Playroom Tour (+ tips to create a playroom on a budget!)

I recently converted our guest room into a playroom for my 2.5-year-old. We have a play shelf in the living room, along with the Nugget couch, and her Flisat and easel in a corner of the dining room, but I felt like she really needed a space designated completely to play.

It also doesn’t hurt to have a space that your toddler can destroy, and you can just shut the door so they can come back to playing, instead of having to tidy it up before the next activity too!

I’m not one to follow specific parenting philosophies or structures. However, I am inspired by Montessori play practices and tend to loosely follow guidelines that work for our family.

A few things I prioritize:

Simplicity | Keep clutter at a minimum to encourage creative, meaningful play.

Accessibility | Have toys and books in view and low enough to reach.

Open-ended | Invest in pieces that can be played with in multiple ways, are engaging versus entertaining, and quality that will last for years to come.

Foster different kinds of play | Such as pretend, movement, creative, constructive, nature.

Toy rotations | Switch out toys and books on shelves every 3-4 weeks, storing the rest in the closet.

Playroom Setup

We donated our guest room furniture, keeping the desk, chair, printers and trundle bed (for visitors). I moved the trundle bed to the back of the room, out of her way, with the option to use it as seating if needed.

I wanted the ability to work next to her while she plays (independent play is a WIP, but we try!) so I kept the desk in a nook, tucked away in the corner.

I used a Trofast organizer that I found in my local Buy Nothing group as the toy shelf/bin storage combo. In the bins and baskets, I rotate Duplo blocks, Magnatiles, figurines (i.e. Calico Critters, Little People, animals), musical instruments, toy cars, and small toys from Lovevery.

To the left, I have her play kitchen for pretend play. I use baskets and wooden trays to hold small pieces throughout her playroom.

I decided to keep her Toniebox on a small side table with a couple Tonies out at a time. She can switch them out as she wants, and move the Toniebox around the playroom too.

The playroom rug is a 3D mini city rug that she plays on with her toy cars and Little People characters.

For movement and gross motor play, I have the Little Tikes trampoline and B. Toys balance beam set up for my toddler. The trampoline has been a HUGE hit and I totally recommend it if you have a sensory-seeking child.

For the walls, I plan to add my toddler’s art and maybe a few framed pieces.

Storage

A cube organizer and some baskets or bins will be your best friend here! I found mine on Facebook Marketplace and it makes toy rotations easy. I just switch out the toys in a basket or bin, change out a few stand-alone toys (like her dollhouses) and books. It usually takes less than 15 minutes and I include my toddler in the toy rotation.

I recommend using a shelf or an organizer that doubles as a play space, especially if you have a small space for a playroom (or play corner) like we do.

Playroom on a Budget

Use What You Have

When making a playroom or play space in your home, the easiest and most budget-friendly step is to use what you already have.

For example, I repurposed the baskets I had after cleaning out the guest room and cleared a tiered rolling cart to create an “art cart” for my toddler’s art supplies.

Shop Secondhand

I am a Facebook Marketplace girly, through and through! You can find great deals on gently used organizers, toys and more. Tip: “Save” posts of items you like, and the algorithm will show you similar items for sale.

Join Your Local Buy Nothing Group

I love my local Buy Nothing group and always recommend it to other moms. It’s truly a great community and I have met a lot of wonderful people from it! I have also been able to give a lot to other families when cleaning out our home, and it feels great to give back to our neighbors versus secondhand stores.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of our new playroom and budget-friendly tips!

Note: If you don’t have space for a playroom, please know that your child will thrive in whatever play space you have available for them. Nothing is more important than the time spent together, connecting, and doing things you love.