves. But you also need to consider where your kids’ play area is, as it will influence the storage you choose.
For example, if it's in your child’s bedroom, a hanging organizer for stuffed animals might look right at home. However, storage solutions for small homes that work in your child’s room, wouldn’t likely work too well in your living room. Likewise, match what you use in the play area to your kids. If you have toddlers, make sure they can easily reach the bins and don’t overload containers. Secure tall pieces to the wall to avoid tipping. Use picture labels, so children can locate items quickly (and put them away in the right spots).
Creating Zones Within A Small Play Area
Even in a small space, you can still have different areas for different types of play. In a typical playroom, there might be a section of open floor for physical play and a table area for crafts. Additional zones might include a building blocks spot and a cozy nook for reading or quiet play. But in a tinier footprint, some of these zones may need to pull double duty.
For example, an open space in the den is great for a dance party. But then, pull out some cushions and books to turn it into a cushy reading zone. Use the top of the coffee table for an art station, then clear the crafts to make room for a puzzle or board game marathon.
Rotate Toys To Prevent Clutter
If your children have a lot of stuff, decluttering with kids is highly recommended. In a small space, it can feel like you’re getting rid of everything when you try to squeeze it all into a few bins. Setting up a toy rotation system allows kids to hold onto more of their favorite things, and it can also reinvigorate playtime. Here’s the basic concept.
- Organize items for each type of play activity into the storage system of your choice.
- Keep these items in the play zone.
- Pack everything else into storage bins you keep in another area, like a closet or attic. (Note: Keep electronic toys out of overly hot or cold areas, even if the batteries are out.)
- Every couple of weeks, pull the bin out of storage and select a few new items to replace some of the ones in the play zone.
- Bonus points for revisiting some items with your kids during each rotation in case they’re ready to declutter some stuff.
Consider Creating A Portable Play Zone
If you’re working with a really limited footprint, then you might not be able to leave playthings in a designated area. In this case, set up a play zone on the go. For example, keep a rolling cart in a nearby closet and stock it with some of your child’s favorite toys and books. A couple of caddies are also good options, especially for arts-and-crafts supplies. When it’s time to play, your child can roll the cart into a space you designate as a play area. Then, when playtime is over, it all rolls back out of sight.
Setting Up A Play Zone In Your Kid’s Bedroom
If you decide to incorporate a play area into your kid’s bedroom, keep in mind that this is also where your child sleeps. You want to minimize distractions when it’s time to go to bed. Consider creating closed storage areas for toys. A closet works well, or drawers, solid bins, and similar solutions. Since it is your kid’s room, you can have fun with storage if you want, selecting some more whimsical or colorful pieces. Also, to avoid buying new storage every year, choose storage options that grow with your kids.
Set up a routine with your child to clean up after play so toys aren’t left out when it’s bedtime. If multiple children share a bedroom, consider whether or not they also share all the toys. Depending on their preferences or ages, they might have some shared belongings as well as personal ones. Give each child storage space for their personal toys, books, and other items. Then, have shared storage for anything that belongs to both (or all) of them.
What’s The Best Way To Create A Play Space In A Living Room?
One of the biggest considerations when you’re setting up a play space in a living room is that this is also an adult area. You probably don’t want dinosaur-themed bins or bright pink baskets. Choose more neutral storage solutions that work with your design scheme. Also, incorporate storage into furniture to keep the area streamlined. Here are a few examples:
- A cubby console under the TV with multiple bins. Use some of the bins for media or blankets for the living room, but the others can house toys.
- Storage ottomans hold stuffed animals.
- A lift-top coffee table can hold board games.
- The lower shelf of a built-in bookcase can be for children’s books.
- A wall-mounted fold-down desk for crafting and art projects.
Make sure children know which storage areas are theirs, so they know where to access their stuff. It’s also important to have clear rules about clean-up, so your shared family space remains tidy.
Check Out These Other Small Space Play Area Ideas
What if your main challenge is finding a place for your kids to play? Sometimes, you need to get creative. Here are some ideas to get your wheels turning.
- Turn a closet into a play nook.
- Convert the area under the stairs into a play zone.
- Screen off an unused corner of a room.
Small Spaces Still Deliver Big Play Opportunities
Whether you live in a small apartment or a tiny house, setting up a fun play space is within your reach. Concentrate on smart storage solutions, flexible zones, and clear, consistent systems to make the most of playtime. Involve your kids in the process to help keep things working smoothly and staying tidy. With a little creativity and intentionality, even the smallest play space has plenty of room for big imaginations.
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Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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