Last updated on August 16th, 2021 at 12:08 pm
At some point they’re up on their feet, playing on-the-go. A trail of teddies, books, and toy cars in their wake. Now it’s time to think about storage – before it all gets out of control! Here’s how to create an aesthetically pleasing yet practical play area at home.
If you have a big enough house to accommodate a designated room for their play, all the better. But if you don’t, (like me) you’ll be looking for away to create a play area that integrates nicely with your living space.
Choosing Toy Storage
The starting point for my room makeover was storage. I’d had a white KALLAX IKEA shelf for a few years – upstairs in my dressing room. It had previously been used to store hair products, makeup etc. However, a lot of that stuff was clutter, so I decided the shelf could be better put to use in this space.
The size and design makes it perfect for storing some of the bigger toys, while keeping them on display at the same time. That way, my son can see what he’s got and select what he wants.
A small basket in one of the shelf slots does the trick of holding all the littler bits. I love that I can just collect them all up and chuck them in there at the end of the day. Then the basket can be tucked away so as not to look messy.
If I didn’t already have a KALLAX, my second choice would be the TROFAST.
What To Include in the Space
Once your storage is in place, it’s good practice to place something on the floor in front of it. It’ll be a high-traffic area and you’ll want to protect your carpet. At the same time, you protect your little one from the falls and bumps that come with learning to walk!
With all the space on top of the shelf, I wanted to think carefully about what to put there. Too many items would make it a cluttered mess. Using a couple of empty jam jars to store them, I placed some crayons and pom-poms there that we use for crafts and games. Pushed to the back, so my 18-month-old can’t reach them when I’m not looking.
I added a plant for a little colour and life, and so that he can watch when I water it. Hopefully, it will teach him about caring for things! And when he can understand a little more I’ll explain this.
The Sonos player is a great reminder to make sure we have some active fun. Singing, dancing, and simply listening to songs, nursery rhymes or stories is a great way to keep him engaged without screen-time.
Recreate a similar space in your home
You’ll want to make a stop at IKEA to get a KALLAX the same as mine or a smaller version. The lovely play kitchen (which my son absolutely LOVES) is from ALDI.
The foam floor mat from Amazon is great for protecting the carpet from food, grubby hands, and bits of playdough. The double-sided road mat on top is a great play item! It’s also from Amazon and features a farm scene on the underside.
I decided to include my Sonos speaker in the play area space because playing music is a great way to have fun with a little one! Boosting their coordination with a little dance and teaching them a few new words, all at the same time.
Storage baskets are always a winner for storing toys. Easy to chuck things into and push away neatly into the shelf, they hide the mess and reduce the look of clutter. Saving your living room aesthetic!
Of course, one of the segments of the KALLAX is the perfect place to store baby books. For a bit of interest, I thought I’d display his favourite story, The Lion Inside on top so he can point for it when he wants to be read to.
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, you might also enjoy How to Create Your Dream Pinterest Nursery