Shop the Room: A Calming Kids’ Playroom

This striped wallpaper offers a playful backdrop for fun without the commitment of papering the entire room. Sometimes an accent wall is all you need. Also, if the space is multipurpose, the wallpaper helps create a zone for play and sets this section of the room apart. A vertical stripe always feels classic and helps bring order to a room—even a playroom. 

A house-shaped shelf that doubles as a play space is a decorating win. A kid-sized shelf lets them keep toys on display and makes it easy for them to access. Also, when items have a place, it’s easier for kids to clean up after themselves. Keep big toys on display, but for all those little items woven baskets help corral everything while eliminating visual clutter. Always properly anchor kids' shelves to the wall to ensure they don’t tip over.  

Meet one of organizing’s best secret weapons: the woven basket. Beyond being a stylish way to hide clutter, baskets are a great way for little kids to learn how to clean up after themselves. A basket streamlines the process and gives kids a sense of where things belong, so they can easily place toys inside without extra boxes or storage pieces. Don’t be afraid to label them so kids know what goes inside. A picture label works best for young kids, or you can use words for older kids who can read. 

Kids need a place to build, draw or read. A simple play table lets them have a furniture set that’s just their size and keeps some of the…messier play off other surfaces in your home. This set from Lowe’s is unfinished so you can customize the colors to your own playroom, and it comes with a lift-up top and internal storage for things like art or other craft supplies.  

The beauty of smaller kids’ furniture? You can get away with buying smaller rugs to create zones under their different play spaces. A shag carpet feels extra cozy in a playroom. It’s a wonderful addition to a reading corner and offers a little extra padding compared to your standard rug. Depending on how your child uses the space, try to keep it away from sticky substances like play dough, slime or anything that could be hard to clean out of its longer fibers.  

Instead of framed artwork, hanging a simple chalkboard does double duty as both a décor item and a play space. Kids can decorate with their own drawings or use the chalkboard to write messages — their imaginations are the limit. When they’re ready to change it up, simply erase and start over. If your child really loves to draw, consider using chalkboard paint as an accent wall to expand their range.

Every room benefits from multiple sources of light and the playroom is no exception. Sometimes overhead lighting can feel too harsh and that’s where a classic floor lamp comes in handy. It provides softer and more task-oriented lighting. Set up a chair and bookshelf next to your floor lamp to give kids a comfortable spot to curl up with a good book.