DIY Toy: Kids Play Kitchens from Old Furniture

Play kitchens are a great way to encourage roll playing and imagination. Kids just love “baking” and “serving food” or just “helping out” when their parents are cooking. It’s a perfect way to keep them creatively occupied when you need a little time to prepare dinner and they learn to love using their hands and ingredients to make a wonderful “meal”.

Unfortunately most kids play kitchens on the market are made of plastic, cost serious money and on top of that, they are completely without personality. They have colors that often don’t look at all natural or inviting, or they are to “girly” when you really want both boys and girls to play with them. So what is the solution? Simple: Make your own DIY Toy by crafting a DIY Play Kitchen from Old Furniture you can cheaply buy at a garage sale if you haven’t a piece you can use already somewhere in your home. The most suitable furniture to use for making such a great toy are desks, cupboards, nightstands, dressers and of course old entertainment centers. Other than that, you will need paint and some basic tools, knobs, faucet and really anything you can think of and have on hand to create your one-of-a-kind play kitchen.

DIY Toy: Kids Play Kitchens from Old Furniture

A lovely DIY play kitchen made out of an old dresser

Image via: Kate’s Creative Space

Choose the Right Furniture

Choosing the most suitable furniture piece can be the biggest challenge. Make sure to look around your house or grandma’s house to find the perfect candidate. To make the decision, think about available space and the age of the recipient. A nightstand is perfect for a toddler, whilst a bigger desk or entertainment center would be ideal for a bigger child.

Also, try to find a piece that won’t demand too much work or modifications, especially if you don’t have the gift of a handy craftsman. Choose a piece that already looks like a small kitchen and requires only a little paint, a knob here and there and a metal bowl as a sink to minimize work.

Make a DIY play kitchen from night stands or side tables

Image via: Blue Eyed Yonder

Make a Decision on Colors

To choose the right colors is essential. Ask yourself about where you would most likely place the play kitchen to determine colors. Also, you can base your decision on the gender of the child, on whether you want the play kitchen to fit in or stand out and so on. Use colorful fabrics to fake curtains and towels which will add to the overall appeal of the kitchen.

For older children use bigger furniture to make a suitable DIY play kitchen

 Image via: Life of Lacey

Details, Details, Details

To finish up the play kitchen, give details some thought. After all, in detail is where the love is hidden. Find some cute knobs and accessories that compliment your child’s character to add the necessary personal touch. Also, think about using hooks, pictures, chalk surfaces and even a fake window over the sink to round everything up. Don’t forget about some necessary utensils and of course some food replica so your kid has everything it needs to have a great time!

To complete the look, why not make a custom mini pantry? Make DIY toys like this and the kids will have tons of fun for many years to come!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.