Steer clear of overtly childish decor: A glass-front cabinet works well for storing toys (while keeping them visible), and jumbo-stripe wallpaper is fun without being fussy.

Kritter children's table in White, $25 at Ikea. Similar chairs: Kritter children's chair in White, $13 each at Ikea. Similar chair pad: Fabler chair pad in Green, $4 at Ikea. Similar cabinet: White bookcase with glass door, $847 at Bellacor. Similar beanbag: Cool Beans bean bag In Chocolate, $99 at Land of Nod.

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An oversized mural will transport your child to an outdoor tree house.

Similar mural: Seasons & Elements Complete Set, $120 at NotNeutral. Magis Metoo Alma chairs in White, $236 for set of four at Bobby Berk Home. Similar chair: BB02 chair, $190 at NotNeutral. Similar rug: Gumballs rug, $140 at Rosenberry Rooms.

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Mix soft '70s inspired designs, like a shag rug and a beanbag chair, with contemporary pieces for a fresh look.

Similar rug: Ultimate shag rug in Orange, $129 at Home Decorators. Louis Ghost armchair, $410 at Design Within Reach. Similar beanbag: Hybrid Floral Anywhere recycled beanbag, $119 at Pottery Barn Kids.

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Grown-up plaid curtains and a futuristic swivel chair temper a girlie pink palette.

Ikea PS Lomsk swivel chair in Red/Orange, $80 at Ikea. Similar fabric: Madras plaid fabric, $6 per yard at Atlantis Fabrics. Similar table and chairs: Latt children’s table and two chairs, $13 at Ikea. Similar rug: Serape Dark Red rug, $48 at Mariachi Imports.

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Bold graphics—stars, stripes and skulls—and bright colors play off a sleek white cabinet and shelves.

Similar rug: Sveje rug in Red/White, $13 at Ikea. Domoor cup in White, $18 at Droog. Similar globe: Silver Ocean 12-inch globe, $99 at Kikkerland. Similar side table: Vitra metal side table, $550 at All Modern.

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Don't clutter a playroom with furniture. Lots of floor space for tracks and trains is all that's necessary—and you don't even need a table when you can draw on the walls!

Flokati rug in White, $30 at Ikea. PlanCity Road & Rail Deluxe, $81 at BabyEarth. 

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An interlocking foam mat makes a fun customizable floor covering.

Interlocking foam floor mat, $50 for complete alphabet set at Soft Tiles. Tiny the Jumbo Stuffed St. Bernard by Gund, $299 at StuffedSafari.com. Classic twill beanbag in Red, $37 at Walmart.

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Tall bookshelves with bins keep a play space tidy.

Similar bookcase: Billy bookcase in Birch Veneer, $70 at Ikea. Similar chair: Triumph lounge chair, $229 at CB2. Wilson U.S. Open Jumbo Tennis Ball (nine-inch, basketball size), $20 at Walmart. Similar tricycle: Italtrike 10-Inch Touring Classic tricycle, $80 at Toys R Us.

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A blown-up world map is both a graphic statement and educational tool for a playroom.

Expedit bookcase in White, $129 at Ikea. Vernon Panton Junior Chair in Classic Red, $130 at Hive. World map wall mural, $69 at Toys R Us. Similar sofa: Karlstad loveseat and chaise lounge in Linneryd Natural, $978 at Ikea.

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A large family room can incorporate space for adults and kids without cramping anyone’s style. An easel is perfect for budding artists.

Studio Designs Cadet children's easel, $90 at Artist & Craftsman Supply. Ektorp sofa in Blekinge White, $399 at Ikea. Jules swivel chair in Red/Silver, $40 at Ikea.

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For a combined office and playroom, use similarly shaped furniture for a cohesive look.

Speja tunnel, $20 at Ikea. Eames molded-plastic side chair in White, $249 at Design Within Reach. Similar kids' chairs: Medium plastic classroom chairs in Blue with Chrome Frame, $24.50 for set of four at GlobalIndustrial.com. Similar table: Here There Anywhere play table, $119 at Land of Nod.

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