Kids' Bedroom Furniture

Buying kids' bedroom furniture presents some unique challenges. On the one hand, your kid's bedroom should reflect his or her unique personality. At the same time, you want your child's room to grow with her. This means choosing well-made, versatile bedroom furniture. There are actually a wide variety of choices, and you can really find furniture to meet any budget. You might even be able to find some for free!

Involve Your Kid!

Since this is your kid's room, you really need to get her input into the type of furniture she likes. That doesn't mean you have to empty your savings account to buy that furniture, but knowing what your child likes will help guide you in your search for the perfect furnishings.

Take her along with you as you shop for kids' bedroom furniture. Show her pictures in decorating magazines, and ask her to point out what she likes. You might want to create a folder and place pictures from magazines and printouts from the Internet into it. You and your child can then begin searching for affordable furniture that will please you both.

Use What You Have!

You might be surprised how a coat of paint can brighten or totally alter a tired piece of furniture. If your child has more eclectic tastes, you don't have to buy a perfectly matched set of kids' bedroom furniture for her to use. Look around your house. You might be able to turn that old dresser, chest, or armoire into a wonderful piece of furniture that is full of character. For help on how to refinish furniture, visit Lowes.

Someone's Trash Could Be Your Treasure!

Have you ever noticed furniture on the side of the road? It might have looked a little old and dull, but the structure appeared to be sound. Still, you felt a little funny about picking it up. Well, don't! Just because someone else doesn't want it, doesn't mean it isn't useful. In fact, when you take it and use it, you are actually recycling, which is good for everyone!

Garage sales, yard sales, and consignment shops are great places to hunt for those hidden treasures. Old iron beds make wonderful, classic additions to any bedroom. Often, all you need to do is sand it down, apply a base coat, and then the finish coat to create a beautiful bed that will last for years! Wooden armoires, dressers, and chests can be painted in bright colors or stenciled. For more ideas, check out Home and Garden or Better Homes and Gardens.

Convertible Kids' Bedroom Furniture

If your baby is still in his baby bed, it won't be long before you'll need to move him to a toddler or regular sized bed. Some baby beds actually grow with baby, changing from a crib to a toddler bed to a twin-sized bed. Some changing tables can also be converted to regular dressers. Stores which may carry convertible kids furniture include Walmart, Target, and Ikea.

Safety Issues with Kids' Bedroom Furniture

Keep in mind that if you are buying furniture that is used, there are several safety precautions to be aware of.

1. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a list of recommendations for you to check before using a second-hand crib.
2. The Environmental Protection Agencyalso gives important information on the hazards of lead-based paint, which may be on the used furniture you've purchased.
3. Finally, be sure to read up on furniture safety tips at TotSafe and Nursery Furniture.

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