Do you need more space for your growing family? A separate playroom is an ideal way to give your children their own area while preventing their favourite toys from taking over the rest of your home.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the extra space you need. A conservatory can be built much faster than a brick-built extension and makes a great cost-effective, all-season playroom.
From what practical elements you need to consider to ideas for decor, read on for our list of conservatory playroom ideas.
And, if you need a little inspiration, check out how some of our customers have used their conservatories to make the perfect space for their children.
Things to consider when converting your conservatory into a playroom
Whether you’re thinking about investing in a new conservatory or already have an extension that you want to repurpose as a playroom, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Make the most of the natural light
Interior stylist Sylvia James (HomeHow) says, “It’s important to make the most of the natural light in the room. Conservatories are typically flooded with natural light, so this is a great place to set up a play area for your children. You can choose toys that make use of the light, such as playhouses, sandpits, or water tables.”
Durable flooring
Choose flooring that will withstand little ones running around on it all day. Cork can be a great option because it’s durable, soft and has excellent thermal properties. Porcelain tiles also work well — just make sure they’re non-slip.
If you prefer carpet, think about the colour carefully. While not particularly exciting, beige carpet will hide stains far better than white carpet. If you’re concerned about your conservatory playroom getting cold in the winter, carpet may be a better option than hard flooring.
Avoid marble because it’s easily marked or damaged, which is not ideal for a space that will see its fair share of spills and mess.
However, Sylvia advises that, “Hard floors can be cold and uncomfortable for children to play on, so it’s a good idea to add some soft furnishings, such as rugs, cushions, or beanbags. This will make the space more inviting and comfortable for them to play in.”
Creating play zones for focused activities
Being organised with how you use a conservatory as a playroom is important, not only to keep the space tidy but also to help children get the best out of the experience.
Clearly-defined, and even themed, play zones allows little ones to fully immerse themselves in their games, move smoothly between activities and develop their independence – all while being easily monitored by parents and family members.
One zone, for example, could be dedicated to arts and crafts, while another could contain soft flooring for more active play. Designing a quiet reading corner might also be another option, as we explore below.
Crucially, it can also help to reduce the amount of clutter, with children learning to keep their toys and games in self-contained areas.
Creating a cosy reading nook for children
A conservatory is a fantastic space for natural light and provides a calming atmosphere – making it a perfect spot to design a reading nook for children.
Comfort, accessibility and safety are all essential components for your reading corner. Adding cosy seating, such as a child-sized armchair, floor cushions or bean bags, can help make the space inviting. Placing books at the child’s eye level is also important, to encourage them to engage with the activity on their own terms.
Soft materials, secure shelving and good lighting should also be considered – with the latter particularly important for any evening reading.
Could you add a link to the reading nook piece here?
Incorporating multi-use furniture to maximise space and flexibility
There may be times when you want to transform your conservatory into a playroom and back again – and multi-use furniture can make this transition much easier.
Storage benches, ottomans and foldable tables can all help to keep the space organised and free up floor space (see more on children’s toy storage below). Modular play sofas also provide flexibility – and can be reconfigured either as part of open-ended play or to make better use of the room.
Children’s toy storage
For a simple way to keep your playroom clutter-free, store toys in baskets or boxes when they’re not in use. They’re quick and easy to tidy away and are super-versatile. What’s more, keeping toys, books and games out of sight will protect them from sunlight, which can cause fading and discolouration over time.
Sylvia says, “If you have the space, you could create a dedicated play area in your conservatory. This could include a playhouse, a fort, or a reading nook. You can add some personal touches. This could include pictures of your children, their favourite toys, or even a mural on the wall.”
Child safety
Sylvia says, “When you’re setting up your conservatory as a playroom, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe for children. This means ensuring that there are no sharp edges or objects that they could hurt themselves on.”
Corner protectors on the edges on tables and chairs can help reduce the chances of any accidents or injuries.
“You should also secure any furniture to the walls so that it doesn’t fall over, such as bookcases or shelves. You may also want to consider installing insulation or double-glazing in your conservatory to make it more comfortable to play in during the winter.”
Leads and dangling wires can cause tripping hazards, so keep them tidy and out of reach.
Easy-clean surfaces
When it comes to children, spills and messes are sometimes unavoidable. With that in mind, choose the surfaces for your conservatory playroom wisely. Plastic and leather are relatively easy to wipe down, while absorbent or porous materials require a little more work to clean. They’re often more likely to stain, too.
Sylvia says, “When choosing furniture for your conservatory playroom, it’s important to choose pieces that are durable and easy to clean. You may also want to choose furniture that is stackable or collapsible so that you can easily store it when it’s not in use.”
Conservatory playroom theme and decoration ideas
In need of some conservatory playroom design inspiration? Here are some themes and decor ideas to get you started:
- Contemporary neutrals
Simple furnishings and storage solutions in beiges, greys and browns provide an excellent backdrop for conservatory playrooms. Plus, the earthy colours are ideal for hiding scuffs and stains.
- Bold brights
Add a bit of zing to your playroom with block colours or patterns in bright tones. It’ll quickly and easily liven up the space, and your kids will love the look.
- The great outdoors
Indoor plants, wooden furniture and wicker baskets can complement your conservatory’s garden views and bring some of the outdoors inside.
Get inspiration for your conservatory playroom from our customers
Many ConservatoryLand customers are looking to create a place at home which offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both them and their children – and we are always happy to help.
For example, Miss Palette, of Reading, who extended her property with a Lean-to conservatory, knew she wanted to have the space so her young child could have a playroom. She and her partner chose a conservatory with plenty of room for fun and games, while also making sure the space could be easily transformed into an area for grown-ups.
Meanwhile, Ian Webb, of Rainham, Essex wanted his Gable Front conservatory to create more living space for him and his family. His vision was to design an area that could be used by his children, but also be a haven for some relaxing time with his partner. They now have their own hideout for the whole family to play and unwind in, as well as watch TV under the stars.
For Mrs Manzoor, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, her Lean-to conservatory provided a practical and flexible space for her busy household, which includes young children. She and her partner love that the conservatory offers a tranquil evening retreat – a place to relax and unwind after a long day. For her children, it provides a bright, open area to play, giving the entire family a multi-functional space that enhances their home environment.
And Mr Atkinson, of North Waltham, Basingstoke, chose an Edwardian conservatory to accommodate a growing family. As he and his wife did not use the front garden that much, they wanted a new area for their young child to enjoy. They created an area for children’s toys in their conservatory which makes the space truly feel like a family room.
Planning a conservatory playroom
A great conservatory playroom is both fun and functional. It adds comfort, character and much-needed living space for your family — and will keep your kids busy for hours.
Remember to design your little ones’ new space around the various things they need. If the room is a comfortable, cool play area with everything they want for playtime and independence, it will soon become their favourite room in your home.
For more design inspiration, check out our ultimate conservatory interior guide.
