How to Decorate for Preschool Children With Wall Shelves

Preparation

• 1

  Measure your walls and plan the best way to use the available space. Use windows and doors to help designate different groupings of shelves for distinct areas of the room. For example, designate one area as “the reading corner” and another area for play.

• 2

  Draw a plan on a piece of paper and decide where items would best be situated. Objects on shelves should coincide with the specified areas, but at the same time items like markers and scissors should be placed high enough that they are out of reach of the children.

• 3

  Purchase shelving and other supplies either from a lumberyard or a department store. Choose quality products for best results.

Decorate

• 4

  Pick a color scheme. Use bright, contrasting colors in an area associated with play. Colors opposite each other on the color wheel tend to stimulate and energize the children, such as bright yellow against purple or a blue and orange combination. Use more muted colors in a reading corner where you’d like a more subdued atmosphere.

• 5

  Install the shelves using the electric screwdriver. Use a level to help make sure they are installed properly and safely so they don't come toppling down on the child.

• 6

  Store bigger toys at the lowest level in the play area, and use see-through storage bins on higher shelves for items that have a lot of small pieces. Rotate toys so that some are stored out of reach for the season, such as sidewalk chalk during the winter months.

• 7

  Place age-appropriate books low enough in the reading area so kids can handle and choose the books they like. Other story books can be situated so they are only within an adult’s reach.

• 8

  Keep supplies or out-of-season decorations out of sight. Conceal items that should only be accessible by adults in solid colored bins or buckets, and place them on the top shelves. Label shelves or containers to stay organized.