Buying new furniture for your home is always a challenge. You can drive from store to store for many weekends on end in search of the right style of furnishings at the right price. However, when you have kids, you also want to purchase kid-friendly pieces, and this adds to the challenge you face decorating your home. These are pieces that will hold up well to the abuse your kids will subject them to and that will be safe for your kids to be around. Here are a few key tips to consider when buying kid-friendly furnishings.

Sharp Edges and Corners

Many furnishings have sharp edges and corners, and these can be a safety concern for your kids. Some items, such as a tall china cabinet, may safely have sharp corners that are elevated above a child's reach. However, items like the table in your dining furniture, your coffee table, your nightstand and more can all be safety hazards for kids. When buying your pieces, keep in mind if these sharp areas on the furnishings will be at eye level, stomach level and so forth for your kids and if they will be in a highly-trafficked area of your home.

Glass

Glass is also a major consideration when buying furnishings. Glass is most commonly found on cabinets and tables in home furnishings. Keep in mind that kids can throw things and shatter glass. They can also run into or fall onto these items. Sharp shards of broken glass can be dangerous and even fatal for kids in some cases, so it is best to avoid furnishings with glass.

Durability and Maintenance

Buying furnishings that are safe for your kids to be around is a primary concern, but you also want to choose pieces that will hold up well to the regular abuse your children are sure to subject your pieces to. Consider choosing upholstery such as leather or even faux leather that can be wiped clean easily. When choosing wood pieces, ensure that they have a solid finish on them. However, you may also want to protect these pieces with a table cloth or other similar covering.

The unfortunate truth is that kids are hard on furnishings, and over time, your furnishings will show wear and tear. However, by following these tips, you can more easily find pieces that are safe to use in your home and that will continue to look great for a long period of time.

Sam Martin is an Interior Design Consultant/Stylist, for Super A-Mart - Australia's leading Furniture Retailer, who writes about interior design and loves to help people transform their homes, rooms and spaces into their ideal living spaces. If you have any questions feel free to contact us for more information about choosing the right Kids Furniture.