Decoration Ideas for Children's Art Corner

Setting up a corner in your child's bedroom, playroom or anywhere else in your home will give her a creative outlet and keep the art supplies --- and mess --- confined to one area. The art corner should be decorated in a bright, imaginative way that encourages your child to express herself creatively. Does this Spark an idea?

Walls

Paint the walls a bright color, such as red or blue, that can go with numerous different themes or style of decor. Semigloss paint will be easiest to clean if your child decides to be liberal with the paint. Paint a mural in the corner if he has a clear preference or let him arrange peel-and-stick wall decals that can easily be changed with his tastes. Purchase frames that can hold your child's latest masterpieces at his eye-level and change them out as he creates new ones. Chalkboard paint or large magnetized whiteboards can cover one or both of the walls in the corner to create an extra drawing space. Decorative magnets can hold artwork or photos.

Basics

Tile, linoleum or other hard surfaces may fare better than carpet in the art corner. If you can't put in a new floor, consider an activity rug or bright, colorful rug that can be tossed in the washing machine when it gets dirty. Another basic necessity in the art corner is appropriate lighting. If there is no window available, add task lamps or hang track lighting above the art corner. Opt for bright light fixtures in primary colors or colors that complement the rest of the decor in the art corner.

Furniture

Kid-friendly furniture that's easy to clean is optimal for the art corner. A long table set against one wall will provide plenty of space for your child to draw and create alone, with you, with siblings or with friends. Cubes can slide underneath the table an serve as storage and seating. Set up an art easel or shelves on the other wall. Hang floating shelves above the table filled with bins, baskets, jars and other containers to hold art supplies. The containers can be clear to show off the art supplies, or colorful to add to the decor of the art corner.

Organization and Storage

Organize the art supplies according to how much your child uses them. Keep containers of pencils and crayons on the table or on the lowest shelf if she draws more than anything else. Put paints higher on the shelves if she can only paint with supervision. Extra paper, coloring books or other large items can be placed inside cubes or on lower shelves hidden underneath the art table or desk. Hang a roll of craft paper or butcher paper just above the desk to make it easy for your child to continue creating whenever the mood strikes her.

Separating the Art Corner

Use a room divider or hang panels or curtains that can slide or pull out to separate the art corner from the rest of the room if the corner doesn't complement the rest of the space. For example, beaded curtains can hide the art corner from your eclectic living room decor, while keeping it in sight for your child to enjoy.