How to Choose Furniture for a Child’s Room

When you’re furnishing a child’s room you want to make it safe, attractive and practical--not to mention inexpensive. One of the challenges you face is refurnishing the room because the child outgrows a particular style of furniture and needs something bigger or more grownup. This can become costly. However, there are ways that you can give them the best bedroom ever and yet only furnish it once. Read on to learn how to choose furniture for a child's room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Focus on the bed. Choose a strong, single-size quality bed that is simple in design and yet appealing. Light wood is often a favorite of all ages. A quality bed can last a child from toddler to adult and the only replacement may be the mattress once along the way. If you are concerned with you little one falling out, you can purchase a temporary railing that clips onto the bed foundation and can easily be removed when it is no longer necessary.

2. Choose linens. The bed linens will be the only thing you change and you can begin with your child’s favorite design or cartoon character. The sheets, pillowcases, blankets, throws and comforters can be all in the age appropriate theme. When the child outgrows that particular theme, the bed remains in place and only the linens are updated. The good news is that they can be passed on to others if they are still in good condition.

3. Choose a dresser. A low dresser is better because it can double as a night table. As well, the child can see the top of the dresser, and many accidents have been caused from a child falling as they were climbing up the dresser to see what was on top. Make sure the drawers are on locked runners so that the child can’t pull it out and have it fall on their toes.

4. Buy a desk. A small matching desk can be added as the child requires it. Keep it simple and make sure the drawers are on locked runners, as well.

5. Get a desk chair. Again, keep it matching and simple and without arms as children tend to want to stand on the arms and often the chair tips over causing injury.

6. Consider a rocking chair. This is a perfect final furnishing to match the other furniture and for mom and dad to sit on when they share that precious quality time together before bed.

7. Hone in on décor. You can match your curtains to the bedding with the same pattern or complementing colors. White blinds on the window give privacy and emphasize the curtains. A matching throw run in the middle of the floor and under the rocker gives warmth to the room, and the character lamp on the dresser gives it that final touch. You can decorate the walls with stick on decals that can easily be removed when they’re no longer preferred.

Tips & Warnings

• You have one expense in the beginning for your furniture and it should last the duration of your child’s bedroom needs. The only thing you’re changing is the décor and the linens periodically.