Basement Ideas for Kids: How to Make the Perfect Playroom

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Updated on March 9th, 2022

If you have children, you know how much space they need to run around and play with their toys. Utilizing your basement by creating a playroom made especially for kids can be the perfect place for them to learn, grow, and explore. A basement playroom is ideal for homes without a backyard, rainy days, or for parents who want to have a dedicated play area for their kids. To help you get started, we reached out to experts from Charleston, SC to Toronto, ON to hear their best basement ideas for kids. Keep reading to see what they had to say.

Playroom

Establish unique spaces for activities

When creating our playroom, we knew we wanted to create a spot for reading, creativity, and play. We planned out where the play area would be, and chose calming colors for the walls and decor to keep the space feeling fun, yet relaxing and inviting. We have a rock wall and we knew it was going to be the focal point of the room, so we started there and planned around it. Having a reading corner was also super important to me. We made sure the shelves were at a height the kids could grab books, and included a few cozy pillows to get comfy to snuggle up and read. – Jennifer McNeill

Create a ‘yes space’

Tired of saying ’no’ all day? Create a ‘yes space’ in your basement by filling it with safe ways for your child to explore and participate in motor activities like climbing and jumping. Items such as foam cushions, mini trampolines, and pikler triangles can be a great way to entertain your kids when outside play isn’t an option. – Dr. Brita DeStefano, Progress Through Play

Incorporate vertical play elements and open shelving

Don’t be afraid to go vertical with an interactive play element. Whether you have limited space or shorter ceiling heights, going vertical with play elements is a great use of space in a basement playroom. For example, a climbing wall designed to look like a mountain can be a great open-ended play element that’s also a statement piece that takes up no floor space. Another tip is to ensure you buy or build some open shelving to store toys so children know what’s available and can make their own decision on what to play with. It also means they won’t be dumping boxes full of toys all over the ground to find what they want. It definitely helps any parents’ sanity when it comes to cleanup time. – Big Living Little Footprint 

Calm chaos white furniture

When it comes to basement ideas for kids and designing a playroom, my number 1 tip is to always lean towards high gloss white lacquer furniture for a playroom. It looks nice and it is kid-friendly. A white palette is good for furniture and storage in a playroom too because toys are so many different colors. Having a clean neutral base with your furniture and storage in a playroom gives the room a sense of cohesiveness and calm. – Home Taylored

Decorate with DIY artwork

It is recommended to use children’s DIY artworks instead of store-bought decorations. On one hand, incorporating these DIY artworks into the playroom can add color to the play space; on the other hand, the play space can become a showroom for the children’s works and record their growth. – Huale Toys

crafting area

Get creative with paint and storage solutions

Paint and storage are key to a happy playroom basement. Bring in the fun with a paint color that enhances your space – stay light if your basement doesn’t get natural light but go bold if it does. Next, storage – it’s absolutely necessary when you have a playroom, but built-ins may not be something you’re ready to invest in for the long term. Consider other flexible options like baskets that will make clean-up a breeze. – Costner Studio

Let your child take the lead

From what I have learned, “how to assemble the perfect playroom” and “how to really love your child” might as well be the same question. From what color to paint the room (narrow it down to 2-3 colors you like and let your child/children choose) to what toy set-up to include, let your child take the lead. What has been most popular in our household has been setting up play that is multi-functional. For example, a “stand” can be a grocery store, an ice cream shop, or a tea parlor. One toy will get old fast, but setting up multi-functional toys and tools will let your child‘s imagination take shape. – Poppie Lady

Let the space grow with the kids

Make a space that will grow with the kids as their needs and interests change. Invest in a few key pieces that will work for kids when they are little, and also when they are bigger kids and teens. I suggest picking good seating, like comfy bean bag chairs and functional storage pieces to store toys, board games, and video game devices. Lastly, get the kids involved in creating the space as they will be spending the most time in the basement. – Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams

Create a system for toys

Only leave out as many toys as your child can independently clean up. Store the rest away, and switch them out weekly or when needed. This will make the toys feel new and your child will be inspired. Second, give every toy a space – no toy boxes allowed. Every toy can be displayed in a specific spot on a shelf (use a tray or small basket if needed) and return the item to the same place when done. This creates an instant minimalist vibe, helps your child not get overwhelmed by toy clutter, and helps to build concentration. Finally, create think zones – mount a swing from the ceiling for gross motor skills, create an art center, a reading nook, a building area or maker space, anything to divide up the space. – Stella Nova Montessori

toy basket

Design a safe space for kids to play

The best playroom is one that your kids can spend time in safely. While playmats are a great option to protect your kids from a grimy basement floor, you need to make sure your playmat is nontoxic. Choose a playmat that does not use toxic materials like flame retardants or vinyl foam. Safe options should be clearly labeled “non-toxic.” It is also wise to have an air purifier and dehumidifier in your basement to ensure that the air your kids are breathing is as safe as possible. – Kleynimals

Tailor decor to your child’s interests

When creating a playroom two words come to mind – fun and organized. Although these two words may not sound like they go together, they definitely can. Start with a fun color scheme, maybe you have kids who love the ocean and want to add shades of blue, or you have nature lovers and want a mural, or princess lovers who want a beautiful canopy. There are so many fun options – most importantly you want it to reflect their interests. Another way we love to showcase our kid’s interests is through artwork on the walls, Minted is a favorite of ours with their amazing collection. Lastly, you must have storage. That’s the organizational piece to this puzzle. Storage bins, cupboards, shelves, you name it – just have places to store all of the toys so at the end of the day it can all be put away. – Beijos Events

Complete the space with a mini-trampoline

No basement playroom should be without a mini-trampoline. During long winters or hot summers, jumping on the trampoline will burn off excess energy, provide great exercise, strengthen your child’s neurological system, and elevate your child’s mood. Trampolines offer many benefits for your child while taking up very little space. – Smart Homeschooler

Create a free play area with no restrictions

If the children are toddlers I would hang some large silks or tapestry to lower the ceiling height in the designated area. If they are a bit older, I would make a snuggly reading nook for a comfortable reclining reading area. Books should be color-coded for easy return. The art area should have flooring, tables, counters, that can be washed (always keep in mind, this is a ‘yes’ area so it can get messy). Finally, always have a written or colored format for clean-up time like putting everything back in its station, basket, or container. – Live Love Organized

Kid's books

Incorporate versatile furniture

The more versatile the furniture, the more options you have for renewal of the children’s room without actually buying new furniture. What could be more exciting than to get several different furniture pieces in disguise of one – multi-functional furniture grows with your child. – Adensen Furniture

Utilize toy rotation and accessible shelving Make the space child-centric

A toy rotation is a great way to start turning the basement into a play area. A toy rotation requires child-accessible shelving and a small number of toys as this encourages more thoughtful play. Don’t be scared to bring in some color through the toys or through art above the shelves. – Color Me Monti

Make the space child-centric

Bookcases make a playroom both beautiful and functional. Use fabric bins to store small toys or craft supplies. Finally, showcase your child’s artwork in picture frames or display their favorite books for each use. – Wonderfully Messy Mom

Consider dark-colored walls

For a basement playroom, I would not stray away from darker-colored walls. It adds unexpected warmth to a typically cold space and makes the room more play-friendly. – A Shaker & A Mover

Jenna is part of the Content Marketing team and enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. Her dream home is a modern-style house surrounded by nature.
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