Converting a closet into a boy's hideaway needn't break the bank.
Most kids reach an age where they want to have a private space where they can be master of their domain. With a minimum of alterations, a spare closet can be the ideal solution. You don't have to build anything or make any major changes to your home. Keep your boy's tastes in mind and let him help out with all of the steps of the redesign. Hang a virtual "Keep Out" sign outside the closet so your child knows the space belongs to him. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clear out the closet, but leave the higher shelves for storage. Remove the clothes hanging rods and anything else that interferes with the open space.
2. Paint the closet. Use a light color to add the illusion of space. If you're talented, paint a mural depicting a child's favorite characters or scenes that wraps around the walls. Check home decor stores for murals that affix to the wall like wallpaper as another option.
3. Install a light switch that the child can reach and operate. Consider using a dimmer switch, so he can control the amount of light the closet gets, from scary dark to bright and sunny.
4. Lower the doorknob so your child can reach it and remove the lock so he doesn't get locked inside. Change the knob to a lever-type handle that's easier to operate with sticky hands. Or, remove the door and hang a curtain for privacy if you have concerns about your child getting trapped in the closet.
5. Tuck a small bookcase in one corner for crayons, coloring paper, a favorite stuffed animal or action figures. Screw a chalkboard into the wall, or paint one wall with chalkboard paint and build a tray for chalk at kid level.
6. Lay kid-friendly carpet in the closet. Thick carpet is more comfortable but may be harder to keep clean. Heavy-duty indoor/outdoor carpet or berber is easier to clean, but isn't as comfortable. In a small closet, put down Velcro strips around the edges, attach Velcro to the edges of an area rug and press it into place. You can throw the rug into the washing machine when it gets dirty, and you don't need to worry about it balling up.
7. Toss a kid-sized beanbag chair or a couple of cushions into the corner. Buy a plastic or ceramic-covered coat hook with rounded edges that doesn't pose a hazard to your child and hang it within reach for a place to stow a favorite naptime blanket.
8. Create a tent by gluing wooden dowels into the corners of the closet. Staple a length of heavy twine to the center of the ceiling and sew the other end into the center of the canvas. Spread the canvas out and staple one corner to the top of each dowel. The dowels resemble tent poles. If you want a less permanent structure, simply staple the fabric to the walls.
Tags: your child, child reach, where they
