Here are some valuable tips and ideas on how you can set up a living room and playroom combo in your home that can be enjoyed for the entire family.

As space is limited, our family living area is now double as extended playroom for our son that is now a toddler. We wanted to optimise the available space by creating a simple and functional shared environment that will help keep both parents and little one happy.

Here are some tips on how you can combine your living room and playroom to create a multi-purposes, family-friendly area.

1. Plan the Theme: Harmonising Spaces

One of the most daunting things about incorporating a playroom within your living room is the potential accumulation of a chaotic mix of brightly coloured and mismatched items from toys. This mishmash of elements can create a cluttered and overwhelming atmosphere, hindering the room’s overall aesthetics and functionality.

Although the living area is meant to accommodate both the adults and the kids, you can still eliminate visual eyesore in this shared space by learning to blend your living room and playroom seamlessly with a shared theme. Try to work within the theme to create a space for everyone to enjoy.

For example, if you’re getting a toy kitchen set for your child to play in the living room, select one that complements your home’s interior as it will help in maintaining a visually appealing living space while still providing your child with a fun and engaging environment to play.

2. Divide and Conquer: Designating Play Area

Create a defined playroom area within your living space by cleverly using dividers to establish two distinct zones – a designated living room area and a well-organised playroom section. This division will provide your kids with their own dedicated space to play freely, while still allowing the rest of the living area to remain functional for the whole family.

For a start, you can begin by adding cosy rugs or foam mats that can help to visually separate the space while providing a comfortable play surface. You can also employ furniture placement or even decorative room dividers to clearly define these spaces without obstructing the overall flow.

3. Storage Solutions: Taming Toy Clutter

Kids and mess often go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other! Having sufficient storage is essential to help hide the mess away quickly. Make sure you have enough storage to “house” all the toys. Find creative ways to keep toys organized and hidden away when not in use. Consider big storage basket where you can just “dump” small toys away for easy cleanup. Or you can also incorporate ample storage options like shelves, cabinets, and bins to keep toys and play items organized and out of sight when not in use.

If the space in your living room is limited, you don’t have to store or display every single toy in the same place. It’s okay to rotate them and keep most of the toys in the kid’s bedroom and bring only few necessary ones to the living area for playtime when needed.

It’s also important to regularly let go of toys that are no longer being played with or have become unsuitable for your child’s age to reduce clutter. Consider selling on secondhand marketplace or donating so other kids will have better use of it. Selling these items on a secondhand marketplace can also be financially rewarding.

For instance, you might have bought or received toys as a gift when your baby was born, but if your child shows no interest in it, it’s best to pass it on to someone who will cherish it. Letting go can be difficult, especially if they hold sentimental value or were given with love. However, I can almost guarantee you the feeling of nostalgia will likely fade, and you will realise that the decluttered space benefits both you and your child.

4. Safety First: Childproofing Your Dual Space

For parents of young children, safety is a top priority. Children can be full of energy and curiosity, which makes it crucial to take precautions to ensure that any furniture with sharp edges or potentially hazardous elements is properly secured or avoided altogether.

Depending on your kids age, you may need to invest on baby gate and safety locks to help create a secure environment where your child can play freely without worry. Additionally, it’s essential to keep breakable and hazardous objects out of their reach, further minimising potential risks and accidents. By taking these preventive measures, parents can foster a safe and nurturing environment for their children’s growth and exploration.

5. Kid-Friendly & Dual-Purpose Furniture

Offer child-sized furnitures that are designed with the specific needs and comfort of children in mind that will help promote a sense of ownership and independence while at the same time make them feel included in the living area. Also consider incorporating versatile furniture pieces that serve multiple functions, such as coffee tables with hidden compartments to stow away toys and keep the space tidy.

Living Area + Playroom Combo: A Space for Everyone

I hope that by following the tips above, you can successfully combine a functional living room and playroom and turn it into an opportunity to optimise your small apartment space for the entire family to enjoy.