How to Style a Cubby House for Different Ages

One of the lovely things about a cubby house is that it can grow with your child. What starts as a little hideaway for a toddler can eventually become a café, reading nook, art studio or secret clubhouse for older children.

You don’t need to completely change the cubby every few years, either. A few simple changes to the furnishings and accessories can give the space a whole new feel as your child grows.

Toddlers: Keep It Simple and Cosy

For toddlers, a cubby house is often all about exploring and pretending. Keep the space simple, comfortable and easy to enjoy.

Soft curtains can make the cubby feel like a little home, while a small tablecloth and tea towel can turn it into a pretend kitchen. Leave plenty of open space for little ones to move around, play with toys and enjoy their own little world.

At this age, familiar colours and simple accessories can help create a welcoming space without making it feel too busy.

Preschoolers: Let Their Imagination Take Over

As children move into the preschool years, pretend play often becomes much more elaborate. Today the cubby might be a bakery; tomorrow it could be a restaurant, shop or family home.

This is a great time to add a few more accessories that encourage role play. A pretty tablecloth, matching curtains and a tea towel can help transform the cubby into whatever your child imagines.

You could even let them help choose where everything goes. Giving children a say in their little space makes it feel even more special.

Primary-School Children: Create a Space of Their Own

Older children may start using their cubby differently. Instead of simply playing house, they might want a quiet place to read, draw, chat with friends or simply escape for a little while.

This is where you can adapt the cubby to suit their changing interests. Add cushions, books, craft supplies or their favourite games. Curtains can also give the space a little more privacy and make it feel like their own special retreat.

Let Their Cubby Grow With Them

The best part about styling a cubby house is that you don’t have to get everything perfect from the beginning. Children change quickly, and their interests change with them.

Start with a few quality accessories and build from there. Swap a pretend kitchen set for books and crafts, change the way the space is arranged, or simply let your child decide what their cubby becomes next.

With the right touches, a cubby house can remain a much-loved part of the backyard for years — growing and changing right alongside your child.

Make Their Cubby Feel Like Home

At Downunder Cosy Cubbies, we love creating simple, practical soft furnishings that help turn a cubby house into a special little space for children. From gingham curtains and tablecloths to tea towels and other cosy touches, our accessories are designed to make imaginative play even more inviting.

Whether you’re setting up a cubby for a toddler or giving an older child a space of their own, explore the Downunder Cosy Cubbies collection and find the finishing touches to make their little retreat feel truly theirs.