Floors
Most playrooms use the flooring the room already has, with rugs or mats on top. Each floor type has trade-offs:
| Floor | Good points | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood or laminate | Easy to sweep, good for building and rolling toys | Hard for falls and noisy; add a rug in play areas |
| Vinyl or tile | Easy to clean, good for art and messy play | Can be cold and hard; tile is slippery when wet |
| Wall-to-wall carpet | Soft and quiet | Harder to clean, small parts hide in the pile, towers wobble |
| Foam play mats | Cushioned, easy to wipe, can be moved | Edges and small pieces can be chewed by babies; check the mat is in good shape |
Whatever the floor, put a non-slip pad under every rug. Rugs that slide are a trip hazard for kids and adults.
Rugs for play
A low-pile rug works well for building, because blocks and train tracks sit flat. A softer, thicker rug suits a reading or rest corner. Washable rugs, or rugs that are easy to spot clean, make sense near an art table. Rugs can also mark play zones in a larger room.
Lighting
Natural light makes a playroom feel bigger and is good for drawing and reading. Keep window areas clear of tall furniture so light can reach the floor, and so children aren't tempted to climb near windows.
- Add overhead light for evenings and dark winter afternoons.
- Use a lamp or soft light in the reading corner.
- Choose lamps that are stable and hard to knock over, and keep cords out of the way.
- Keep bulbs and hot lamps out of reach of young children.
Window coverings
In a room used by kids, cordless blinds, shades and curtains are the safer choice. Corded blinds can strangle a young child. If you have corded coverings you can't replace yet, keep cords short and tied up high, out of reach, and move furniture away from windows. The safety checklist has more on cords.
Window guards or stops can prevent falls from opened windows. Check local guidance and your home's fire escape needs before you install them, since some windows must open fully in an emergency.
Walls
A washable paint finish such as eggshell, satin or semi-gloss is easier to wipe than flat paint. Light walls keep the room bright. For a pop of color, paint one wall or the lower half of the room, or let bright bins and rugs bring in the color.
- Chalkboard or whiteboard paint on a section of wall gives kids a place to draw that isn't the rest of the wall.
- A pinboard or picture rail lets kids display their artwork without tape on the paint.
- Wall shelves must be anchored into studs or with the right fasteners. See the anchoring guide.
Sound
Playrooms get loud. Rugs, curtains, soft seating and full bookshelves absorb some of the sound. If the playroom is above a bedroom or next to a home office, a thick rug with a pad makes a noticeable difference.
Fresh air and temperature
Air out the room on fine days, especially after painting or bringing in new furniture or rugs, which can smell for a while. Keep space heaters out of playrooms if you can. If you must use one, follow the maker's safety instructions closely and keep it well away from kids, toys, rugs and curtains.