How to Set Up an All-Age Playroom in Five Simple Steps

Playroom Ideas

How to Set Up an All-Age Playroom in Five Simple Steps

For most parents, a happy house with children who get along is all we need to get by in life. Anyone who’s had more than one kid knows that this is much easier said than done. If you’re trying to find a way to get your kids to play happily alongside each other for any length of time, we at Modernize have a solution: follow these five steps to create the perfect playroom for siblings of various ages.

Step one: Declutter

Before you get started with your playroom organization and decoration, it’s time to deal with the toys. If you have more than one child, your house is likely completely overrun with Lego, stuffed animals, and Barbies. Take some time to sort through your kids’ toys, getting rid of anything that is broken, missing parts, or unused. While a few bits and pieces will end up going in the garbage, the majority of discarded toys can be donated, recycled, or handed down to other siblings. If you still have too many toys, consider storing a few of them for awhile and bringing them out in rotation. Your kids will never know the difference and everything will get more use.

Step two: Get organized

After you’ve rid yourself of excess toy clutter, it’s time to organize your children’s playthings. Storage boxes are fantastic, but they’re just adding to the mess if there’s nowhere to put them in the playroom. Consider investing in, or making your own, storage/seating unit combination. If you’re making it yourself, it’s a simple Ikea hack that won’t take more than a few hours or test your DIY skills too much. Other storage options include wall mounted shelving units, bookcases, or desks with drawers. If your playroom is kitted out with these things, everyone will be happy (including you).

Step three: Designate zones

This is probably the most important part of designing a playroom for siblings of various ages. If all your kids’ toys are stored and played with in the same part of the room, it will only lead to confusion and arguments (and less down-time for you). By designating zones in the playroom, everyone will know and hopefully respect each area for its appropriate use. Make sure to have a desk or table for crafts, homework, and other big kid projects. A corner with a kitchen, bed, dolls, and other imaginative play items will be perfect for younger kids. If you have babies and very young toddlers, a separate, cordoned-off area with baby friendly toys and soft edges will set your mind at ease when everyone is playing in the same room.

Step four: Decorate

When it comes time to decorate your all-age playroom, it’s important to choose decor that everyone will appreciate. It’s probably best to steer clear of Disney characters or any particular favorite color scheme, unless everyone is 100% happy with the choice. A fantastic design compromise here is a family themed playroom, with framed portraits of your whole clan dotted around the room. If you have an art corner, a kids’ art exhibit wall will bring the room together and make everyone proud of their artistic accomplishments (it’s also a big hit when family and friends come over). Feel free to change your decor as your kids grow, but if you stick with something simple and neutral, you will have less work ahead of you in the future.

Step five: Make it safe

Before you let your brood loose in their new play space, it’s important to make sure that everything is safe. If you have preschoolers using the playroom, make sure to cover all outlets and hide power cords, just as you would baby-proof the rest of your house. Keep smaller toys and other choking hazards stored in sealed boxes or on shelves out of the reach of the younger kids. Finally, know that the climbers in your family will be safe on the furniture by tethering tall bookcases and shelving units to the walls. Once everything is kid-safe and parent approved, your kids are free to play together happily (for a few minutes at a time, at least).