Dining room or Playroom?

[passmethewineplease]

So we rent from DPs parents but we need to move to be a bit closer to civilisation.

We are just wondering what to do with regards to the conservatory..it's cirrentia playroom for the dc, MIL and FIL reckon it would be better dressed as a dining room.

What do MNetters think? There is room in the lounge for a table too but not a lot of room for toys and toy storage. I'd say the main target for selling would be a family really as it's a nice area, close to schools, easy commuting for the m6..

TIA

Dining room, with storage of toys elsewhere.

Do children not play in their bedrooms anymore ?

Ah see I'm the opposite! For a family with young children, I think a playroom would be a huge plus. If they're babies or preschool, they're too going to play in their rooms on their own. Much nicer to have them and their toys contained somewhere on the ground floor, where you can get on with things but keep an eye on them.

Young not going

Unless you entertain a lot Id say playroom every time.

To my mind... a person who knows they don't use a dining room a lot will be able to see past the table and think "oh, I don't need that, I can use this room as a den/playroom/second reception of some kind".

I think it's less likely that a person who does want a dining room will look at a playroom and think 'we could put a dining room table in here'. Dining room tables tend to be quite big and I think it would help prospective buyers see that the room could take one iyswim?

Agree with deal. Personally I'd probably use it as a playroom, but for selling/renting I'd dress it as a dining room.

I think you have to assume that the majority of people have very little imagination, but the majority of parents will look in desperation for anywhere to store toys - we're house hunting at the moment and I automatically substitute 'playroom?' for dining room on floor plans, but if there's a playroom and no dining room, I start thinking "ooh, is it too small for a dining table? What will I use it for in 3-4 years' time?".

It does, of course, depend on the other rooms in the house. If you have a massive kitchen/diner with a table that seats 12, there's little point in a separate dining room (though in that case I think I'd call it 'family room' and try to make it appeal to older children/young adults as well - nothing like having your cake and eating it!).

I would say definitely a play room. We had the same a couple of years ago trying to decide dining room or play room, we went with dining room and one year on we regret it and are currently turning in to play room.

Playroom, assuming theres a dining table in the kitchen.

I dont know anyone these days who uses a dining room.

If it means you have to have a table in the living room I'd dress it as a dining room. Otherwise people will see the table in the living room and think of it as being a lounge/diner rather than having the space for separate dining.

Toys should go into storage in the loft for a bit.

If there isn't room for a proper sized table in the kitchen then it has to be a dining room. If you can fit a 6 people table in the kitchen, fair enough, but a tiny table pushed against the wall would be off putting for me.

Dining room for the reasons Deal says. Also, you house will simply look more appealing (even to families) if the toys are put away.

Estate agent also said dining room, think that will be the plan!

wowfudge there's not that much space in dds room tbh.

Dining room, so much nicer to sit round the table for meals and talk, although it's not to say it can't be both but I would dress as a dining room

Hate playrooms especially those where the kids toys from years ago are still hanging around, baby walkers, etc. they become a dumping ground and really put me off when viewing. Dining room every time.