• An art space is an ideal component to an inexpensive playroom.paint play image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  It is a child's job to play; it's how children learn best. If you have an extra space or room in your home that can be converted into a playroom, you're on your way to creating a space perfect for your child to do her job and develop the skills she needs to learn about the world in which she lives.
  With imagination and thought, creating a playroom doesn't have to be expensive or difficult.
  
  

Flooring

• Unless the flooring is hazardous, it's not necessary to install new carpet for your child's playroom. Consider all the spilled juice, ground-in crumbs and drops of paint this floor will see. If you are uncomfortable leaving the current flooring, remove the flooring, paint the concrete (if it's within budget) and put down area rugs. Ask neighbors if they have any remnants available you can put down on the floor or, if absolutely necessary, go remnant shopping at your local carpet store. If available, vinyl remnants are an even better option for when it's time to clean spilled juice and snacks.
  
  

Walls

• Painting is one of the least expensive decorating options; consider painting at least one wall with chalkboard paint -- your child will be entertained for hours. If the walls of the playroom are not a color your child loves, and it's not within your budget to paint, consider plastering the walls with posters, pictures from magazines and your child's artwork. These three options will have the ugly paint hidden in no time.
  
  

Storage

• The playroom's storage items don't have to be new. Renovate old bureaus or bookshelves found in your garage, donated by friends or relatives, or purchased at a local thrift store. If desired, these objects can be refinished or painted favorite colors, now or at a later date when the budget allows. Consider painting designs on the bureau or shelves, such as flowers or trains, using stencil patterns. Plastic carts or containers, such as those manufactured by Rubbermaid, are also a storage option.
  
  

Play Space Ideas

• Creating fun spaces within the room is one of the best parts of making a playroom. Consider having an art space with basics such as crayons, pencils, paint, paper and (if age appropriate) glue and scissors. A performance area can be made by putting down a used area rug or extra piece of carpet, and old curtains or long swaths of cloth can be hung from the ceiling in front of the rug. Go shopping at the local thrift store and buy clothes to use as costumes (and for playing dress up). Family and friends may also have old fun clothes to donate. Most importantly, leave plenty of floor space just for playing with toys.