Storage for kids’ rooms
DESIGN, Decoration, Furniture, Living
The mantra you can never have enough storage in kids' rooms is true in my experience. If clutter is not kept in check, storage will fill up, no matter how much you have of it.
That is why I focussed on ways to reduce clutter last month, the first prong of attack. This month I will look at the second half of the story: kids room storage solutions.
To give the most beautiful things room to shine, and fun stuff a chance to be played with, easy-to-use storage is key. Good storage also maximises floor space for play, something that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning a room.
Fitted storage
A wall of floor-to-ceiling built-in cupboards is a great way to minimise clutter and maximise floor space. If you have the budget, this is an excellent investment. Make sure the interior is set-up for clothes storage as well as toys and other possessions. If you prefer to keep things plain, have the cupboards finished in the main wall colour so they don’t stand out and keep the room feeling spacious.
If a wall of plain doors doesn’t appeal, you can try a combination of open and closed shelving. Another option is to use interesting materials, such as timber boards or plywood (also a great way to update existing cupboards). A stand-out colour, cool handles, large stickers that straddle several doors, or chalkboard paint are other ways to jazz things up.
Armoires
If fitted joinery is not your cup of tea, a large freestanding cupboard that doubles up as a wardrobe and toy cupboard is also a great choice. This could reduce the need for an additional chest of drawers for example. Leaving more room for play, a desk or a reading nook.
I’m a big fan of upcycled vintage armoires. You could go for an extra wide, or 3-door piece, or two slimmer pieces next to each other, which gives a nice calm rhythm to a room. It’s easy to add a rail or extra shelves to customise the inside to your needs.
Trundles & trunks
Don’t forget the space under a bed. Though I prefer beds that are raised off the ground to keep the room looking spacious, an under-bed trundle can be useful in smaller rooms. Alternatively, there’s often room for a toy box or trunk at the end of the bed, for dress-up clothes for example. A child-sized clothing rail is another fun way of storing and displaying dress-up items – but be aware that these can be pretty garish and you may prefer to keep them in a closet or trunk. Leave just one or two pretty pieces out on hooks to decorate a dress-up corner.
Shelves
Next are shelves – freestanding units or fitted on a wall. These are excellent for displaying your child’s most beautiful possessions, but too many open shelves can make a room feel messy – check your tolerance for stuff on show. Where practical, use good-looking, coordinating boxes and containers on shelves to unify the look, or use shelves with doors.
Because they are so easily accessible, shelves are also great for toys that are played with often, and – not to forget – books. Alternative book storage comes in the form of picture ledges, which are fun to line a little reading nook with. Another option are crates on castors, so books can be flipped through library style.
Baskets
Finally, keep some baskets on hand for quick tidy-ups. Fabric and natural baskets like wicker or seagrass look fabulous and add texture and warmth to a room.
Happy tidying and stay tuned for more design and decorating tips next month!
