Top 5 Essentials for a Stylish and Practical Playroom

Creating a playroom that’s both beautiful and functional can feel like a juggling act, especially when toys seem to multiply overnight!

But with a few thoughtful choices, you can turn any corner or spare room into a calm, creative space your kids love (and that doesn’t drive you mad to look at). Whether you’ve got a dedicated room or just a play corner in the lounge or their bedroom, these are my must-haves.

Here are 5 essentials for a practical, stylish playroom, tried and tested in our own home with three busy boys.

1. A Washable Rug That Grounds the Room

A rug sets the tone for the whole space, it creates a visual zone, softens noise, and makes floor play comfier. But most importantly?

It needs to be washable.

Why our cotton rugs are perfect for playrooms:

Easy to clean - just pop it in the machine
Soft underfoot for crawling, cartwheeling, or book reading
Adds personality with colour and pattern
Made from natural fibres = safer for little ones

✨ Try this: our Gingham Rug or Diamond Rug perfect for hiding spills with a pop of colour.

2. Storage That Looks Good

Tidy-up time is so much easier when everything has a home. Instead of bulky tubs stacked on top of each other, use baskets and storage units that blend into your home.

Look for:

Removable baskets like the Ikea Trofast storage unit has (timeless, affordable and looks good too!)
Low, open shelving
Labels or pictures for easy sorting

🧺 Real-life tip: We used to rotate toys each month using baskets on a low shelf, keeping it fresh without the clutter.

3. Floor Cushions or Ottomans for Flexible Seating

Kids love the floor, so let’s make it comfy. Floor cushions and ottomans invite play, encourage independence, and add softness to the room.

Why we love them:

Easy to move around
Doubles as a seat or soft play
Adds texture and warmth

✨ Pair it with: Round Ottoman Covers (Coming soon) designed to match our rugs and made for real life.

4. Mini Play Zones That Encourage Independent Play

It helps to divide the room into mini play areas, even in a small space. This makes it easier for kids to know what to do where, and makes the room feel less chaotic.

Try creating zones like:

A reading corner
A building table
A quiet space with puzzles or drawing

🌈 Style idea: Use a round rug or artwork to visually define the zones, no walls needed.

5. A Colour Palette That Grows With Your Child

Instead of going overboard with bright colours, try a balanced palette that feels playful and calming. It makes the space easier to style and doesn’t date as quickly.

Try this:

Neutrals on the walls and furniture
Colour pops through rugs, cushions, and art or wall decals
Repeat 2–3 core colours throughout the room

🍂 Our favourite tones? Dusty coral, sage green, sky blue, and earthy neutrals.

A beautiful playroom doesn’t have to be complicated, it just needs to work for your family. Choose pieces that last, feel good, and make life easier.

Start with a washable rug, add soft storage and flexible seating, then build the style from there. Our collection of natural cotton rugs and soft furnishings were made for playful homes like yours.