20 Playroom Ideas That Are Parent- and Kid-Approved

Trendy decor that’s all fun and games

A young girl playing airplane
Photo: Konstantin Yuganov / Adobe Stock
A young girl playing airplane
Photo: Konstantin Yuganov / Adobe Stock
Paul F. P. Pogue
Written by Paul F. P. Pogue
Editor-in-chief, Angi Magazine
Updated December 21, 2021
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.

As a parent, you know how easy it can be for your kid’s playroom to get chaotic. These trendy yet practical playroom ideas will help you keep the space organized while boosting your child’s creativity for years to come. 

Small Playroom Ideas 

Smart storage is key for small playrooms.

1. Drawers to Hide Small Toys

A little girl going through storage drawers in a playroom
Photo: Halfpoint / Adobe Stock

Having lots of tiny toys out in a small playroom can quickly make it look cluttered. Use drawer storage to keep as many toys as possible out of sight and out of mind (whether or not they’re stored neatly is your little secret).

2. Tall Shelves to Create More Space

Tall wooden storage shelves storing toys in a playroom
Photo: New Africa / Adobe Stock

Not only do tall shelves have a lot of storage space, but they can help give the illusion of taller ceilings by drawing your eyes up.

3. High Curtains to Make the Room Look Bigger

A kids' bedroom with orange walls and blue curtains
Photo: Tashka2000 / Adobe Stock

Similar to tall shelving, hanging your curtains higher towards the ceiling will also give the illusion of a larger space. Plus, curtains are a great way to play up an accent color or add a funky pattern.

4. A Projector Screen for Endless Entertainment

A young family watching a movie on a projector screen
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock

Finding space for a TV in your kid’s playroom can be tricky, especially when you can use all the valuable storage and counter space possible. The solution? A projector screen! Not only does it save space, but your kids will never get bored of it. Plus, it’s great to have for sleepovers and family movie nights.

Furniture and Chair Ideas

No playroom is complete without comfy chairs for lounging and table space for getting creative. 

5. A Desk for School Work

A young girl working on a laptop at a desk
Photo: 10’000 Hours / Getty Images

Consider adding a desk and chair to your kid’s playroom for a space where they can do homework outside of their bedroom—separating their work and sleep space.

6. A Sitting Bench for Seating & Storage

A young girl wearing headphones sitting on a shelf bench
Photo: Konstanitn Yuganov / Adobe Stock

A sitting bench is a great space for your kid to lounge around, take a nap, or read a book. If you choose to add a sitting bench to the playroom, consider choosing a design that also doubles as storage.

7. A Bean Bag Chair for Comfy Lounging

A kid's bedroom with a soccer ball print bean bag chair
Photo: Photographee.eu / Adobe Stock

Will bean bag chairs ever go out of style? Probably not. Not only are they ultra-comfy seating solutions for lounging and gaming, but some can even turn into a mattress pad—perfect for when your kids have friends over for sleepovers.

8. A Daybed for Storage & Sleepovers

A modern kid’s room with a daybed
Photo: Podsolnykh / Adobe Stock

A day bed is a great seating option for a playroom and provides extra sleeping space for sleepovers and guests. There can never be enough storage for a playroom, so opt for a daybed with storage drawers underneath.

9. A Play Table and Chairs for Getting Messy

A kids' room with toys, a chalk easel, and a play table with chairs
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock

A play table with chairs gives your child a space to get creative through painting, molding Play-Doh, or whatever other messy activity they get themselves into. If your kids love Legos, they can also use a play table for building instead of on the floor where someone will inevitably step on them.

10. An Indoor Swing to Get the Energy Out

A young girl on an indoor hammock swing
Photo: NDAB Creativity / Adobe Stock

An indoor swing can provide hours of entertainment for your kids, especially if you live in a cold climate where outdoor play is limited in the winter. It’s also a great way to get your kids to release some energy at night before bed.

Playroom Organization Ideas

Smart organization is key to a functional playroom. 

11. Bookshelves to Encourage Reading

A kids playroom with a short bookshelf
Photo: Rawpixel.com / Adobe Stock

Use bookshelves to keep your kids’ books on display to encourage reading. You can also use bookshelves to decorate with photos and knickknacks or to house a small TV on top.

12. Cube Shelves with Baskets for Trendy Storage

White cube organization cabinets with multi-color baskets
Photo: Candy1812 / Adobe Stock

When it comes to kid’s playrooms, storage is the name of the game. Cube shelving units are a versatile way to add both shelf and drawer space. Keep the shelves open to display books and decor, or use a storage basket to keep small toys and crafts hidden.

13. Floating Shelves for Storage & Decor

A stylish kids bedroom with a bunk bed, a desk, and floating shelves
Photo: Olesia Bilkei / Adobe Stock

Floating shelves are a great way to add extra storage space to a playroom without taking up any valuable floor space. This shelving option is stylish, functional, and easy to install on your own.

14. Toy Bins for a Quick Clean Up

A young girl putting blocks away in a toy bin in a playroom
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock

Every playroom needs a box or bin so toys like blocks and stuffed animals can be thrown into for a quick and easy cleanup. Use a large laundry basket for a cheap and easy alternative.

Color Schemes, Paint, and Wallpaper

Lively wallpaper patterns or fun paint ideas can bring a playful energy to your child’s space. 

15. Chalkboard Paint for Creativity

A young boy drawing on a chalkboard wall in a bedroom
Photo: New Africa / Adobe Stock

Let your kids get creative with their very own chalkboard wall. Anyone can complete this easy DIY project in just a day. Simply choose an accent wall and cover it with chalkboard paint from floor to ceiling—just be sure the paint is fully dry before using it.

16. Striped Wallpaper to Raise the Roof

A kid’s bedroom with a bunk bed, tent, and black and white striped walls
Photo: Ruben / Adobe Stock

Striped wallpaper is fun and whimsical, but it also can help to make small playrooms appear larger. Just like setting curtains higher, vertical wall stripes draw eyes upwards, creating the illusion of a taller ceiling and more space.

17. Wall Decals to Showcase Personality

A kid’s room with a tent and mountain wall decals
Photo: stock_studio / Adobe Stock

Wall decals are a fun (and non-permanent) way to let your kids' personalities shine. Let them choose decals of pretty designs, inspirational quotes, beloved TV characters, or even their professional sports heroes.

Playroom Decor 

Playroom decor should add character to the space and highlight your child’s personality while offering functionality. 

18. A Plush Rug for Comfortable Playing

A father playing with his daughter in a room with a plush gray rug
Photo: New Africa / Adobe Stock

Add a decorative plush rug to your child’s playroom, especially if you have younger kids. A soft, thick area rug helps to provide a layer of safety if your little one takes a hard fall. Remember, the darker the rug color, the better (let’s be honest—playroom floors get dirty quick).

19. A Play Tent for the Ultimate Fort Hangout

A young kid playing in his room with a play tent
Photo: Photographee.eu / Adobe Stock

One of the best parts of being a kid is having a fort to hang out in. Play tents can double as a fort for your kids and as a trendy accent to highlight your decor taste. Choose a tent that best fits your theme without taking up too much space in your kid’s playroom.

A mom painting with her kids with paintings from the kids hung up behind them
Photo: JenkoAtaman / Adobe Stock

A gallery wall may seem too sophisticated for a kid’s room, but there are plenty of ways to customize a vibrant and youthful photo wall to tie a playroom together. Simply fill the frames with colorful yet simple illustrations, family photos, and inspirational quotes your kids can take with them as they grow.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
Learn more about our contributor
Paul F. P. Pogue
Written by Paul F. P. Pogue
Editor-in-chief, Angi Magazine
Paul F. P. Pogue is a veteran writer and reporter with Angi since 2006. He enjoys putting his extensive experience to work to inform readers as Editor-in-chief of Angi Magazine.
Paul F. P. Pogue is a veteran writer and reporter with Angi since 2006. He enjoys putting his extensive experience to work to inform readers as Editor-in-chief of Angi Magazine.
The homeowners guide to Interior Design and Decorating
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.