Before You Buy Children's Furniture

The market for children’s furniture is hot, hot, HOT, with many major retailers, such as Crate and Barrel, Ethan Allen, Pottery Barn and Bombay starting special divisions aimed at the youth market. That’s a plus for consumers, who have more choice than ever before, and a larger range of price points from which to choose.

If you harbor fantasies of a Winnie-the-Pooh or Fairy Princess bedroom, go for it. But use paint, fabric or bedding to achieve the look. They are inexpensive and easy to update as the child ages.

Manufacturers are producing children's furniture that can age with the youngster, such as changing tables that can morph into bureaus as the child matures, or a crib that turns into a daybed, so the piece can be useful for more than just a year.

Don’t dismiss antiques. Pieces that have endured for a hundred years often do so because they’re solid and well-made. I wouldn’t put a priceless piece of Chippendale in a child’s room, but classic unpainted pine furniture looks great, and kids who grow up around fine furniture usually develop a respect for it (just watch out for their friends!). Avoid painted pieces that might contain lead, and be wary when buying a vintage bed—the frames often don’t fit contemporary mattresses.

When shopping for storage, beware of toy chests with heavy lids that could pinch little fingers. Drawers are better (with blocks to stop them from falling out), or go with open shelving, and use colorful baskets to organize children’s belongings.

Bunk beds can be fun, but they can also be dangerous and look a little ... err ... dormy. Consider a trundle bed instead. It accomplishes the same task, but looks stylish and sophisticated when the trundle is not in use.