Many of us operate under the false impression that playrooms are only an option for parents who live in mansions or, you know, at least a four-bed house. But, did you know that a playroom might actually be the answer to whole-family harmony if you’re living in a smaller space like an apartment?
After all, toy clutter will barely be noticeable in a home with loads of rooms to hide it, but you’ll quickly notice those stray Lego blocks if they’re constantly underfoot, or clogging up your living room.
You could argue, then, that playrooms are actually more relevant to families living in apartments, especially if they’re open-plan or all on one floor! But how exactly can you make a playroom work with your apartment lifestyle? Keep on reading to find out!
# 1 – Maximize Your Storage (And Your Floorspace)
Let’s say that you’ve chosen the smallest room in your apartment for play purposes, or perhaps you’ve even dedicated a corner of your living room to this purpose. In either case, you’ll want to maximize this space.
Luckily, there are a few ways to do this, and most of them revolve around storage, though perhaps not in the way you might expect. After all, floor space is also vital in a playroom, and it’s something that you’ll end up compromising with large storage units or chests.
Vertical storage solutions like shelving tend to be far better in a playroom of this nature. Equally, options like seating with in-built storage, or even an integrated window seat/storage chest will allow you to keep toys hidden, while still ensuring a clear floor for play.
# 2 – Choose Multi-Purpose Furniture
Children grow too fast, and the ways they use their playroom will change quickly, too. Babies might like to lie on comfortable mats and beanbags, while toddlers will want plenty of toddling space, and teens would probably rather have media corners, reading nooks, and so on.
If you invest in pricey, fixed furniture options, then you can bet your playroom will quickly become obsolete and unused.
That’s a huge waste in an apartment where space really matters, and it’s something you can overcome by simply selecting multi-purpose furniture. Bean bags are a fantastic and affordable example, as they’re easily movable, and suitable as everything from a comfortable place for babies, to a gaming chair for teens.
Another great option might be desks that can transform from writing/drawing desks for younger kids, into a laptop desk for teens.
# 3 – Keep Clean-Ups Simple
A messy playroom in your apartment is guaranteed to get on everyone’s nerves, which is why it’s also worth ensuring a space that stays put together with the help of simple clean-ups.
Forget complex storage solutions that no kid can grasp; lean into things like colored storage pots for different kinds of toys, as well as toy storage that kids can easily access and replace themselves.
Then, simply set a clear rule about daily toy cleaning, and sit back to enjoy your apartment playroom at long last.
