How to Design a TV Room for Kids

Whether you call it your living room, family room, media room or play room, you can easily create a kid-friendly TV and movie space that will encourage family togetherness. Its likely that the whole family will gather here often, so make it a comfy, inviting and relaxed space. A few easy-to-follow steps can help turn your TV room into a fun but organized space for your children, their friends and neighbors. Get ready for family movie night! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Start with kid-friendly walls and floors. HGTV recommends using a paint color thats vibrant but pleasing to the eye, like light blue or green. Instead of carpet, install laminate or tile flooring thats easy to clean. Outdoor rugs create an inviting space but are easier to clean than wool.

2

Choose comfy and durable seating. Soft, oversized sofas and armchairs are cozy, but be sure to select easy-to-clean fabrics, like leather or microfiber. Add plenty of throw pillows and blankets in fun colors and plush materials. Beanbags, available in many colors and sizes, give children a comfy place to relax and can even accommodate adults. Floor pillows are also great for relaxing on the floor to watch a favorite flick.

3

Create lots of storage space. HGTV recommends investing in a large television cabinet or console with numerous shelves and cabinets for storing DVDs, toys, games, books and more. Include baskets on the shelves for hidden storage of small things like remotes and gaming controllers. Purchase other pieces that allow hidden storage, like ottomans, storage cubes or end tables.

4

Make it more than a TV room. While the central focus of the room might be watching TV or playing video games, a multi-purpose room will allow several members of the family to engage in different activities at the same time, so that everyone can be together while doing their own thing. Create additional zones in the room for reading, playing with games or toys, and making artwork.

5

Include a snack area. Place a small table, cabinet or dresser in a corner to store snacks, napkins and paper towels. Add a mini refrigerator for drinks, and perhaps a popcorn machine or microwave for fresh popcorn on movie nights. Dont forget a trashcan for cleanup.

6

Decorate walls with meaningful art. Since this room centers around the children, make the walls reflect them. Create a family gallery by framing your childrens art masterpieces, hand prints or footprints. Mount a collage of family photos on one wall. For a whimsical touch, frame posters from retro cartoons or movies.

7

Keep your room safe for little ones. If you have young children, place all electrical devices and cords out of reach and put the TV a toddler can't overturn it. Store foods that present a choking risk up high or baby proof cabinets and drawers.