Select Versatile Furniture for Pieces That Grow With Your Child

When you're expecting a new child into your family, it's important to think ahead and select versatile furniture for the nursery. Though you're probably overwhelmed by all the things you'll need to get to welcome your new little one, if you choose carefully, planning for when the little baby is a bigger child, you'll have what you need through many years.

The crib you so lovingly want to buy may be outgrown in less time than it takes you to decide where to put it. And that cute changing table will be history once diapers are a thing of the past.

How about trying to create a room that grows with your child? Choose pieces of furniture that transform from infant use to a toddler to teen years.

You could redecorate every two or three years. Or your could plan ahead and choose furniture that has a life beyond babyhood. Taking advantage of these products makes decorating sense, economic sense, and common sense.

A room for a child that is versatile and will last for years has to be furnished with furniture and accessories that can grow, change, and adapt to new uses.

Furniture designers have created cribs that easily convert into junior beds, small sofas, daybeds, settees, and later twin size beds. Many of them provide extensions or side rail kits.

PoshTots interior designer Pam O'Hallaron notes that, "Toddler beds are smaller than twin beds and accommodate a crib size mattress. They are often designed with raised sides to prevent children from rolling out."

For example, the Simon Horn crib shown here will see your baby through infancy in style. Later, remove the slatted sides of this crib for a sturdy toddler bed. And later still, the back can be reattached to create a small daybed or settee. "A daybed offers the look of a sofa or small settee appealing to children as they get older. When placed against the wall they open up the room for a stimulating area rug and more room for active play. Many also offer an optional trundle bed, ensuring sleepovers are easy and comfortable," says O'Hallaron.

Another piece that is multi-functional is a changing tables that transitions into a chest. An armoire offers a variety of options for storage as a child grows. She explains that "the multi-purpose armoire once used in the nursery can also house your child's television, videos, gaming console and stereo."

These unique and adaptable furnishings give you the confidence that a beautifully decorated room will not only look great over the years, but adapt to your child's changing needs.

If you like the idea of buying versatile furnishings that will grow up with your child, you might wonder what else is available? See more versatile pieces for kids in our versatile furnishings slide show.