Kid-friendly living rooms are far simpler to design than you thought possible. We show you how.
Moving from a couple’s home to a family-friendly house is an important step that doesn’t have to be stressful. You don’t have to transform your home into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to make it suitable for kids. Instead, with some clever design choices, you can maintain an adult atmosphere while still creating a living room that’s welcoming and enjoyable for the whole family. Design Café demonstrates that it’s possible to have both kid-friendly design and style in your living room.
Take a look at our pocket-friendly, practical solutions for a kid-friendly living room for your growing family.
Smart Storage Is A Must For Kid-Friendly Living Rooms
It’s true that having children can make it feel like there’s never enough space in the living room. One way to create more storage and reduce clutter is to choose furniture that includes built-in or hidden storage options. Modular cabinetry can be a great choice for this purpose, as it can be customized to fit your specific needs and can be used to store a variety of items. DesignCafe offers a range of modular cabinetry options that can help you keep your living room organized and increase the available floor space.
It’s important to have some form of containment in the living room to maintain order and keep things organized. Low-maintenance, decorative storage bins with lids or doors are a good option for this purpose, as they can help keep toys and other items out of sight and off the floor. Storage benches, ottomans, and credenzas that also serve as TV units are other great options that provide both function and style. These types of furniture pieces can help keep your living room looking tidy and stylish, while also providing convenient storage for your children’s belongings.
A bench is a great seating and storage option
Invest In Performance Fabrics For A Kid-Friendly Living Room
When choosing furniture for your kid-friendly living room, it’s a good idea to select materials that are durable and easy to clean. You could choose an inexpensive upholstery material that can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged, or consider using heavy-duty, performance fabric that is designed to withstand wear and tear. Industrial-grade fabrics are also a good option, as they are fade-resistant and can withstand most types of damage. These types of fabrics are available in a range of patterns and textures, and some designers are even using outdoor fabrics in kid-friendly living rooms because of their durability and style.
When it comes to choosing furniture for a kid-friendly living room, synthetic fibers are generally easier to clean and more resistant to wear and tear than natural materials. Leather is an exception to this rule, as it is very durable and can withstand almost anything except a catastrophic event. Slipcovers are another good option for couches and other upholstered furniture, as they can be easily removed and washed when needed. Keep in mind that it’s important to choose materials that are comfortable and durable, as well as easy to maintain, to ensure that your living room furniture can withstand the rigors of daily use by children.
Performance fabrics reduce maintenance time
Rounded Edges Rule Kid-Friendly Living Room Design Ideas
For families with young children, it’s important to choose furniture that is safe and free from sharp edges. Glass table tops should also be avoided, as they can be easily broken and create a hazard. Instead, consider using large ottomans, wooden or marble table tops, pouffes, and futons as seating and table options. Keep breakable decor items, such as ceramics and glass, out of reach to reduce the risk of accidents. If you do want a coffee table, a round wooden table is a good choice, as it has softer edges and is less likely to cause injury. Upholstered seating and tables are also a good choice, as they are softer and more forgiving if a child bumps into them.
It’s a good idea to have a variety of seating options in your kid-friendly living room to accommodate the needs of your children and guests. You can add a couple of ottomans under a high coffee table or place small bean bag chairs in the room to provide additional seating options. You may be surprised to find that kids often prefer to relax on floor-level seating options like ottomans and bean bags rather than using traditional furniture. This can be a great way to create a more casual, relaxed atmosphere in the living room, while also providing comfortable seating options for your children.
Ottomans under the coffee table create more seating
Rugs Soften Kid-Friendly Living Rooms
Rugs can be a great addition to any kid-friendly living room, as they provide warmth and comfort underfoot, and can help protect children from falls on hard floors. Durable, anti-slip area rugs made of natural fibers are a good choice, as they are resistant to stains and spills and are easy to clean. Synthetic and silk rugs are not as practical in a kid-friendly home, as they tend to stain easily and may not be as durable. Natural fibers such as jute and wool are generally better alternatives, as they are more resistant to wear and tear and easier to maintain.
A rug with a busy design will camouflage stains
Also, Read About Living Room Rugs That Promise An Instant Makeover
Open Layouts For Kid-Friendly Living Rooms
Large, open spaces that flow seamlessly into one another can be great for kids, as they encourage exploration and free play. You can create this type of open layout in your kid-friendly living room by using large windows and sliding doors to bring the outdoors in, and by incorporating child-friendly plants and foliage to liven up the area. An open layout is also very versatile, as it allows you to rearrange furniture and decor to suit your changing needs as your children grow. This type of layout can continue to work well for your family as your kids get older, as it can easily be adapted to meet the changing needs of the family.
Open layouts lead kid-friendly living room ideas
The living room is often the busiest and most central area of the home, serving as a gathering place for conversation, relaxation, and entertainment. By following some kid-friendly living room design ideas, such as incorporating storage solutions and versatile seating options, you can create a space that is both functional and welcoming for your whole family, including kids and grandparents. With the right design, your living room can be a comfortable and enjoyable place for movie nights, playtime, and other activities, no matter how many kids or adults are present.