Creating a Play Corner in Your Living Room: A Beautiful, Functional DIY for Your Little One
When my son turned one, I realized it was time to give him a space of his own—a little world where he could safely play, explore, and grow. We don’t have a separate playroom, but I wanted something special that still fit beautifully into our living space. So I carved out a play corner in our living room, using some clever design tricks to make it feel both intentional and joyful.
And let me tell you: you don’t need a whole extra room to create a space your child will love. With a few tools and a little creativity, you can transform even a small corner into a dreamy little play zone. Whether you’re tight on space, on a budget, or just want to keep your child close while they play, this is totally doable—even if you’ve never done a DIY project before.
The Vision: A Kid’s Corner That Grows With Them
I wanted the space to feel playful but still cohesive with the rest of our home. Something colorful, imaginative, but not overwhelming. The result? A sweet corner defined by board and batten walls, a cute toy shelf, a canopy tent for hide-and-seek and reading, soft climbing blocks, some fun artwork, and a few thoughtful touches like wall pegs and a wooden baby gate that keeps my little guy safe—and the dogs out.
It’s practical, it’s safe, and it blends seamlessly into our home’s aesthetic. Plus, it’s a constant reminder that you don’t need to sacrifice your style for your child’s needs.
Defining the Space With Board and Batten
To make the play corner feel distinct from the rest of the room, I added board and batten paneling on one wall. It instantly gave the space a finished, built-in feel—even though it was super beginner-friendly to do.
Board and batten is a classic wall treatment that adds character and dimension. It also acts as a subtle boundary for the space—almost like saying, “This spot is just for you, kiddo!”
DIY Board and Batten Wall: Step-by-Step Guide
Even if you’ve never done a DIY project before, this one is approachable and super satisfying. Here's how to create a board and batten feature wall that defines your play space beautifully:
Materials You’ll Need:
Pre-primed MDF or pine boards (1x2s or 1x3s for battens)
Cove molding (to bridge baseboards and battens)
Wood glue or construction adhesive
Finishing nails or a brad nailer
Caulk (paintable)
Wood filler
Sandpaper or sanding block
Level
Measuring tape
Stud finder
Miter saw (or have your boards cut at the store)
Paint
Painter’s tape and drop cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Plan Your Layout
First, decide how high you want your board and batten wall to go. I chose about 4 feet to create a cozy, kid-friendly vibe. Then use an online board and batten spacing calculator to figure out how far apart to place your vertical battens—it saves you a lot of math! Mark your layout with a pencil and level so you have a guide.Install Cove Molding Along the Bottom
If your baseboards don’t match the thickness of your battens, no worries! Add a strip of cove molding where your battens will meet the baseboard. This little trick helps everything transition smoothly and gives it a finished look.Add Your Vertical Battens
Cut your battens to size (from the top of the cove molding up to your planned height). Apply adhesive to the back, press them to the wall, and secure with nails. Use a level to keep them straight as you go. Follow your layout lines or pencil marks.Install the Horizontal Top Batten
This board runs along the top edge of your verticals and ties everything together. Use a level to mark a straight line across the wall, then attach your top board with adhesive and nails. This piece gives the wall that classic board and batten “frame.”Caulk the Seams and Fill the Holes
Once all the boards are up, use paintable caulk where the boards meet the wall and where any two boards meet each other. Then fill your nail holes with wood filler. Once everything is dry, give it all a quick sand to smooth out any bumps.Paint It All
Now the fun part! Paint your entire wall—boards and all—in one cohesive color. This is what really brings the look together and makes it feel custom. Choose a color that complements your room or go bold if you want the play corner to really pop.
Storage That Works and Looks Good
Next, I added a simple shelf and wooden pegs above the play space. This is where I hang tiny backpacks, baskets, and favorite dress-up hats. The shelf holds books and small storage bins. It’s a mix of form and function—just what every parent needs.
A toy shelf at ground level makes it easy for my son to grab toys and start playing (and helps him learn to put them back). I chose a Montessori-style shelf so everything is visible and accessible.
Safe and Stylish Containment
One of my favorite features is the wooden gate we installed to close off the corner. It blends into the rest of the room and doesn’t scream “baby jail,” but it keeps our curious one-year-old safely contained—and keeps our dogs from stealing plush toys.
If you’re not into traditional baby gates, you can find some beautiful wooden or acrylic versions that feel more like furniture and less like a pet fence.
Bringing in the Magic
To make it feel magical, I added a soft canopy tent in the corner. It’s become our reading nook and hideout space. Even at one, my son knows it’s his special little hangout.
We also brought in climbing blocks, which are great for developing motor skills (and burning off toddler energy indoors!). I chose ones in neutral tones that match the rest of the room, so it all feels cohesive.
For the finishing touch, I hung a few pieces of artwork—including my son’s scribbles and some prints I found online. Art gives the space personality and makes it feel even more like his.
You Don’t Need a Playroom—Just a Plan
What I love most about this project is that it proves you don’t need a whole extra room to create a place for your child to play. With just one wall and a few feet of floor space, you can build a little world that’s just as inspiring as a dedicated playroom.
And you can make it beautiful. You can make it yours.
Even if you’re a beginner with tools, even if you’re short on space, even if you’re on a budget—this kind of project is totally within reach. Start small. Keep it simple. Choose pieces that make you smile.
Because at the end of the day, what matters most is that your little one feels loved, safe, and inspired to play.
