How to Spruce Up Your Kid’s Playhouse | Creative Backyard Concepts
Playhouses

How to Spruce Up Your Kid’s Playhouse

Outdoor wooden playhouse beautifully decorated with custom paint and cozy accessories

When you’re a kid, almost nothing beats the sense of independence you feel from having a place to call your own. Playing pretend outside with siblings and friends is an integral part of a child’s development, and we foster that growth when we give our kids or grandkids their own outdoor playhouse.

But just as some adults get bored of their own homes, children may lose interest in their playhouses. And like adults, sometimes the answer is to spruce up your surroundings with a little DIY action. A fresh coat of colorful paint, stringing up lights, adding curtains, and some kid-sized furniture can help your child’s playhouse feel brand new. Read on to explore playhouse ideas inside and outside the home.

Customer Photo: Spring Cottage Playhouse Customer Photo: Spring Cottage Playhouse

Paint it in Bright Colors

Whether your playhouse is built from scratch or prefabricated, you can always breathe new life into it with a new paint job. When deciding what color(s) to repaint the playhouse, it’s important to get your child involved! What are their favorite colors? Do they have any interests you could express through color, like sports teams or cartoon characters? Or maybe they have a broad interest like princesses or dinosaurs? Nothing will renew a child’s interest in their old playhouse like having a “themed” house tied to their favorite thing.

Sweetwater Playhouse decorated in backyard Customer Photo: Sweetwater Playhouse

String Up Fairy Lights

When fall rolls around, and daytime gets shorter, hanging fairy lights up in or around your playhouse can add a sense of wonder and warmth. As a bonus, it can also let your kiddos play outside just a little bit longer! But instead of running a power lead out to the playhouse or installing a socket (both of which could be dangerous), you can use either solar or battery-powered lights. These lights not only have the benefit of being flexible but also come in a variety of colors as well.

Aspen Playhouse decorated with warm string lights Customer Photo: Aspen Playhouse

Install Curtains or Blinds

When it comes to decorating a playhouse, curtains and blinds are a simple addition that adds a lot in terms of both looks and privacy. Having closable curtains or blinds can help your children feel like they aren’t just in your backyard but in their own space anywhere they can imagine. Blinds and curtains also have the benefit of helping keep the playhouse a little cooler in the summer months and warmer during the fall.

Little Country Workshop decorated with curtains Customer Photo: Little Country Workshop

Decorate with Cushions and Blankets

When deciding how to decorate a playhouse, don’t forget comfort! Even if there isn’t room in your playhouse for actual tables or chairs, that doesn’t mean the inside can’t be made comfortable. Blankets, rugs, cushions, throws and beanbags are all soft furnishings that will help your child be comfy during play. Not only do these furnishings provide a soft place for your child to sit, they can also help keep them warm in colder weather.

Rediscover the Magic: Your child is unique, and their playhouse should be just as unique as they are. Playing pretend outside with friends and family is an important part of your child’s development. When the newness of their playhouse wears off, making some DIY modifications to it from time to time can be just what the doctor ordered. A new coat of paint in their favorite color, enchanting fairy lights hung up inside or outside the playhouse, new curtains and blinds for privacy, as well as kid-sized furniture can all help your child rediscover the magic of their little home away from home.

If you’d like to know more about the types of playhouses Creative Backyard Concepts sells or want to share your own story of how you spruced up your child’s playhouse, get in touch with us today! We’d love to hear from you.

Sprucing Up Playhouses: Frequently Asked Questions

What paint works best for wooden playhouse makeovers?
Use a high-quality exterior 100% acrylic latex paint or a water-based solid exterior stain. Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC formulas that cure quickly and resist mildew, peeling, and UV fading while keeping playtime surfaces non-toxic and child-safe.
Are outdoor string lights safe inside a playhouse?
Yes, as long as you use low-voltage solar-powered or battery-operated LED fairy lights. Never run standard high-voltage 110V household extension cords through doors or windows. LED lights remain cool to the touch and eliminate electrical and tripping hazards.
How do you keep playhouse cushions and rugs clean outdoors?
Opt for weather-resistant outdoor fabrics like solution-dyed acrylic or polyester treated with UV and water-repellent coatings. Bring fabric cushions inside or store them in a deck box during heavy rain and throughout winter to prevent mold and mildew.
Can I add working accessories to prefabricated playhouses?
Absolutely! Popular add-ons include battery-operated doorbells, wall-mounted chalkboards, wooden flower box planters, brass dinner bells, solar address numbers, and hanging bird feeders right outside the windows.