Ideas on how to turn a basement into a little place for kids?

Question

I was thinking on creating different spaces for them. A kitchen/dining room, living room, office, and possibly a bedroom area. I was thinking of dividing the "rooms" with king size sheets, hung in a neat manner. Our basement isn't finished or anything (drywall/paint, etc) but is in good enough shape to have a little fun with it. I don't know if I am allowed to paint or put anything on the floor (except carpet...not tacked down) And ideas, thoughts, tips? It doesn't have to be perfect....my little ones are just happy to have a place to play. Budget is small~creativity is limitless. THANKS!

Answer 1

A table or old desk for a craft area. Then hang baskets or an old shoe organizer to put craft materials in:glue, paint, brushes, crayons, markers, scissors, glitter, stickers,etc.

Old file cabinet painted a funky color to hold materails like paper and finished projects. you can also hang a clothes line for them to clip paintings on to dry and to display finished works of art!

Maybe in one area, you could put a bunch of thick blankets and floor pillows down for a cozy pallet/nest to nap on.

Not sure how old your kids are or if they are boys/girls, but you could have an area with books, and puzzles, another make believe area with dress up stuff and "props" (umbrella, old high heels, old halloween wigs, feather boa, purses)... I loved to play "kitchen" when I was littel. If they have a play kitchen then when you run out of food, save the boxes/jars/containers for them to play "kitchen" with. Any old plastic dishes you don't use anymore... or if they don't have a kitchen, 2 chairs and table will work! A big box or set of shelves can hold the "food".


Lots of mirrors since I doubt the basement has many windows...Let the kids create the art and frame it in an old frame and decorate with those! You can even create with them and hang your work on the wall too!

Answer 2

I recently did the same thing for my girls. I made a lining for the walls with padding on the back to insulate from the concrete.

From Target, I bought;
2 sets of black wire shelves (5 shelves) for $30 each
2 rugs for $30 each
2 sets of room dividing beads for $7 each

I bought a rug for the main area of the floor, and bought beeds to hang from the ceiling in the doorways.

I divided the basement into two areas.

Area one is the game/TV/entertainment area. They have a TV, and v-smile game console, I put shelves on both sides of the TV stand with all of their games, and play sets.

Area two is creative play. they have their kitchen things, doll houses, dress up costumes, arts & crafts, a play table and an extra twin bed for play. I also put a rug on the floor there in case they opt to play on the floor.

It's so nice for them to have this. It keeps them from making a mess in the entire house, and limits their time in their room to bed time only. It's like a wonderland down there for them, and I did it all for under $200.

I also hung some of their art projects from the ceiling for extra decoration.

Answer 3

You can use old doors as room dividers,shelves will store alot of needed things for a playroom,books,crayons,music etc.. a small love seat would be perfect for kids and won't take up that much room just add a corner t.v. cabinet and there you go !! I have listed some websites to help you more !! good luck

Answer 4

I think you should have huge play gmy. a play kitchen, with everything you could possibly think a kid would like.
Just take a pen and paper draw out what you would of love to have as a kid, and go from there. Good Luck
Juggiejones OUT