How to Make a Den into a Playroom

Your child's toys have a way of migrating throughout your house. You might stumble over dolls on your way to the bathroom or step on a hard block on your way to make a sandwich. The clutter can start to threaten your sanity and your safety. If your home has a den, you can convert it to a playroom to give your children a place to play safely and to keep their toys in one central location.

Things You'll Need

  • Paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Bookcases
  • Toy chest and bins
  • Kids' table and chairs
  • Other furniture of your choice
  • Room partition
  • Outlet covers, door latches and foam bumpers
  • Artwork and decorative items

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all the furniture in the den. You can move these items into other areas of your home or sell them to raise money for some of the new furniture you will need. Some items, such as a couch or a bookcase, may be useful to keep in your playroom.

    • 2

      Paint the room a new color, if desired. You may choose to paint the room a bright color that is more fitting for a play space, such as yellow, orange or red. If you are artistically inclined, you can paint a mural on the wall.

    • 3

      Buy new furniture for the playroom. Bookcases will be essential since they can be used to store books, bins, toys, movies and stuffed animals. You will need bookcases in a variety of sizes. Smaller bookcases can make toys accessible for children, while taller bookcases can give you space to put items that you want to stay out of reach. Other options for your playroom include a dresser, chest or cabinet for toy storage, a small table and chairs for activities, or fitness equipment such as small slides or climbing structures.

    • 4

      Create a partition, if needed. If your den does not have a door but instead has an open space between it and the next room, you can hang a partition to hide the sight of the clutter that may ensue. A simple curtain should be enough, but you can also buy a wooden or paper partition to fit the space.

    • 5

      Safety proof the room. Put plug covers on all the outlets, latches on all the door knobs and cabinet doors, and foam bumpers on the hard corners of furniture like tables and shelves. You will need to childproof the room even for older children. Secure all the windows and check for loose vents or outlet covers. Anchor any tall or heavy furniture to the wall. Limit access to a water source like a toilet or sink.

    • 6

      Set up the furniture and toys in the room. You can be as creative as you like here. Train tables, art stations, areas for puppet shows, and reading nooks all give kids a chance to learn and have fun. Chalkboard walls add a decorative element while also giving kids a creative outlet. Set everything up in a way that will encourage your child to explore and find new ways to play.

    • 7

      Decorate the room. Whimsical artwork, murals, family photos, vintage toys, posters, and letter art can all bring a playroom to life and give it character.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Child Abuse Educational Programs
      Figures from the National Childrens Alliance illustrate the scope of the problem. About 256,000 people were alleged child abuse offenders in 2012. Of that number, 91 percent were known to their victims. At least 57 percent of alleged abusers were adu
    • Teaching General Safety Rules to Children
      The the leading causes of unintentional fatal and non-fatal injury in children 1 to 9 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include falls, motor vehicle traffic accidents, drownings and fires. Teaching your child
    • What Temperature Is Too Cold to Play Outside?
      Theres nothing like sledding in winter. However, children are especially vulnerable to cold. Any temperature below freezing can lead to frostbite, or other life-threatening conditions, warns the American Academy of Pediatrics website, HealthyChildren