"Buying furniture or upgrading furniture tends to follow the same trajectory of your life. Moving in together for the first time? New furniture. Found a forever home? New furniture. Baby on the way? Hello, nursery furniture. Time to graduate to a big kid bed? You’ve guessed it… new furniture. But in a time where we are focused on sustainability and eco-friendly efforts now more than ever, doesn’t it seem a bit wasteful? And not to mention, like, really expensive?
What if you could invest in furniture that will grow along with you instead? The good news? You totally can! When you think about it, any family is a growing family. Whether you intend to have more kiddos down the line or will simply be continuously raising the one(s) you have, growth is really the most beautiful part.
And once you’re in your forever home, it isn’t going to change too much. If you shop smart, neither will the expensive items in it. Here are some of the best kid-friendly furniture and decor that will grow along with your family.
The Best Kid-Friendly Furniture to Buy Now and Have for Years
Furniture is one of the most expensive items in your home, and it should be treated as more of an investment in the future versus just something that works “for now.” When shopping for furniture, it’s easy to think about your current needs instead of thinking about how pieces can grow and evolve with you over time—but they can! Opting for versatile furniture is much more cost-effective in the long run, and it also cuts down on waste to be more eco-friendly, too.
Seating solutions that double as a sleep space
Whether you’re short on space or are just looking to optimize your furniture’s functionality, finding seating solutions that can transform into sleep spaces is a game-changer. As your kids get older and want to have sleepovers, or you need to host the in-laws but don’t have a spare bedroom, you’ll be glad to have invested in couches that are sleeper sofas or daybeds.
Versatile dining options for hosting and holidays
If you love to host but don’t have a designated dining area—or if you do but it just can’t accommodate your large and growing family—extendable dining tables are so smart. They can tend to be a bit pricey, but when you look at it as buying two pieces in one, it’s not so bad. Transforming tables also make great options for those who live in smaller spaces but still want to host larger gatherings in a snap.
A crib that grows with your baby
The sad reality is that your baby will only be a baby for about two years and in a crib for about three, max. So instead of buying a fancy-schmancy crib that you know has an expiration date, look for convertible cribs that start out small, transition into toddler beds, and then become a headboard for a twin. That way, you’ll get at least through elementary school without needing to buy new.
Nursery essentials that will last through elementary school
When shopping for nursery furniture, shop with longevity in mind. Instead of a flimsy changing table that might get you through the first year or two, opt for a more sturdy dresser with storage and function that also has a removable changing table topper for once they’re out of diapers. Or, choose a dresser that you really love and add a changing topper sold separately.
Spill-proof rugs that you can also swap seasonally
While rugs lean more “decor“ than furniture, they definitely tie a room together and can have a huge impact on your entire space. They also tend to be bigger-budget items and difficult to maintain, so the urge to change them up every couple of years or so is only natural. So when rug shopping, look for washable options that are easy to clean as your kid’s messes go from tiny spit-up spills to larger, harder-to-get-out messes. As an added bonus, find ones like the offerings from brands like Ruggable that you can not only wash but can easily swap out for seasonal changes and as the needs of your family change.
A work area that starts out for Play-Doh and transitions to a homework space
If you blink too quickly, the scribbles your toddler makes during art time at home will quickly turn into pencils and homework, so finding a comfortable and sturdy designated workspace that can grow with them is super smart. Instead of clunky plastic toddler work tables, find desks that can be adjusted as your child grows, and you’ll get many more years out of it.
Creative play couches for soft tumbles through sleepover parties
When it comes to the best kid-friendly furniture, play couches have become extremely popular within the past four years. That’s thanks to their versatility and opportunity for imaginative and physical play. They’re also a smart investment for a growing family, as they can double as almost-twin-sized beds for slumber parties, and if I might add, are quite comfortable too. (I’ve spent many a night sleeping on one while on my daughter’s floor when she was sick.) When your kids are little, they’re great soft spaces for crawling and tumbling and as they grow, they make for great forts, lounges, and more.
Other multipurpose pieces that add versatility and style
While you’re at it, here are some more of the best kid-friendly furniture pieces for your home that are versatile and cool.
