Now that I have a toddler, I am starting to experience the “everything-is-a-toy/playspace” concept. Shoeboxes, bubble wrap, paper towel tubes…all viable objects to play with. We spent a week with friends in New Hampshire over the holidays and the space under the dining room table became an ant home. So the kids (and adults) cozied up with pillows down there (as all ants do, naturally). That empty space has so much potential, as exhibited by these amazing ideas…

I don’t even know where to begin with this amazing table by Dennis Drouet. Children can hide under the table and pull the strings, which creates a moving pattern on the table’s surface above. Found via Inhabitat.

This is beyond the beyond! Who wouldn’t love a little R&R time in an under-the-table DIY hammock? Found via Handimania, by Joyful Abode.

I saw this DIY idea in Country Living years ago, and it has stayed with me since. Decorate some cheap roller shades with windows and doors and install them underneath your table. If your table has a lip that over 2″ tall, it will hide the rollers nicely. It’s an instant play house, and a retractable one at that! (I can no longer find the CL link, but here it is on Pinterest.)

January 9, 2013| Decor, Everyday Crafts, Preschool, Toddler, Toys