Creating a Safe Toddler Playroom in the Basement

I’ve been slowly creating a safe basement playroom for Maple. For the 6 years we’ve lived here, the basement has always been an undecorated space in flux. This was primarily because we didn’t know how we would end up using it.

I’ve noticed that when you have too many options, it’s impossible to make a decision – including when it comes to interior decorating.

Now that we have a child, and my office has joined the Janery sewing studio in the basement, we have more restrictions on how we use the space. This is a good thing.

The long basement rec room is split in half, with the TV space in one end and my office in the other. The Janery studio is in the small bedroom attached to it.

I believe that babies and toddlers should have a space where they can play freely and safely to develop independence. Maple’s nursery is a safe space, and we can let her play in there while we make dinner, do chores, etc.

The basement rec room was a total danger zone. Between the shelves of Janery merchandise containers, a hard stone floor, exposed cords and the huge TV, we couldn’t set Maple down safely.

To give her the biggest space possible, we decided to set up the “playroom” in the half of the rec room that was my office.

Step 1: CarpetThe first requirement was a carpet to cover the entire play side of the space. None of the fun patterned rugs online were the right shape for the space – 11′ long by 9′ wide.

I went to a locally-owned carpet store, Clawes Carpet, where I got great customer service and learned a lot about what to look for in a carpet material. Also, they only sell American-made floor coverings so I was thrilled.

I spent a few hours looking at every single sample in the store, and after bringing home two rounds of samples, Ryan and I chose a basic dark gray wall-to-wall carpet. We wanted something that would last long after Maple was out of the playpen age. We had it bound and added a good rug pad for cushioning.

Step 2: Cord Control

There’s cords coming down from my desk, of course, because I have a computer on it. I installed some cord protectors and plug protectors that I’ll share in a separate post.

Step 3: Baby Gates / Fencing

We had to fence off the area to keep Maple safely contained. There are no pretty options for baby fences, and that’s ok – because this is temporary. Also, it’s a house that real people live in.
In the end we ordered two expandable baby gates that are designed to connect. They also expand and contract to make just the right size. (Brand: Summer Infant Custom Fit Walk-Thru Gate)

We’ve used the gate and for two months now and we’re very happy with it.

Step 4: Desk Chair

Finally, I replaced my vintage chair with a good office chair. After posting on Facebook the other day that I was looking for an office chair with good lumbar support, my friend spotted this at a Habitat Restore and snagged it for me for only $50. I think it looks pretty good for all the function it provides, and my back feels much better when I’m working.

Things left to complete the space:

1. Painting. I only painted my office corner when I installed the shelves. I need to finish painting the basement but I just haven’t had time. You can see where the paint tapers off to the left of my desk.

2. A rolling file cabinet that fits under my desk, with one filing drawer and at least one shallow drawer for office supplies. I had my eye on the TPS filing cabinet at CB2, but it’s 1/4 inch too tall to fit under my desk.

3. Building . . . a shelf of sorts to sort toys. I was going to dive into this project, but then I noticed that Maple’s toy collection is changing now that she’s over a year. I don’t want to make anything permanent until she’s a little older and I see what kinds of toys she has. I expect there will be more blocks and more big toys.

Ryan and I think we’ll end up building a sofa table/toy shelf that can sit flush against the back of the sofa, facing the play space, with cubbies for all sorts of toys. That way it will also serve as a place to rest a drink during movie nights. But for now we’re waiting to see what exactly we need.

Also building (or buying). . . . a train / play table! We had playgroup yesterday at a friend’s house and I noticed how useful it was.

Now I go to work inside a playpen, but it’s working out great. Maple can play with her toys while I work on the computer, and I can even feel safe leaving her to play while I go into the sewing studio to whip up some products or ship orders. It definitely makes life easier.