Interactive Wall Ideas for Kids' Rooms

"Don't write on the walls!"

Well, why not? Kids' spaces, whether it's your little one's
bedroom, a play area for your home daycare, or just a place for
the grandkids to hang out, should encourage imagination and
creativity. And yes, that may even include writing on the walls!

However, before you set the kids loose with a box of crayons,
here are a few ideas to try:

1. Chalkboard paint - The things they do with paint now! Yes,
if you have a few hours to spare, you can transform a bare wall
in your home into a chalkboard, so the kids can create, erase,
and create some more...

2. Chalkboard paint alternative - If you don't feel like
painting, but still like the idea of a chalkboard, you can also
pick up peel and stick chalkboard panels. For ideas check out
WallCandy® Arts - they make standard rectangular chalkboard
panels, as well as other shapes, including circles and jungle
animals (yes, elephants, giraffes, and even hippos).

3. Dry erase boards - If your children are a little older, and
you feel "safe" entrusting them with markers, consider
installing a dry erase board. Create, erase, and create some
more - this time without the chalk dust.

4. Magnetic paint - There's more than one way to add an
interactive element to those bare walls, and magnetic paint is
another ingenious alternative. Unfortunately, most common
refrigerator magnets do not work well on magnetic paint. Use
flexible rubber sheet magnets instead. The kids can even make
their own magnetic shapes after a quick trip to the hobby store.
Also, if you can't decide between chalkboard paint and magnetic
paint, check out Magnamagic™, one of the more popular magnetic
wall paint manufacturers, for magnetic chalkboard paint.

5. Felt board walls - Felt boards are popular with toddlers and
preschoolers, and it's easy to make one yourself. Using spray
adhesive, affix a large piece of felt or flannel to thin
plyboard, then anchor securely to the wall. You can then
purchase pre-made felt shapes or if you are feeling crafty, make
your own.

That's just a start. For more ideas, take a trip to the hardware
or craft store, or visit the children's murals area of Wall Murals 1-2-3.



About the author:
Dawn Hall is the owner of Wall Murals 1-2-3, a site offering practical, easy to understand how-to instructions
and advice for do it yourself wall murals, as well as
theme-based ideas & inspiration and reviews of mural products.