Before you make the same mistake many expectant first-time parents do and buy all the baby and kids goods marketed to you, STOP. There are some important things you need to know. Starting with - you DON’T really need it all.
As a mum of four kids, I have learnt a thing or two when it comes to making these purchases and whether the cost and features actually matter when finding the right items for your family. Let me tell you what I’ve learned over the years about buying quality kids furniture vs buying cheap!
Spoilt for choice but they aren’t all equal
One thing that is a clear stand out when looking back at my purchases of décor and furniture for kids is that the items I’ve had to buy for each consecutive child have been those that I skimped on initially thinking it didn’t really matter. I was wrong.
My first child got all the brand new and beautiful quality kids furniture which at the time was a gamble given the initial outlay, but over time, when you take into consideration that those items are still being used for child #4, the investment was well worth it. High quality kids furniture goes the distance!
Top tips for buying quality kids furniture
You get what you pay for
As I mentioned above, there will be a larger cost upfront to purchase quality furniture. However, this can save you huge dollars in the long run when you don’t have to replace each piece every couple of years. This rule is true most of the time, but it pays to do further research before making your final decision.
I skimped on toy boxes and storage for my first two children and had to replace these items more than I’d like to admit. By the time I had my third child, I had gotten smarter. I invested in a high-quality, wooden storage box from HipKids and four years on, it is still going strong.
Brand names… designer names aren’t always essential
Just because a brand doesn’t come with a well-known designer title, doesn’t mean it isn’t good quality. As long as you check to make sure it is made from good materials and has superior craftsmanship, you will have nothing to worry about.
Consider different types of wood
If you are opting for quality wood furniture in your child’s bedroom, it’s a good idea to learn a bit more about the different types of wood before you start narrowing down your options. Solid wood furniture is the superior option, but this also comes with a few cons – including being easily scratched which isn’t ideal for children’s furniture. Veneered particle board may be a better option, especially when your children are younger.
Style, colour and novelty – proceed with caution
I know firsthand how tempting that adorable toddler princess or race car bed can be, and while these novelty pieces are fun and modern… they are only practical for a brief time. You should avoid fads like these as they date quickly and will have you wanting to upgrade before you actually need to. These novelty beds are great if you have a toddler, but what happens when your child is a couple of years older and grows out of certain interests? You guessed it, you’re up for new furniture… again. Stick with furniture that can be used for years and then passed down as your children grow. While plain furniture may seem boring, you can dress it up with fun bedding and other room décor.
TIP: White furniture does look great, however, it can be difficult to maintain the fresh look year after year, so keep that in mind when making your selection of quality kid’s furniture.
