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How to Carve Out a Nook for Play
You don't need a spare room to give kids space to play. Follow their lead and use your imagination
Our family recently moved, and — much to the chagrin of our children — the new place didn't come with a room we could dedicate to play. Our last home had a basement, and the kids loved having a space they could escape to.
But, after all the boxes were unpacked, we realized the closet under the stairs was relatively empty and would be the perfect little space to house their favorite things. If you don't have an extra room for your kids, setting up a play area is still possible. Explore your home's nooks and crannies to give your children the room they need to play.
But, after all the boxes were unpacked, we realized the closet under the stairs was relatively empty and would be the perfect little space to house their favorite things. If you don't have an extra room for your kids, setting up a play area is still possible. Explore your home's nooks and crannies to give your children the room they need to play.
This sunny window is a great area to store children's books and a few toys. The shelf can be used as a play surface or a cozy spot to read a book or two. Plus, the shelf on the wall adds additional storage that mothers and fathers everywhere will appreciate.
This play nook is similar to the one we now have in our home. Using a curtain in the doorway will help you keep an eye on the kids as they play.
A dormer is a great space for a play nook. Children love to be in spots that feel like they were made just for them. This cute dormer has enough room for a play table, a few chairs and even a large dollhouse.
Don't let a small play nook hinder your child's creativity (or yours). Adding a mirror that's just right for your child's height and a tree branch to hang dress- up clothes will provide hours of imaginative play.
Converting a large stair landing into a play nook is a nice solution. Built-in shelving, benches and a table create a spot that's made for coloring pictures or playing games.
Placing books and toys at the end of a corridor works if you have shelving or the budget to add a bookcase. I'm especially fond of the color on the ceiling in this shot.
Sometimes a colorful rug and a table are all you need to create a play nook that your children will spend hours enjoying.
If you're the kind of parent who likes to have an eye on your children at all times, consider dedicating a couple of shelves on the family room bookcase to toys and children's books, so they can play within close sight.
More:
Kids' Bedrooms: Amp Up the Playfulness
Creative Play Spaces For Kids
Vertical Limit: Making Room For Great Play Spaces
More:
Kids' Bedrooms: Amp Up the Playfulness
Creative Play Spaces For Kids
Vertical Limit: Making Room For Great Play Spaces