14 Toy Room Decor Tips for a Safe and Happy Space

By Susan Weber

A toyroom gives a child their own space to play.

Decorating ideas for a child's toyroom don't have to be expensive. The basics are paint, fabric and storage in a safe room with lots of floor and table space.

Why a Toyroom?

Children love their own toyroom because it gives them their own space with their own things. For parents, you can get the toys out of the main living space and out of the child's room where they may be a distraction during nap time and at bedtime. The toyroom is an enclosed area where the toys can be corralled and the child can play safely on their own.

Basic Tips For Toyroom Decorating

Whether you are creating a princess's castle or a playful zoo you need to start with the basics like color, storage and furniture as you design and decorate your toyroom:

Simple décor - Keep it simple. Too much color, too many toys or too many designs can overstimulate your child.
Decorate at eyelevel - Furniture that is too tall can be unsafe. You don't want your child climbing up on a bookcase to get their favorite toy off the top shelf.
Color - Go with a neutral wall color if you plan to add murals or brightly-colored furniture. For added color punch you can always paint one wall a bright color like red, hot pink or ocean blue. Encourage creativity by painting one wall (or the bottom third of all walls) with chalkboard paint.
Storage - Shelves, tubs, baskets, wall cubes are all critical elements to store and display toys, games, puzzles, books, art supplies and projects. You can buy wall-to-wall bookshelves and bin storage sets from Target or Pottery Barn Kids. Storage units should be easy access for the child to add and remove toys.
Furniture - Every toy room needs great seating and work surfaces. Soft cubed ottomans, benches, art easels, tables and chairs sized to fit the occupants - each can provide a fun and comfortable to play. Look for practical, sturdy furniture. You can maximize floor space in small rooms with multi-function furniture such as storage cubes used as the base for a play table like Ikea's Trofast frames and storage boxes. Don't forget to include some seating for adults too! Unfinished furniture is a great start for brightly colored chests, tables and chairs. Use small toys for knobs.
Carpet - Even if your room has wall-to-wall carpeting, you should consider adding an area rug to your toyroom area. The rug provides extra warmth and protection for little occupants - as well protection against stains to floors and carpet from wayward paints and snacks. The rug could be anything from an inexpensive carpet remnant in a bright color to a fun kid's rug in a game or map design.
Window Treatments - Dress the windows with colorful curtains made from bed sheets. For added privacy or light control you can add blinds and shades in a contrasting color. Printed blinds made in various Disney themes are always a hit with kids. If the room doesn't have windows, add framed pieces of mural scenes or cloud-printed wallpaper.
Décor Items - Toys will provide the perfect décor accessories. Additional fun and decorating ideas for a child's toyroom can be added with:
- Wooden letters from craft stores like Michaels spelling their name, painted in their favorite colors
- Colorful fabrics made into pillows and window treatments to add extra fun and an extra punch of color
- Removable wall stickers that are a fun way for your child to personalize their walls and furniture
- Settings that promote imagination such as playhouses, puppet stages, car garages and doll houses
- A dress up bin stocked with old shoes, soft shawls, jewelry and hats
- A special area for quiet reading including pillows, a shelf of books and a rocker for Mom or Dad

Don't Forget Safety

Safety is always a concern with children:

Lock the windows.
Be sure any blind cords are tied well above the child's reach to avoid choking.
Put plastic protectors in all wall sockets.
Avoid lamps with cords, sharp corner tables and breakable décor ideas.
Put a baby monitor on a top shelf so you can hear your child if they cry or make any loud noises.
Select furniture designed for your child's age and size. They can slip and fall while reaching up to a shelf that's too tall.