Difference between revisions of "Make a Secret Hideout in Your Closet"
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#* Paint a mural. Give the closet a fresh coat of paint first, then paint some designs or scenes onto it. You can do this freehand, or you can use stencils. | #* Paint a mural. Give the closet a fresh coat of paint first, then paint some designs or scenes onto it. You can do this freehand, or you can use stencils. | ||
#* Give the closet an accent wall. Paint the side walls white or off-white, and the back wall your child's favorite color. | #* Give the closet an accent wall. Paint the side walls white or off-white, and the back wall your child's favorite color. | ||
| − | #* Paint the walls a lighter color, and the ceiling a darker color. This will make the closet appear bigger. You can extend the dark color by a few inches to make the closet appear even bigger.<ref>http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/when-is-closet-not-closet-when-it-is/</ref> | + | #* Paint the walls a lighter color, and the ceiling a darker color. This will make the closet appear bigger. You can extend the dark color by a few inches to make the closet appear even bigger.<ref name="rf1">http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/when-is-closet-not-closet-when-it-is/</ref> |
#* Add some white trim if the walls are colored. This is a great way to anchor down your design, and add some variation to the closet. | #* Add some white trim if the walls are colored. This is a great way to anchor down your design, and add some variation to the closet. | ||
#Consider adding a carpet/rug. This is not necessary, but it can help your child's closet feel like a completely different world. This does not mean that you have to completely rip out the old carpet and install a new one; you can purchase a solid-colored rug, cut it down to the right size, and set it down on the closet floor. Try to match the carpet to the theme. Here are some ideas to get your started: | #Consider adding a carpet/rug. This is not necessary, but it can help your child's closet feel like a completely different world. This does not mean that you have to completely rip out the old carpet and install a new one; you can purchase a solid-colored rug, cut it down to the right size, and set it down on the closet floor. Try to match the carpet to the theme. Here are some ideas to get your started: | ||
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#* For a forest or jungle theme, you could hang floral or ivy garlands along the top of the walls. | #* For a forest or jungle theme, you could hang floral or ivy garlands along the top of the walls. | ||
#* For a magical look, consider hanging some Christmas lights along the top of the walls. If the closet does not have an outlet nearby, use battery-operated lights. | #* For a magical look, consider hanging some Christmas lights along the top of the walls. If the closet does not have an outlet nearby, use battery-operated lights. | ||
| − | #* Make use of wall decals and wall stickers. These are great if your child's interests change. Once your child gets bored of a certain theme, simply pull the old decals off, and apply new ones.<ref>http://dosfamily.com/2009/07/play-in-is-the-new-walk-incloset/</ref> | + | #* Make use of wall decals and wall stickers. These are great if your child's interests change. Once your child gets bored of a certain theme, simply pull the old decals off, and apply new ones.<ref name="rf2">http://dosfamily.com/2009/07/play-in-is-the-new-walk-incloset/</ref> |
#* Use paper cutouts for something quick and easy. For example, if your child likes the ocean, you could always cut some fish shapes out of colorful construction paper, and then stitch it onto the walls using tape. | #* Use paper cutouts for something quick and easy. For example, if your child likes the ocean, you could always cut some fish shapes out of colorful construction paper, and then stitch it onto the walls using tape. | ||
#* Add some sensory or educational play for a young child. Felt boards with alphabets, numbers, and shapes are a great way to keep your child engaged while teaching him or her new things. | #* Add some sensory or educational play for a young child. Felt boards with alphabets, numbers, and shapes are a great way to keep your child engaged while teaching him or her new things. | ||
| − | #Don't forget the ceiling. This is a part of the room that is often over-looked, but it can really take your child's hideout to the next level.<ref | + | #Don't forget the ceiling. This is a part of the room that is often over-looked, but it can really take your child's hideout to the next level.<ref name="rf2" /> Here are some ideas: |
#* Paint the ceiling a dark color, then stick on some glow-in-the-dark stars. | #* Paint the ceiling a dark color, then stick on some glow-in-the-dark stars. | ||
#* Paint the ceiling light blue, then add fluffy, white clouds. | #* Paint the ceiling light blue, then add fluffy, white clouds. | ||
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#* Suspend lightweight items from the ceiling using fishing line. Depending on the theme, you can use fake birds or butterflies (from the floral department of an arts and crafts store), model spaceships, fish cutouts, snowflakes, etc. | #* Suspend lightweight items from the ceiling using fishing line. Depending on the theme, you can use fake birds or butterflies (from the floral department of an arts and crafts store), model spaceships, fish cutouts, snowflakes, etc. | ||
#Add organization. Depending on how big your closet is, and what you plan on using it for, there are lots of things that you can do. Plan on storing items that your child will use in his or her hideout. For example, if your child will be using the hideout to play, you will need something to store his or her toys. Here are some ideas for you: | #Add organization. Depending on how big your closet is, and what you plan on using it for, there are lots of things that you can do. Plan on storing items that your child will use in his or her hideout. For example, if your child will be using the hideout to play, you will need something to store his or her toys. Here are some ideas for you: | ||
| − | #* If your child likes to read, turn the closet into a reading nook. Add some shelves to one of the walls.<ref | + | #* If your child likes to read, turn the closet into a reading nook. Add some shelves to one of the walls.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* If your child likes to draw, mount some baskets, cubbies, or folders onto the wall. Store your child's sketchbooks and coloring books in these. | #* If your child likes to draw, mount some baskets, cubbies, or folders onto the wall. Store your child's sketchbooks and coloring books in these. | ||
#* If your child likes to play with toys or do arts and crafts, add some baskets to keep the closet clean. You can use loose baskets, or you can use a plastic storage unit with drawers. | #* If your child likes to play with toys or do arts and crafts, add some baskets to keep the closet clean. You can use loose baskets, or you can use a plastic storage unit with drawers. | ||
| − | #* Add some hooks. These are great if your child needs to use the closet to store some clothes, such as coats and hoodies. Your child can also use them to hang his or her backpack.<ref | + | #* Add some hooks. These are great if your child needs to use the closet to store some clothes, such as coats and hoodies. Your child can also use them to hang his or her backpack.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Make it comfy and private. A hideout can look magical, but your child may not want to spend a lot of time there if it isn't very comfortable. For something quick and easy, throw some pillows into the corner of the closet.<ref>http://mamapapabubba.com/2012/08/13/nursery-closet-storage-space-turned-cozy-book-nook/</ref> You can also add a folded blanket as well. Here are some more ideas: | + | #Make it comfy and private. A hideout can look magical, but your child may not want to spend a lot of time there if it isn't very comfortable. For something quick and easy, throw some pillows into the corner of the closet.<ref name="rf3">http://mamapapabubba.com/2012/08/13/nursery-closet-storage-space-turned-cozy-book-nook/</ref> You can also add a folded blanket as well. Here are some more ideas: |
| − | #* Install a bench into the closet, one that goes from wall-to-wall. Add some cushions onto the bench, and baskets for your child's toys or art supplies under it.<ref | + | #* Install a bench into the closet, one that goes from wall-to-wall. Add some cushions onto the bench, and baskets for your child's toys or art supplies under it.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #* Take the door out, and install a curtain. This way, you won't have to worry about your child accidentally looking him or herself inside the closet. Slip a curtain panel onto a suspension rod, then stick the rod near the top of the doorway.<ref | + | #* Take the door out, and install a curtain. This way, you won't have to worry about your child accidentally looking him or herself inside the closet. Slip a curtain panel onto a suspension rod, then stick the rod near the top of the doorway.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #* If you are using the closet to store your child's clothes, hang them towards the top; this way, they will be out of your child's way when he or she sits down.<ref | + | #* If you are using the closet to store your child's clothes, hang them towards the top; this way, they will be out of your child's way when he or she sits down.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#* Add some lighting. If the closet doesn't have a light fixture or outlet, get a battery-operated light instead. You can get free-standing desk lamps, and mini lights that you can mount onto walls or shelves. | #* Add some lighting. If the closet doesn't have a light fixture or outlet, get a battery-operated light instead. You can get free-standing desk lamps, and mini lights that you can mount onto walls or shelves. | ||
