Playroom Wall Art Ideas and Ways to Use Vertical Space

Having a dedicated space for your children to learn, play, and explore can be a great way to foster imagination and creativity. It’s also an opportunity to dive into the more playful side of interior design, which can include, but certainly isn’t limited to, playroom wall art.  

The focus on playrooms often lies in the play side of things, but it’s important to remember that the right design for the room can have a huge impact on your child’s play environment, too. Taking advantage of vertical space and opting for bold design choices can be a great way to take some aesthetic risks all in the name of play, learning, and fun. 

Apply a Special Coat of Paint

No, this isn’t referring to a vibrant paint color, though that’s a great option for this type of space. This is all about paint with superpowers. 

Chalkboard paint has been around for a long time, but aside from being aesthetically interesting, it also serves a purpose. Painting the lower half of your walls or even just an accent wall in chalk paint can allow your child to become the interior decorator of their own space.

Magnetic paint is another fantastic option, though it’s best saved for use in a playroom or study area for older kids who won’t be tempted to ingest small magnets. Even so, it’s a great way to display your child’s artwork so that it can be frequently swapped out—because kids tend to come home with a lot of art!

Install a Rock Climbing Wall

This option is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to try, it can have a huge payoff. Not only does it allow your child to get some energy out on days they’re stuck inside, but it can be a pretty colorful conversation piece as well!

While it may seem like a risky choice, rock climbing walls have a number of benefits to offer. This includes helping your child build confidence, develop their motor skills, and think more critically.  If you’re a DIYer, you can even do this project yourself!

Mosaics for a Grown-Up Playroom Wall Art Feel

If your playroom is a multi-use space that needs to strike the right balance between playfully childish and boringly adult, then a mosaic is the perfect choice. With designs that can blend into a childlike aesthetic but materials that appeal to an older crowd, these handcrafted pieces can help keep everyone happy. Compositions that include wistful landscapes, animals in their habitat, and mosaic reproductions of well-known art pieces can help your child cultivate a love for fine art while also leaning into your own.

Wallpaper (It’s Making a Comeback!)

Wallpaper is a polarizing topic in interior design, but the wallpaper of today is a far cry from the withering material made popular decades ago. Not only has it gotten a facelift in terms of patterns and materials, but there are removable options on the market as well.

With wallpaper, your playroom wall art can span the entire room or simply cover an accent wall. You can opt for an educational design, such as the alphabet, animals, or the solar system. Alternatively, a simple pattern can add personality to the space without making it feel too childish. Some wallpaper designs fall perfectly in between. 

Decals as Subtle Playroom Wall Art

Similar to wallpaper but way less of a commitment, decals are one of the best options for playroom wall art. Not only do they come in endless—and often customizable—designs, but they are also usually removable and reusable. Hooray for sustainability!

Decals can range from covering a small corner of a room to covering entire walls. Add your child’s name to their play space or display a map to pique their curiosity and wanderlust. No matter what you choose, decals are a simple and inexpensive way to transform a playroom. 

Transform the Room with a Mural 

Just as wide-ranging as murals can be in our communities and public spaces, so, too can they be in our homes. While they can include intricately painted designs, they can also be just as beautiful when done in a more alternative style. 

Your walls are quite literally a blank canvas and exploring playroom wall art provides the perfect opportunity to do something a little unexpected to the space. Whether you choose to commission an artist or prefer to invite your child or children to paint with you, a mural provides a charming, personalized touch that is hard to match. 

Functional Shelving as Playroom Wall Art

Playroom wall art that is both functional and pleasing to the eye is a major win-win. Installing shelving on your playroom walls can easily achieve this goal. 

Use shelves to display beloved books in between playful bookends or give your child’s stuffed animals a place to rest up high when not in use. As children grow older, these shelves can become the optimal spot for awards, medals, and trophies. 

Design a Child’s Art Gallery Wall

If your child is a dedicated artist who’s proud of their craft, creating a gallery wall to display their artwork in the play area can help put their passion on full display. Gallery walls come in many shapes and sizes, and how you choose to display them is up to you. 

Some prefer symmetrical displays aligned in neat and tidy grids while others are more drawn to a more eclectic look. Choose the style that works best for not only the playroom, but your entire home’s aesthetic to create some continuity from room to room. Either way, your little artist will love that their playroom has been turned into their very own version of the Louvre.

Final Thoughts on Playroom Wall Art

The biggest thing to remember when deciding on playroom wall art is that you have full freedom to think outside the box. Whether you’re all about primary colors or prefer muted neutrals, there’s an option out there for everyone. 

Playrooms often evolve over time, so if you don’t end up liking your wall art, sooner than later you’ll likely have an opportunity to swap it out for something else. At the end of the day, if your child or children love it, that’s what matters.