Extra Storage and Play Space for Kids

Recently, a friend and I were talking about the problems that accompany children and small bedrooms and the lack of space for them to play in, not to mention keeping their space tidy.  I was reminded of what we did when our children were little and we had a similar problem.  A simple bench with three open storage bins on casters was a great solution for our time and would still be a good solution today.

The bench was painted a bright color and each of the three open bins also were painted brightly, but in different colors.  Once the bins were rolled out and access to the toys was easy, the bench served as a great table top for puzzle assembly, coloring books, or building blocks; child sized chairs pulled up to the bench were the perfect place for the children to sit and play.

Clean up was simple as the toys could be scooped up and put into the bins; different colored bins made separating toys easy; the bins were rolled under the bench, making an instantly tidy room.  Bright colors that blended into the room's decor added a sense of a fun.

Building this bench would be a "beginner level" carpentry project, and the painting was as simple since the boxes and bench were all flat planes.  Use non-toxic paints and round the box edges for greater safety.  The boxes we used were prefab particle board and lasted through several generations of hard play.  Having the boxes open means there is no lid to close on little fingers, and no one can become trapped inside.

This concept can be used in a family room as well, with a slightly more sophisticated twist.  Instead of using bright colors, use a bench that is the color of the rest of the wood furniture to help it blend in, and the boxes can be sturdy baskets with liners to add a touch of color and texture.  You can find baskets and storage containers in many home specialty shops.  Add a cushion to the top of the bench and you will have additional seating for the family or living room.

There are many books and magazines that will give you great storage solutions for kids' rooms. If there is no space for them in the bed room or you want to have the kids closer to the center of family activities, simply adapt the idea to fit the decor of the family room or living room.  Using colors that blend into your decor will not take away from the function of the idea, so do not limit yourself to primary colors and youthful prints; those might be luxuries for the next home.