Posts Tagged ‘furniture’

Trading the utilitarian wood or metal knobs on your kids’ furniture is one of the fastest ways to change the look of the room. In a small, subtle way, the knobs give the room personality, a feature to show off. It’s one of those little touches designers often put in, but other people may never think about.

For sheer size and whimsy, few collections of kid-adored knobs can rival the one at Posh Tots. Green, pink, or purple? Looking like a bouquet of flowers, striped with the American flag, painted with elephants or mermaids or your child’s first initial, these are attention-getters with a surprisingly long lifespan. At about $15 - 20 apiece, these knobs aren’t cheap. You can find far cheaper at any hardware store, and maybe that’s enough for you. But for $60 to $100 bucks you can spruce up an old piece of furniture and make it your own.

Posh Tots’ designer knobs, $15 - 40

You’re feeling extra patriotic this summer (especially since gas prices prohibit you from leaving the continental U.S.). Once a devotee of modern decor, suddenly a more traditional urge has taken over.

Try the new American Collection from Nurseryworks. Shaker and Federal style, mid-century California design and classic American details combine to form furniture with a contemporary character suitable for tots (think tufting, turned wood spindles, wing back).

And with a headboard named “Harvard,” you can’t go wrong.

Available at fawnandforest.com.

There are moments in life when you need to hear those three, all-important little words: “No assembly required.” Like the next time you go furniture shopping after a humbling all-nighter spent piecing together your daughter’s dresser from 999 disparate parts.

Of course with kids’ furnishings, there are additional concerns: You want the items to be simple and stylish, preferably with rounded edges and non-toxic finishes. Eco Tots’ line, which includes an adorable, pint-size easel, coat rack and table and chairs, has all of this in spades. Plus each is made from sustainably harvested wood and — by George they’ve done it — big pieces that fit together easily and lock in place, no tools or hardware needed.

So you’re finished in a few minutes — and you don’t have to bring your Bob Vila game.

Available at ecotots.com.

Who says contemporary design can’t be kid friendly? Sure, it’s sleek and spare (read: wonderful), but it also can be whimsical and inviting. Take the classic Eames rocker or the rainbow-hued Nelson ball clock, which seem like they could have been created with children in mind.

Spot on Square’s new collection of kids’ furniture further proves this theory. The elegant, clean-lined pieces feature playful flared feet and a refreshingly thoughtful construction. The dresser doubles as a changing station; the toddler bed has high sides near the headboard to prevent falls and an open lower half to facilitate tucking in, and so on. The items are also a sound environmental bet: All come in a choice of recycled or reclaimed MDF coated with non-toxic white paint or MDF mixed with natural-colored birch or bamboo.

Surround him with all those good influences and you might just inspire the next Saarinen or Starck.

Available online at spotonsquare.com.