Children grow up fast, and furnishing a kid's room to keep up with their likes and dislikes can quickly put a dent in any parent's wallet.
A timeless design means parents don't have to replace furniture every year or two. But experts say that while people should look for pieces that can stand the test of time, they should also be comfortable and suitable for the child's interests -- something fashionable as much as it is durable.
Yesteryear's fussy looks are conspicuously absent in today's children's rooms -- especially for girls. In its place is a cleaner look that reflects contemporary style not that much different from what one may find in the rest of a modern house.
"Even rooms for two-year-olds have become more sophisticated, says Linda Sheppard, who has been selling children's furniture for the past six years.
"Manufacturers now have lines that are flexible, allowing the pieces to grow with the child. Modifying the existing furniture as the child ages instead of constantly buying new pieces means parents save money in the long term."
She says some pieces can convert from a single to a bunk bed with the addition of longer legs, another bed and a ladder. The same bed, outfitted with just the longer legs, turns it into a loft bed. The room under the bed can be used to house a study desk. "There's typically more space than an adult desk," Sheppard says.
While practicality may be at the top of the list of must-haves, parents are increasingly more responsive to the developmental needs of their charges.
"My daughter's room is reflective of her personality," says Janet Woo of her daughter Emma's room. "As she has got older, she has had more of a say over the style."
Emma, who is eight, shows off her emerging artistic traits with a painting of a daisy that is the centrepiece on one of the walls of her room. Her pint-sized child's table will soon be replaced by a larger artist's table so she can continue to explore her artistic flair.
While encouraging a budding talent is important, keeping a handle on the growing number of toys, art supplies and other knick-knacks is equally important.
"Growing kids need space. New houses typically have smaller rooms," Sheppard says. "There is a great call for functional pieces -- trundle beds, magazine racks on walls, cupholders on beds and storage boxes for toys."
She says compact but functional furniture is especially important when children have to share rooms.
In Emma's bedroom, all of her stuffed toys are arranged neatly in an open bookcase while games, school and art supplies are hidden behind cupboard doors.
Sheppard recommends people consider solid hardwoods such as maple instead of softer woods such as pine. "Pine does not stand up to the test of time," she says. "In the long term, people usually regret buying the more inexpensive furniture."
While some pieces of furniture can last for years, choosing the appropriate bed for a child is important.
Drop-side cribs are appropriate for up to 30 months. Some parents choose a convertible crib that has bedside rails for babies and infants. As the child grows older, the rails can be removed and the crib turns into a bed.
According to Sheppard, some people choose to buy a twin bed for their child at age two. A twin bed can be appropriate for adults as well as kids of any age.
"We upgraded Emma's to a double bed because she was starting to have her friends over for sleepovers." says Woo. The extra 40 centimetres in width means more comfort for two.
Emma's room is painted in a neutral cream colour, with pink accents.
Although her furniture was purchased at various times, because the pieces have all been painted the same glossy white, the room looks cohesive.
"Neutrals, such as beige, are very popular colours for children's rooms these days," Sheppard says.
"It is usually complemented by espresso-coloured pieces."
-- Postmedia News
