As your little one grows, moves through different stages of development, and becomes more mobile, it’s important to take into consideration his/her play needs. Inevitably, you will need furniture pieces for your little one’s play area.
(Translation: Time for mama to go shopping!)
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Depending on your living quarters, spatial considerations, and budget, you may or may not need or want all of these things. (A girl can dream, however.) Some folks might decorate the nursery; others may have a designated play room. We have a 10′ x 6′ area of space, so…whatever you have, you just make it work! The key is choosing furniture that is both functional and fits into your living space.
10 Must Have Pieces of Furniture for Your Little One’s Play Area
1. A great rug
We have hardwood floors, so a rug is a must! Even if you had carpet though, a rug is a great way to separate the floor and add a little pop of color to the room. Here are some cute (and affordable!) options:
Here’s a simple geometric rug:
nuLOOM Nelda Trellis Kids Shag Area Rug, 5x8, Baby Pink
2. A play mat
You could do this instead of a rug (or on top of one, like we do…because…hardwood floors).
This is the mat we have. I love that it’s colorful, printed on both sides, and nontoxic. I also wanted one large, solid mat (as opposed to the puzzle mat). It’s easy to wipe up too!
MyLine Baby Play Mat, Foam Floor Gym Rug, Non-Toxic, Non-Slip, Reversible, Waterproof, Great for Children, Toddler and Infant (Super Large, 78.7''x70.9''), Yellow
This is also a great choice if you’d rather not have a solid mat. The pieces are interlinking alphabet and number puzzles pieces.
3. Table and chairs
Once your nugget can walk and sit, s/he will need a place to sit, do art work, and have a snack.
This set is plastic, lightweight, colorful, and easy to clean:
Humble Crew Kids Plastic 1 square table and 4 chairs, Yellow Table/Vibrant Chairs
This is its wooden counterpart. Also colorful and easy to clean, but heavier and a bit pricier:
Humble Crew Collection Kids Wood Table & 4 Chair Set, Natural/Primary
4. Book storage
I have seen several different set ups. Again, a lot depends on how much space you have. This would be my ideal set up:
But this is more our speed:
5. Other storage
You will definitely need storage for all of your LO’s toys!
I would love, love, love something like this with some cute wicker baskets! (In actuality, we have an old bookcase I had bought for my classroom so…whatever. We’re making it work!)
ClosetMaid 6 Cube Storage Shelf Organizer Bookshelf with Back Panel, Easy Assembly, Wood, White Finish
6. Seating
Nugget LOVES this chair!! She sits in it to read (or be read to) and sometimes puts her baby dolls in it. The cover is machine washable (bonus!) and it’s soft and comfy. The only slight design flaw is the placement of the owl’s nose…? It pokes out right where your back would be…though Nugget doesn’t seem to mind one bit!
Singda Toddler Chair Toddler Couch: 2-in-1 Kids Chairs Comfy Kids Sofa Fold Out for Girls and Boys 1-3 Years Old, Brown Bear
I just *might* have to get this when Nugget #2 arrives:
Costzon Kids Couch, 2 in 1 Double Seat Children's Sofa w/Under Seat Storage, PU Leather Surface, Toddler Armrest Chair, Kids Room, Soft Sofa with Storage for Preschool Baby Boys Girls Gifts
In all honesty, my list ends here. But…if I had unlimited space and a bigger budget, I’d add items 7-10:
7. A chalkboard/art easel
Does this qualify as “furniture” or is it considered a toy? Hm. Anyway. This would make a great addition to your little one’s room!
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Standing Art Easel With Chalkboard, Dry-Erase Board, and 39 Letter and Number Magnets - FSC Certified
8. A reading nook
I love the idea of having a little space set aside just for reading and cuddling with lovies!
RIYDH Princess Bed Canopy with Star Lights for Girls, Play Tent Canopy Bed Curtain Indoor Room Decor Stuff Gift for Kid Boys Bunk Twin Full Size Bed Reading Nook Hanging Dome Mosquito Net White
9. Something to play in
(I think these are considered toys more so than furniture.) But I think these are just so fun!
Step2 893199 Seaside Villa Playhouse Kids
Intex Inflatable Colorful Jump-O-Lene Castle Bounce House, for 2 Kids Ages 3-6 - Large Blow-Up Indoor Outdoor Children's Bouncer Jumper Playhouse
Pacific Play Tents 20406 Kids The Fun Tube 6-Foot Crawl Play Tunnel, 6' X 19" Diameter, Blue/Black
Kiddie Play School Bus Pop Up Play Tent for Kids Boys & Girls Indoor Outdoor Playhouse Toy
10. Something to play on
I love that this can be used for puzzles, blocks, games, Legos…you name it.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Multi-Activity Play Table for Playroom - Kids Activity Table With Storage, Furniture, Train Table, H: 57.5 x W: 25 x D: 5.7
Hope this makes your decorating project a little easier!
xoxo,
