Versatility is the key
Parents should plan their children's rooms before making any buying decisions, writes John Cremer
With space at a premium in most homes, there is demand for children's furniture that is functional, flexible, and offers storage options. This makes modular children's beds a popular choice since they can be adapted as needs change.
"The basic module can be turned into a low-rise or mid-rise bed, higher or lower bunk beds, or loft beds of different heights," says Moira Roberts of Kokoon Beds and Bedding. There is also scope to create an L-shaped configuration, and the accompanying range of furniture is designed to maximise every square foot of space.
"Our storage options include a two-drawer cabinet that fits under a low-rise bed plus cupboards and wardrobes," Roberts says. "Flexible shelving can start with a basic box unit, which you can then expand by adding drawers, cupboard doors and a desk as children get older."
Roberts says solid wooden furniture is a better choice than medium-density fibre board. The latter is generally not as hard-wearing and uses chemicals in the veneers to bind the constituent materials together.
Lucy McLennan, marketing manager of Bumps to Babes, says versatility is the key for many customers buying children's furniture and that careful planning pays off. A cot can have "extended life" if convertible into a cot bed. Bunks can become single beds or vice versa. And "high sleepers" create the option of handy under-bed storage space for toys, plastic containers of out-of-season clothes, or an extra sleep-over trundle bed.