It feels like Ester was born, we closed our eyes, and now she's 6, and Ira is almost 3! We have had a toddler in the house for quite some time, between the two, and because they have always shared a room, we’ve always considered the toddler stage when designing their special space.

With Christmases, birthdays, and those random trips down the toy aisles, the stuff has accumulated. We started with very few toys, a handful books, and a cluster of stuffed animals. Now we have more, a lot more. Here is what we have come up with, to not only eliminate the crazy clutter, but to make the space beautiful, engaging and inspiring.

1. Books and Books and More Books, and Low Book Storage

We know that most toddlers can't read, and they don't need to, but being exposed to literature is wonderful. If their books are in a drawer or up on a high shelf they won't be able to experience the books all on their own. Display their books to encourage exploration. Save the higher shelves for the books that you don't want them to chew and rip, and place the board books at their level.

We change out our books seasonally, over the years we’ve collected several for each season.

2. Natural Light

Nothing is more inviting than a space filled with natural light. If you have the option of switching rooms in your home, pick the brightest bedroom for your toddler's room. You'll notice a difference in how your child plays when the room is bright from the outside.

Natural light is energizing and comforting, offering a relaxing space for your child to explore and play. On good weather days the window can be opened and they can play and listen to the birds sing.

3. Toys that Encourage Imaginative Play

Toddlers may or may not engage in imaginative play, but setting them up with toys that engage the imagination is wonderful. Stuffed animals, wooden animals, puppets, dolls, blocks (building and stacking objects), noise makers (instruments), costume pieces (hats, wings, glasses), etc.

(Ikea has a great selection of imaginative play toys.)

4. Low Tables

Toddlers love to stand, it makes them feel grown up and in control. A low table offers them a place to stand and play. This will also be a great space for them to draw and color once they're a little older.

On the low table you can setup various things for them to explore and change the items every so often.

5. Cozy Spaces + Cozy Things

Cozy spaces encourage imaginative play and offer comfort during play. Cozy spaces will be preferred by most children into their adolescent years. When they learn to read or have friends over, they will often choose these warm spaces to do their favorite things.

Keeping all the stuffiesin baskets and having pillows and blankets around will also warm up the space.

6. Low Spaces to Store Toys

Nothing is worse than a bedroom with toys all over the floor. Ester has little plastic dinosaurs that are like death to step on. Toddlers may be able to learn how to put their toys away, and if not, they can at least watch their parents do it for them. Having low storage spaces with baskets or small containers is best. Accessible storage spaces also allows them to choose what they want to play with. Even if it's difficult to keep their room organized, you can at least throw all the little pieces into baskets and make their play space clear.

7. A Pikler Triangle

We’ve had our triangle since Ester was three, and it continues to be used every single day. Sometimes it’s a fort, other days it’s a launching pad, and it’s always a fun place to slide and climb. Out kitties even love it.

8. A Rug

If you have hardwood floors or carpet, a rug is a great addition to your toddler's room. It adds a soft padded space to play, and even above carpet it creates a separate space where play is invited. Rugs can also add color, pattern, and texture making the space more exciting and vibrant.

9. Lamplight and Twinkle Lights

Lamps make spaces cozier. Even on a bright day when the room is naturally lit, with a little cloud coverage you may need more light in the space. Having lamps (safely) in your toddler's room can make the space feel warmer. Overhead lighting is often too much. A properly placed lamp can transform an entire space.

Twinkle lights are especially wonderful in the cooler seasons, but also so exciting on a moody storm day in the spring or summer.

10. Shelves for Special Items

The special things that people have given your children don’t belong in a keepsake box just yet! Display them on shelving, that is just high enough out of reach. You can store baskets of toys below.

Making their room special will invite them in day after day.