Toys, toys and more toys! I don't know about you, but there is never a shortage of toys in my house. And the play areas seem to always be in disarray.
Every day is a never ending cycle of:
- child dumps toy bin
- child play for 5 seconds with toy
- child finds something new and shiny
- playroom looks like it was hit by a tornado
- parent picks up toys
Can you relate?
I work with many clients that are tired of this cycle of destruction. Like literally drop dead tired from picking up all day. Now of course we can discipline our children to help. This is a great place to start. But you can also create a space that is easy to keep organized and tidy. How you set up the room can make a world of difference in how simple it is to maintain.
If you want to make your playroom more conducive to organized chaos rather than straight-up mayhem, check out these twenty cute & tidy playrooms. It's sure to inspire any exhausted mom or dad!
Found on: Project Nursery
I personally love to see toddlers able to express their creativity and imagination. I love to see them doing art and crafts, pushing Matchbox cars, or just running around. And I am tickled pink when they can do it in a calming and welcoming space. So hopefully the list below will inspire all of that!
This post was started with a ton of Pinterest research on simple playroom spaces. I found many more ideas so if you are looking for more inspiration check out my
Pinterest board on playrooms. To start reducing the amount of stuff in your playroom, be sure to read my post on how to declutter toys.
Quick Organization Tips
Before we get started, let me give you a refresher on how to create an organized and simple playroom space:
1. Measure spaces. Know what size cubbies you need before you go to the store. Measure toy sizes and room space for a perfect fit.
2. Use bold and fun colors. But only if you want to! They definitely make things more fun.
3. Make toys easy to put away. Parents don't want to be putting away toys all the time! Make storage accessible for all your kids.
4. Sort by kind. Keep like items together whenever possible.
5. Use wipe-able and stain resistant materials. The space will get messy so rather than stressing out make sure everything is wipe-able. The easier to clean the better.
6. Consider durability. Kids can be rough and tough on furniture. Make sure you buy storage options that are durable.
7. Find the right sizes. Kids need a lot of space to move and spread out their "stuff." Large tables and oversized rugs can help them feel like they can explore and play without boundaries.
8. Utilize double duty storage. Storage that serves double duty as furniture is not only functional but also smart.
9. Label your storage. This makes it easier for you and the kiddo's to find what they need. And put things away.
10. Break-up rooms into "zones." Use clever storage and decor to break the room into different zones for different kinds of play. Think craft space, reading nook and building area.
Want to really kick your decluttering into high gear??? Join me for the most popular virtual event here at The Decluttering Queen....... our LIVE Decluttering Session! Yes, 90 minutes of dedicated organization time plus tips and tricks from an professional organizer. Plus this Zoom session is completely FREE! If you need accountability, I am here for you.
20 Cute & Tidy Playroom Ideas
1. Gray & White Playroom
Hands down the best organization furniture you will ever use is the cubby system. This room is a great example of that. I like how they paired the white shelves with the white baskets. And the baskets have handles making them perfect for little hands to grab.
Found on: Home and Hallow
2. Built-in Shelf System
Built-in shelves are so beautiful especially when they are painted white. And I can't even handle the Play-doh display in this one. I'm not sure it's practical but pretty nonetheless.
Found on: The Home Edit
3. Leaning Shelf System
Leaning shelves are a great option for smaller spaces or where you just want more room to explore. For playrooms, choose ones with wooden boxes on the bottom rungs like these. Or buy a basic leaning shelf and use wicker baskets at the bottom.
Found on: The Land of Nod
4. Labels, Labels, & More Labels
If you have a Cricut, pull it out and make these cute vinyl labels today! I prefer the Siser heat transfer vinyl but really any type will work. Follow the link to the Just a Girl & Her Blog post for the exact settings she used to make the transfers.
Found on: Just a Girl and Her Blog
5. Colorful Rainbow Design
If you like color, this is the room for you. Separating the shelving by using specific colors for each row makes the bright colors easier for the eye to absorb. You can paint your own using these type of shelves. And here's some cute rainbow decor.
Found on: The Baby Hamper Company
6. A Minimalist Playroom
I just love how this room screams "simplicity." It's not overly stuffed or filled to the brim. Just a breath of fresh air to see this space. Plus the small canvas baskets are great for creating storage that makes it easy for kids to put the toys away.
Found: Kitchen Decora
7. Clean Craft Closet
Markers and pipe cleaners and paint, oh my! Craft storage can get messy. But these wipe-able glass and acrylic containers make clean up so much easier. Plus they are see-through letting all the colors of the different materials really shine through.
Found on: Rach Parcell
8. Pretty Wicker
I love using wicker because it is so sturdy! You don't want a box or cubby that is going to flop around. These wicker baskets will last a long time while always looking great. Make sure to measure your openings before buying your basket.
Found on: The Love Designed Life
9. Black & White Whimsy
My favorite colors are black and white so this room makes my heart so happy. Although color can be great, I love how calming and simple these neutral tones are. Plus the teepee is super cute. (And that "HUG LIFE" sign). Check out this affordable teepee option.
Found on: Hello Honey
10. Artwork Display
Finding places for the never-ending pile of artwork can be an impossible task. These rods that hang the artwork serve their function while keeping a unified feel. Check out this hanging wall display - it's super long and easy to use.
11. Portable Craft Station
If your children are anything like mine, they love their crafts. This cart keeps the craft station mobile and organized.... at the same time! These Ikea attached bins are interchangeable and easy to take on/off.
Found on: Instagram @Little_Label_Co
12. Simple & Outdoorsy
I love the function and feel of chalkboard paint. This green and black/white look really gives that outdoorsy vibe. Here's a great tutorial on how to do your own chalkboard walls using any color.
Found on: BlogLovin'
13. Cute Bench Storage
Every good playroom should have a little reading nook. I like this one because the bench also doubles as storage without being overly complicated. Plus the stars are just straight-up cute! You can find a similar bench here.
Found on: Wayfair
14. Ikea Storage Hack (Trofast system)
The Ikea Trofast system is super flexible. It has quickly become one of my most favorite organizing systems. I prefer the natural wood but it's also available in white. And the house painted behind give it the feel of a playhouse without all the bulk of a real one. Check out the Trofast combo options on Ikea's website.
Found on: Keep Toddlers Busy
15. Farmhouse Simplicity
This space is clean and clutter free - two things I appreciate in a minimalist playroom. It has the essentials without all the fluff so kids can really explore. Adding colorful furniture like these green chairs breaks up all the neutrals.
16. Modern & Simple Kitchen
Kids want to be just like their moms and dads. Play kitchens allow them to "cook" like their grown-up parents. If you want a simple look, go for a neutral kitchen like this one in natural materials like wood. Also less is more when it comes to accessories.
Found on: Inspired By This
17. Everything in It's Place
This playroom is so cozy and warm. I love the "Let them be little" sign along with the large chalkboard and geometric rug. The numbered baskets add functionality to the space and compliment the wicker ones underneath. DIY your own numbered baskets by following this tutorial.
Found on: R & R at Home
18. All the Bins
This room has many different basket types. Typically this would look scattered and cluttered but since they are all neutral, it works. Plus the Lego head container is so classic.
Found on: The Container Store
19. White & Tan
These shelves are every organizer's dream. Open storage. Neutral tones. Symmetric lines. They really are the perfect pick for this space. I would recommend this short one paired with this table from Crate & Barrel.
Found on: Crate & Barrel
20. Just the Basics
There are two basics to every playroom: a table & chairs set and a storage bench. This space has both. The table (like this one) is super functional because it offers the benefit of storing smaller toys in the baskets underneath.
Found on: Etsy
I hope you enjoyed this list and that you found inspiration for your own tidy and cute playroom! Kids thrive in simple, clutter-free surroundings. Embrace the space!
Do you have any other ideas that you think I should add to the list? Please let me know in the comment section below! I would love to hear from you!
Also, remember to visit our Facebook page for more playroom and organization ideas! And don't forget to join me for the most popular virtual event here at The Decluttering Queen....... our LIVE Decluttering Session! Yes, 90 minutes of dedicated organization time plus tips and tricks from an professional organizer. Plus this session is completely FREE!
