Picking out bedroom furniture for your child is quite possibly even more stressful than annual Christmas shopping. Not only is it an investment, they will be living with your choices for a long time. It needs to adapt to their changing lifestyle, grow with them, and be sturdy enough to handle childhood. Underneath it all, it needs to make you happy, too.
Where do you even start? There’s a wide variety of designs and retailers out there, so it’s best to get your battle plan laid out before the great hunt begins. Here are some of the most important things to think about when you’re selecting items for their bedroom.
How Big is the Room?
Don’t let this one slip by you. If your child’s bedroom is on the smaller side, it may suit them perfectly, but will be easy to fill up. This can turn into a real roadblock when it’s time to pick out their first “Big Kid” bed. Without some attention to detail, you could end up with a literal “BED” room – with no space left for much of anything else.
Get accurate measurements, and also consider how much closet space is included in the room. You may be considering an armoire or dresser when it’s simply not needed.
If your child will be hosting frequent sleepovers,or if the room will occasionally be serving as guest quarters for visitors, you might want to look at trundle or bunk beds that can provide an extra sleeping spot.
Always consider that you will want to leave room for playing on their own, if your child is older. It’s important that they feel like they have their own space to retreat to for play or study time. Ensure that there is an open space without sharp edges on nearby furniture.
Consider Your Child’s Age
Much like buying your child a mountain bike when they just wanted a tricycle, remember that they are smaller and younger and have different needs than adults. Getting them a full or queen sized bed may simply be overkill, when they’re young. A twin bed could be just the right size for them.
Bunk beds are a childhood classic, perfect for kids sharing a room, or households where there are friends visiting for overnights. Flexible options include loft-style beds, which have a larger mattress below, and a twin on top. They allow room for growth, and the fun of a bunk bed. Just remember – the recommended age for graduating to the top bunk is 6 years old.
If your child is still young, and you are purchasing furniture that will be used for years to come, purchase the best quality that you can afford. It’s better to purchase sturdy, classic bedroom pieces with growth potential, rather than novelty furniture. Race car beds have limited road life, so to speak.
Involve Them in the Process
Narrow down your top choices in advance, and let them participate in picking out the final selection. Limiting the choices will keep them from being overwhelmed, while still feeling like they are an important part of choosing their own furniture.
Once you’ve decided on the furniture, they’ll be excited about their new room. If you’ll be updating the decor at this time, you can make them feel even more involved and excited by talking to them about what they would like.
Even though your tastes may differ – and it’s likely they will! – consider your child’s interests and color preferences. Even though interests may shift over time, you can keep updating around a scheme of solid colors. It’s easy to change out curtains and bedspreads from trains to sports as your child grows. It’s easy to find bedroom accessories that will match any interest – digital printing has made it possible to put anything on a duvet cover or pillowcase. Have some fun with it, and your child will be proud of their customized domain.
Pay close attention to quality
It goes without saying, and your kids may not fully appreciate it, but getting safe, well-made children’s furniture is supremely important. Make sure construction is solid, that the paint is non-toxic, and that safety features are in place. No wobbles, no slipping, and no sharp edges.
Check dressers for the potential to tip. Lower and wider is better if you suspect that you might have a climber on your hands. If you’ll be anchoring items to the wall to prevent tipping, ensure that their construction will allow this.
Choosing furniture that your kids will love in their bedrooms can be fun, especially when you involve them in the process. Go for the best quality that you can afford, be aware of the size of the room that will be housing the furniture, and remember to keep your child’s current age, as well as how long you foresee them using the furniture in mind. You’ll end up with furniture choices that make all of you happy, as well as keep you safe.
