Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a functional play area for your kids. Using the tips I offer in this post, you can easily create a space where they can play freely without interfering with adult areas. During a recent makeover of my living room, I designed a play area for my kids; and I am going to share with you how I was able to achieve this.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Incorporating A Play Area In A Living room

Even though I live in a two-bedroom apartment with my twin boys, I wanted them to be able to play and learn in their own space. If you’re creating your own, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Create Zones for Different Activities

Zones are the most effective way to utilize a small space, so I divided the space into different areas so the kids know how to use it. For reading and sensory play, I have a bookshelf and sitting area by the wall.

We have an easel to practice arts and crafts. I don’t plan on keeping it out all the time, but they can draw and paint whenever. For open-ended play, I positioned the Trofast storage unit so that my kids can grab items from the bins and create in other areas of the apartment, but they can also play on the top of the unit or around it.

---

RELATED: The Ultimate List of (Nut-Free) School Lunch Ideas for Kids

---

2. Utilize Wall Space For Storage

Don’t neglect wall space for storage and organization. I decided to add this Ikea storage unit where I can hide items I don’t want the kids to access.

Initially, I wanted to add two (one on top of the other) but decided to add a bookshelf instead since I have a table underneath and wanted this area to be a reading space.

In the future, I plan on replacing the bookshelf with this pegboard from Ikea so I can display the kids’ art.

3. Use Furniture/Rug To Create A Boundary

To designate the kid’s area, use furniture/rugs as a boundary between the two spaces. In this instance, I am using my couch and lamp to create that boundary.

4. Add A Rug or Playmat

A rug unifies all the elements of the space and gives it a cohesive look. You can opt for a foam rug but a regular rug will do as well. I opted for a regular rug, but I am considering a plush rug that offers more support.

---

RELATED: The Best Accessories for Your Ikea Play Kitchen

---

5. Everything In Its Place

It can be so easy for toys to get scattered all over the place when sharing a living and play space. To keep things contained, get rid of unused toys to minimize clutter, then use the proper storage for the remaining toys.

I have some of my most used toys in the Ikea storage unit. It’s easy for the kids to pull out whatever toys they want to use, and they can easily put them back when done playing. I keep bulky toys together in a basket or in one spot for easy access. I am still working on more storage outside of the living room. Right now, I am using the tv console to store excess toys, books in their room, and other toys in a different section.

6. Age Appropriate Open-Ended Toys

When it comes to toys, open-ended toys are better than one-time-use toys that don’t encourage imaginative play in children. While renovating my kids’ bedroom, I decluttered and disposed of many plastic toys that my kids weren’t using and have been leaning more toward wooden toys that last longer.

Here are some of our favorite open-ended toys:

Shop more Open-Ended toys on my Amazon Store

Final Thoughts…

Using the right items and a little creativity, you can create a play area in a living room that your kids will enjoy playing in. I hope these tips gave you an idea of how you can do the same in your space no matter how small.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter for updates and weekly encouragement, and check out other posts like this here.

---