Some toys are just for show. Some are still covered in jam. Both deserve a bit of space to shine. Whether it's a row of old PEZ dispensers from your own childhood or your kid’s ever growing collection of football cards - displaying toys can actually be a stylish move and these playful objects from childhood (past and present) deserve more than a dusty box in the loft or a box in the living room. Yep… even the noisy plastic ones. Displayed with intention, they become playful design elements that make your space feel truly personal.
I’m a mum of three, so I get it - play isn’t always picture perfect. But here are some ideas to style both nostalgic keepsakes and still-being-played-with-everyday chaos in a way that feels fun, intentional and easy on the eyes!!
Playful Memories: When toys grow up
These are the bits you don’t want to chuck, but also don’t want to leave gathering dust. Think retro games, old school sports gear, the collector stuff from your own childhood that now counts as “design”.
Wall-mounted table football games – surprisingly cool in a hallway or playroom. Almost sculptural. Definitely a conversation starter. This is one I found displayed below here. I have also seen the metal rods detached and used as hangers in rooms which looks equally cool, like these.
Vintage tennis rackets – group them in a tight cluster or hang one solo. A bit sporty, a bit Soho House. These ones I found framed by Elizabeth Ash Interiors via Houzz. I’ve also seen them with embroidery in like the ones pictured here which would look really fun in a kids space.
PEZ dispensers – Line them up like the little icons they are. I find they look great on picture ledge style shelving.
Classic board games – frame the box lids or mount the best bits. Instant nostalgia with a wink.
Magazine collections or childhood books - Frame, frame, frame. If you don’t have anything stored away, you’ll be pleased to know you can buy vintage prints like these from Etsy for the same effect and reminiscence of your own childhood, Babar the elephant is a classic for kids interiors.
Style tip: Treat these like art. Keep the surrounding area calm – neutral walls, clean lines – so the colour and shape of the toys/books do all the work.
Play in Progress: For the stuff they’re still obsessed with
Some toys aren’t going anywhere. And while you could shove them in a plastic bin… you could also turn them into a feature.
Printers Trays
Perfect for the small bits, love this one below styled by @carriemshaw.
Pegboards - great for hanging up bits and pieces and bags of smaller bits. This one by Lila is a good example.
Picture ledges - for books, plush toys, or whatever’s trending this week. Easy to switch up. These IKEA ones work great and at £9 each very affordable.
This 1960s design icon is a wall mounted organiser full of compartments, clips and little pockets but it looks like modern art - perfect for crayons, doll accessories, rogue trading cards. Great for a kid’s room, great in a kitchen, great pretty much anywhere. It’s one of those rare “looks amazing / actually works” pieces and it keeps the floor clear.
Style tip: Rotate regularly. Display the “in” toys and store the rest. Keeps things feeling fresh, and stops you from stepping on rogue plastic bits at 3am.
A home with kids isn’t a showroom (thank goodness) but it doesn’t have to be a toy explosion either. The trick is finding ways to blend personality with a bit of visual breathing room. Old toys, current collections and childhood memorabilia can all add soul to your space you just need to give them a bit of framing (literally and not). Just remember some homes are filled with stories, others proudly display them.
Need help pulling it all together? I work with clients to create interiors that work with family life, not against it. If you'd like help styling your kid’s room (or any room), drop me a message I’d love to hear from you!
