Small Playroom Reveal

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I recently upgraded from a 1 bedroom, 1 bath unit with a balcony to a 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit in my apartment building. And although I am extremely grateful to have the extra space, the smaller bedroom were by far the most difficult space in my home to design and organized.

The functional space (excluding the space in front of the doorway) of this room is 9 x 9 feet or 108 x 108 inches. Initially, I were trying to make the room part guest room, part playroom. However, it were simply too small to be a multipurpose room. I created many different layouts but none were ideal. Hence, I decided to sacrificed having a designated guest space in exchanged for a playroom.

Before

Before becoming a playroom, this room were used as a storage room for furnitures, equipments, and clothing that didn’t yet have a place. During this time, my daughter played in the living room. However, the toys were constantly scattered on the living room floor, in the hallway, and in the kitchen. The mess were a daily stressor for me.

Toy Storage

I am currently using a part of a closet system that I bought on Amazon a few years ago. I misplaced the connectors that holds the parts together while moving to my current apartment building. However, I was able to locate just enough to build this piece.

I am using the Ikea Trofast bins for toys that aren’t in rotation. These bins are wonderful because they’re affordable, easy to clean, and easy on the eyes. Organizers can be very expensive so I am grateful for the Trofast bins being budget-friendly.

We have a limited number of stuffed animals, which were primarily gifted. I keep them in the largest sized Target Coiled Rope Basket. This is one of my favorite collections by Target. It’s versatile and exude a clean and modern feel.

Adult Corner & Play Kitchen

It was necessary to have a chair in the playroom for adults to be able to sit comfortably. The Ikea Flisat Bench has a weight limit of 176 lbs and the Nugget Couch is 22.25 inches from the ground. Due to these limitations I needed a seating arrangement that could accommodate adults without concerns of weight or the need to bend low to the ground.

Toy Shelf

It was a challenge to find a Montessori inspired toy shelf that measured approximately 30 inches wide. I found many wonderful ones during my search. However, my space only allowed for a unit that were no more than 30 inches wide. Anything larger meant the furnitures would be touching one another or very close together. Ideally, I didn’t want this to be the reality because it would result in the room looking (and feeling) crowded.

Luckily, I found this shelving unit on Amazon after a week of obsessively searching for one. During that time I contemplated using the Ikea Trofast system or the Ikea Kallax. However, the depth and drawer system of the Trofast meant that the Nugget Couch could no longer be in front of the window. Whereas, the Kallax wouldn’t have provided me with adequate storage had I gone with the 30 x 30 inch one. I also had the option to get the 30 x 57 variant. However, I didn’t want such a tall piece of furniture in the play space.

I needed something small, minimal, and appealing to the eyes. And I’m grateful to have found this shelving system on Amazon.

Desk & Stool

I wanted a desk that can grow with my daughter because I don’t like the idea of purchasing the same item twice. I stumbled on this desk while viewing the famous Ikea sensory table. However, I couldn’t be more happier with my choice. This desk is adjustable in height and table tilt, has a built-in paper holder for art, and has the Trofast system integrated in its frame. Not to mention, it has a corresponding bench that slides right underneath and saves valuable floor space.

Sofa

Admittedly, I didn’t purchased the Nugget Couch for its function as a sofa. The sole reason I purchased it was for its ability to function as a fall mat. When deciding to buy my daughter the play gym, I also considered the prices of fall mats. Purchasing the Nugget Couch was a better investment due to its multipurpose function and its ability to grow with my child.

Nonetheless, my daughter loves it as a sofa and when built as a house, a tunnel, and a slide (more than the real slide). I sit on it daily and have fallen asleep on it a few nights. For a child’s furniture, it is quite comfortable and supportive. In my opinion, the Nugget Couch is the piece of furniture that you didn’t think you need but is now invaluable.

Play Gym

I have a very active toddler who climbs on everything. I wanted a safe(r) space where she can climb and work on her gross motor skills. The Avenlur Walnut 9-in-1 Swedish Ladder Wall Gym is not cheap. However, I do think it’s worth the money because it allows your child to engage in physical activities without regards to weather or busy schedules.

Reading Corner

The reading corner was not in my original design plan because I had already own a bookshelf. However, it is mounted above a cabinet in my room and is therefore, not accessible to my toddler. And everytime I would changed my daughter she would ask for “book, book, book, book…” The pleading was nonstop and with every diaper change.

I concluded that if I give her access to books during the daytime then she might stop pleading. Thankfully, she no longers pleads but would instead bring her books when she wants to be read to.

Versatility of Space

Being that this room is only 9 x 9 feet, I had to make sure that it was able to accommodate different types of play and functions. I couldn’t simply filled it with a bunch of furnitures. Every piece of furnitures had to work well with one another.

Ideally I didn’t want any piece furniture in front of the window. However, I compromised on the Nugget Couch being there due to the ease in which you can pick it up. I can easily transform the room into a play gym, a place to engage in floor play, a toddler room, or an art studio by placing an easel.

Future Design Plans

At this point in the design process, I only need to add decorative elements to the space. This is not a priority right now because there are areas in my home that still lacks function. Thus, i would much rather spend the money there. Nonetheless, I would like to do the following:

Add a 8 x 8 neutral area rug
Add a banner of some sort above the play kitchen or toy shelf
Place a very tiny drink table between the armchair and play kitchen (for the adults to put their phone or a drink
Place a reading lamp above the armchair
Add some low hanging artwork (location unknown at this time)
Add a backsplash to the Ikea play kitchen
Paint the Ikea play kitchen all white (maybe)
Buy 1-2 wicker baskets for added texture and variation to the shelving unit
Buy 6-8 more Ikea Trofast bins
Add labels to bins

The Takeaway

It’s important to give children a place to play and learn. However, that doesn’t mean that it has to be elaborate or expensive. Many items in this playroom were gifted to my daughter for her birthday.

It’s perfectly fine if your home can only accommodate a corner of the living room for playing. The important thing is that you’re thoughtful of what you choose to buy your child(ren). Every toy and every book should align with your values and what you intend to instill in your child(ren).

As always, remember having a functional and aesthetically pleasing home doesn’t have to be expensive.