Turn a Loft Space into a Safe Play Area for Children

A loft space can be an ideal play space for children; it gives them their own hideaway playroom and it keeps their toys and games from cluttering up other rooms in the home.

When considering whether to use a loft for a kids’ playroom, consider the location of the loft: If it opens up above another well-used living space, such as a living room or a bedroom, the noise level from the playroom may be too bothersome. But there are many cases where the location of the loft won’t interfere with other family activities. Your other major concern is safety: The loft itself, the stairway and landing should all have sturdy railings that meet local building and safety codes.

Decorating and designing your loft can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. But don’t forget that you’re designing for kids and all they really want is some floor space for playing, a simple table and chairs, a TV, video games and comfortable kid-friendly seating. You won’t need to search for expensive metal art, buy wall plaques or hunt for the perfect floor vases online when it comes to decorating for kids.

Here some tips to keep in mind when designing a playroom in a loft space.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "The Loft" courtesy of tboard.

Cushion the Floor

If the floor is not already carpeted, add some large area rugs to make the space more comfortable and to help deaden the pitter patter of little feet overhead. Play mats are also good to include; they look like a village with roads, railroad tracks, houses and trees and make it easy to roll cars, trucks and trains around the play space.

Divide and Conquer

When more than one child will be using the play loft, think about creating different play spaces within the loft, so that one can be crafting while the other is playing video games and peace will reign throughout the loft! A loft space is usually wide open, but you can add division to the space with the placement of furniture, such as bookcases that are open on both sides. A couch or room screen are other options. Whatever you choose, just be sure that it can’t be tipped over.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Play areas" courtesy of Dave Neary.

Window Treatments

Many lofts have large windows. Blinds or shades will allow for light control so that sun can be blocked out for movie viewing or open to let the sunshine in. When the sun is not intense, the kids will love feeling like they are playing in their own tree house; but on hot summer days, the blinds or shades can be drawn to keep the loft from getting too hot.

Kid-Friendly Decor

Let the kids have some say in the colors you use in the loft. If the space opens to another room, coordinate the walls by going with a neutral color, but let them pick accent colors in fun furnishings like a kid-size table and chairs, bean bags and floor pillows, storage bins and bookcases.

If there is space, consider adding a couple of twin size beds or futons. This will provide a fun space for sleepovers and give your kids a place to curl up with a book or game or take a nap after all that high-energy play time!

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Lucie at MOSI" courtesy of jayneandd.