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Though it’s often thought that stylish furniture and kids don’t mesh, you can have the furniture you’ve always wanted and keep the kids happy at the same time. Asking yourself the right questions and knowing what type of furniture to incorporate is crucial to creating a home that serves everyone’s needs – one where children can play comfortably and worry-free, and you have the style and feel you envision. We talked with Victoria Avella, a mom of two kids and manager at Copenhagen’s Gilbert location, to help us compile some tips to consider when shopping for kid-friendly furniture, as well as product recommendations that fit the bill without sacrificing style.
“Bringing children into the home can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be – it’s about creating a space that you can all enjoy and feel comfortable in,” Avella states. “You want furniture that is functional, durable, and easy to clean.”
So, before you’re tempted to purchase the first sofa you see, consider its physical elements. Material, color, texture, and pattern all fall across a spectrum of durability and cleanability, both of which are necessary in a family-friendly household. For upholstered furniture, look for natural fabrics that have a touch of synthetic fiber, microfiber fabrics, or fire-resistant polyester. These materials are durable, non-absorbent, and stain-resistant, and tend to be available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easier for you to find one that suits your style.
For a big family room, Avella likes the Julia sectional – “Julia is made from a natural performance fabric with Livesmart technology, meaning it’s moisture and stain resistant but still breathable. It’s a great option because kids can lounge around on it without their parents having to worry about spills.”
If the contemporary beauty of leather inspires you more, then you’re in luck; most types of leather are historically durable and easy to clean, as well as hypoallergenic. Distressed leathers can easily hide scratches and other marks that might be obvious on other materials, while protected leathers come finished with waxes or oils that enhance their stain resistance. For everyday family use, Avella suggests the Marco living collection by Incanto Italia because “the sofa, loveseat, and chair are all upholstered in a beautiful, protected leather. Spills are easy to wipe off without affecting the leather grain and color.” We suggest thinking of leather furniture as a long-term investment – it may be higher in price than other options, but its long-lasting durability and popularity will keep you and your living space fresh and protected. A regular wiping, cleaning, and conditioning routine can support the long-term health and appearance of leather.
For non-upholstered furniture, we suggest choosing pieces with protective layers, such as the Jones Dining Table which features a Fenix tabletop, and powder-coated metal legs and bases, like those on the Crescent dining chair. Both materials are made to withstand everyday wear and tear and have a simple cleaning regimen, while also having a sleek, smooth look that adds sophistication to any space.
Bonus Tips:
Kids find new ways to hurt themselves every day – taking time to choose furniture that anticipates this with sturdy structures and padding will mitigate fears and save tears.
Avella stresses that “less is more” when it comes to cultivating a kid-friendly space. “First, think about what you want to space to do for you and your kids. Open up your space so the kids can move around freely but be true to you by painting a wall your favorite color or accessorizing with a fun rug.”
In fact, rugs are important to have in any space; they provide extra padding to cushion falls, especially important for a toddler learning how to walk, and help protect flooring from scratches. Ottomans are another great option for a space that combines safety and style, because they tend to have softer shells that are easier to maneuver around. “The Damien ottoman even has a storage compartment perfect for tidying away some of the kids’ toys or books,” Avella says. “Or you can go with one like the Nikolai, to add a pop of your favorite color.” Hidden storage also helps to make a home look and feel more aesthetically pleasing.
Kids are less likely to catch themselves on sharp edges when furniture has circular constructions or rounded corners. Rounded furniture also naturally opens a room up, creating more walking and sitting space without sacrificing tabletop area. The Pisa coffee and end tables are a great example of this, as they have spacious round tops and a more open base.
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The demands of everyday family life can sometimes put other things on the backburner – like choosing furniture that grows with your kids. Adaptable furniture pieces can accommodate their changings needs and still reflect your sense of style.
“Adaptable furniture helps ensure everyone feels comfortable in the living space” Avella asserts. “A lift desk can be shared by the whole family, as a workstation by day and a homework station by night. And a sleeper sofa can be used for kids’ sleepovers and for accommodating visiting relatives.”
Height-adjustable pieces are a good starting point – a lift desk like the Soma, which comes in three sizes to fit in your space easily, can be used for a young child’s arts and crafts then seamlessly transitioned into a study table as they grow. A mid-back office chair such as the 4U not only grows with your kids’ height – it supports their body through any change, with mechanisms that allow you to adjust its back and seat depth.
To establish a communal space in your house where everyone can participate in various activities, Avella suggests the Dansk multifunction table, “This is a great multi-use table for a family, especially for one that lives in a smaller space. It’s compact when not in use and has hidden storage room.” The beauty of adaptable furniture is its ability to work for a variety of ages and body types – parents can take advantage of these pieces just as much as kids. Choosing the right furniture will make ensuring everyone’s comfort easy.
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With these considerations in mind, cultivating a home that’s kid-friendly and style-savvy can be easy, and creating a space that grows with a family, supports them through stumbles, and inspires creativity can make all the difference at the end of a long day. Visit Copenhagen in-store or online for even more tips on furniture and interior design.