Children are often the losers in the design stakes, but growing numbers of designers are realising they require the same level of form, function and style as adults.
Danish designer Jelte van Geest's Grand Chair in birch wood and tubular steel might look unstable, especially with the small chair perched on the end, but the idea behind it is strong. By encouraging family members to sit together, Van Geest is encouraging bonding without being sentimental.
The Nest, a minimalist high chair by Australian Sally Dominguez, also caters to these vertically challenged members of the family. The scooped chair and sloped back is designed to restrict movement. Not only does it look good, but there is also a removable tray for easy cleaning.
Designers are not just adapting such obvious pieces for children's use. South Korean-based designer Sehwan Oh produces lighting that prevents children from getting stiff necks when they are reading. And he is certain that good design can contribute positively to a child's development not least because it will help them, he says, 'know why design is necessary for life'.
In fact, such is the demand for creative products tailored to children's needs that an Italian collective called PLAY+ has dedicated itself to producing quality designs for the smaller audience. The collective - which includes collaborators worldwide - aims at comfort for kids not just within the home but in shopping centres, restaurants and airports. Eco-friendly materials are preferred and the emphasis is on fun, which is evident in the bright orange dome chair by Sophie Larger and the five-pronged star seat by ZPZ Partners.
Another Italian-based collective, Magis Design, launched its children's range determined to produce furniture that provokes children's imaginations. Their Javier Mariscal-designed polythene chairs, which can be used indoors and out, resemble geometric cats. Equally bright are the Trioli chairs by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio, which fulfil the needs of active (and growing) children with adjustable heights and a rocking facility.