Suppose you’re expecting an addition to the family. In that case, you may be thinking about ways to make your home more functional and comfortable for a larger number of inhabitants. While babies don’t take up much space initially, little bodies grow quickly, and you will soon find yourself wondering where all the time went. Whether you plan on having two children or ten, maintaining a practical yet aesthetically pleasing family home can be undoubtedly tricky. Here are some essential furniture items that will prove worthwhile investments.
Convertible Cot Beds
The amount of money you will inevitably spend on nursery furniture is eye-watering. Furthermore, it seems as though young children grow at lightning speed – before you know it, they’ll have grown out of that high-quality walnut or mahogany you bought only months ago. Future-proof, convertible nursery furniture is the ideal solution for growing families. Consider purchasing a cot-to-junior bed that can convert from a crib to a toddler bed to a full-sized bed, accommodating your little one between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old. You also have the option to transform your convertible cot back into a crib once younger siblings come along.
Corner Sofas
Your living room seating provides so much more than just a place for your family to sit. The living room is the hub of the home, where you will entertain guests, unwind after long, stressful days and make precious memories. A corner sofa is an excellent space-saving option that provides more seating space and encourages togetherness. Not only that, but when placed in the middle of a large open-plan living room/kitchen, a corner sofa can break up awkward empty space, defining the separate areas within the room.
Playpens
Once your younger children begin crawling, keeping them in one spot is profoundly challenging, particularly if you have work or household chores to complete. Unfortunately, you can’t give your little ones around-the-clock, undivided attention. Playpens provide a safe, protective environment for babies to play and explore, keeping them away from household hazards and injury. Opt for a playpen with a firm mattress and padding to cushion your little one from potential bumps.
Toy Storage
Any parent would agree that one of the most frustrating aspects of raising small children is the amount of mess they create. While all forms of play are highly beneficial to both cognitive and physical development, the chaos and clutter that ensues can be maddening. You can keep your home pristine by allocating suitable places to store toys and craft items, such as labelled bins, boxes and canvas hampers, perfect for easy access and speedy cleanup operations.
Large Dining Tables
Every family needs somewhere to sit, eat and enjoy each other’s company. For smaller families, 4 seater oak dining tables are sturdy, durable and able to withstand the intensity of family life. If your household is larger than four, it may be worth investing in an extending dining table to maximise space and accommodate more guests when needed. Opt for elegant yet rustic solid hardwood dining chairs, guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Bookshelves
Reading has remarkable benefits for children of all ages. Establishing a love of literature from day one will provide your little ones with comfort, confidence and the ability to perform better academically. It is worth investing in sturdy bookshelves or book display units for each of your children’s bedrooms, granting them constant access to all of their favourite stories to read as and when they please.
Ottomans
Ottomans are excellent storage units that double up as seating. Perfect for a living room or bedroom, a cushioned ottoman can be fantastic for storing blankets, books, clothing, electrical items and more. You could purchase an ottoman as part of your living room furniture set and use it as a footstool or as the foot of your bed as a convenient place to store clean bed sheets.
Bunk Beds
When it comes to growing families, space quickly becomes limited; however, you can free up a few precious square feet by utilising vertical space. Cost-effective and customisable, bunk beds are excellent for making the most of smaller rooms, giving siblings more floor space to play and learn. You could also consider a children’s loft bed with space underneath for a desk, storage, or even a sleepover den.
Filmly 