Final week, a reader popped into my DMs on Instagram to ask me if there was a motive they by no means noticed us utilizing what she known as “pure fiber” rugs in our room reveals. I needed to verify what she meant by that, however I assumed she was referring to supplies like seagrass and sisal. I couldn’t communicate for the remainder of the fantastic ladies on this web site who design their areas, however for me, it was easy: They’re simply not kid-friendly.
I say this from expertise, as somebody with a pure woven rug that, after almost 4 years of present with a toddler round it, seems prefer it got here out of the worker lounge on the Play-Doh manufacturing facility. “I’m searching for one thing impartial, smooth, and child-friendly. You answered my query,” stated the reader, after I advised her I a lot desire a wool rug with a thick pile or one thing washable.
However then I bought to pondering. What else would I inform somebody who has younger youngsters or plans to have them quickly to keep away from shopping for? I sat in my front room wanting round, taking psychological notes of what works and what’s lower than best for my preschooler. Then, I moved round my home, house by house, tagging extra notes in my mind. And right here, I current to you my listing of seven issues that possibly simply aren’t the most effective choose for curious little peanut butter arms. These all include my typical caveat that none of that is make-or-break, after all (properly, possibly with one as an exception). I had and have no less than half of what’s detailed beneath, and all of us survived, even when issues are wanting type of scruffy round right here. This isn’t a “throw all of it away and begin from scratch” state of affairs by any means, however extra of a good-to-know and tuck away in your thoughts for when it’s possible you’ll be including to your house’s design and furnishings plan.
Don’t #1: Seagrass Or Sisal Rugs
Wow, my Lulu & Georgia rug, which was acquired a few years earlier than my daughter got here round, was SO CLEAN at one level. Truthfully, it stayed wanting that good till about two years in the past, when our front room grew to become our playroom and our motionless child changed into a artistic toddler. Except for the time I spilled an ENTIRE glass of a inexperienced smoothie onto this rug and by some means managed to scrub all of it up with out a hint, it has not fared as properly since. Why? As a result of it’s fabricated from this woven pure wool-sisal mix, and it’s almost unimaginable to get something off of it!
Right here is exhibit one and two of a freshly vacuumed rug. You might THINK it wants a cleansing, however this IS it clear. Dot markers merely don’t come off a rug of this materials. Not with an upholstery cleansing machine, not with Folex (although it does work wonders on many different issues), not with elbow grease and a few prayer chants. Play-Doh and kinetic sand that you simply didn’t understand was already smooshed into all of the fibers, then dried up earlier than you possibly can get round to it? These don’t come out, both. My wool rug within the kitchen that has *seen issues*? It’s doing nice, with barely any battle wounds.
Do As an alternative: Wool Or Washable Rug
As I advised to the reader who contacted me, I’ll recommend to you: Persist with a cut-pile wool or one thing washable in the event you’re okay with polyester. The explanation I like a cut-pile wool rug over one thing woven is as a result of that tight texture acts as a barrier towards absorption. No matter spills simply sits on prime, like water on a duck’s feathers, giving us sufficient time to behave and wipe. Something that’s been smooshed into it has additionally been very simple to scrub with an all-purpose spray and a rag. I might by no means say the identical for a seagrass rug.
As for washable rugs, I admit, I don’t love them as a result of they aren’t one thing that’s going to final you for many years (or centuries) like wool will, however they’re an incredible “for now” answer for somebody who desires to fashion and softness of a rug with out the headache.
From Left: Pierce & Ward Deco Border Handwoven Wool Rug | Through Machine Washable Rug | Prism Handwoven Efficiency Rug
Don’t #2: Textured Or Mild-Coloured Material Couch
I can’t think about I’ve to do a lot explaining right here on the light-colored half. Are there properties on the market with white or beige sofas that co-exist with youngsters? I guess there are. And earlier than I grew to become a mom, I’m completely sure I’d have stated one thing naive, comparable to “I’ll simply train my baby to not soiled my furnishings.” I’ve a reasonably cautious, aware baby who will not be damaging or takes pleasure in messing issues up, and there’s nonetheless loads of proof of toddler life in most spots in my residence. It’s simply how it’s, irrespective of how angelic you assume your offspring will likely be. As for texture, it’s for a similar motive I gave for the pure fiber rugs. Texture = crevices that acquire every little thing, which makes it so troublesome to correctly clear.
Do As an alternative: Velvet Or Efficiency Material Upholstery
Boy, do I’ve a bone to choose with the web, which consistently says velvet is a high-maintenance material that needs to be averted. Certain, it’s not nice for everybody, however I’ve solely ever had optimistic experiences with cleansing up every little thing you’ll be able to think about on a darkish blue velvet couch. I would not have pets, however I additionally hear it’s an honest answer for something clawed because it doesn’t have any loops to catch on nails.
Generally, velvet or not, purchase one thing in a efficiency material that may work with you, not towards you, in a busy family. A slipcover can also be nice for laundry your self or letting the professionals on the dry cleaner deal with.
From Left: Oscar Couch | Raffiné Couch by Athena Calderone | Sloan Slipcovered Chaise Sectional
Don’t #3: Any Glass-Prime or -Entrance Furnishings
At my daughter’s six-month pediatrician’s appointment, we advised her physician that she was crawling and pulling herself up on furnishings. I’ll always remember the very first thing out of her mouth: “You probably have any glass furnishings—espresso tables, facet tables, glass-front cupboards—do away with them now.” It wasn’t a suggestion, it was a command. Newsflash: Infants and toddlers like to take their arduous toys, or something they will discover for that matter, and bang them on any floor they will attain. Banging + glass isn’t a mixture that ought to exist round a tiny human. Additionally, other than security, it’s simply SO FREAKING LOUD. You should have sufficient audio stimulation, I promise. You’ll not be hoping for me. Follow wooden.
Do As an alternative: Wooden Furnishings
Bonus factors for wooden furnishings with rounded edges, notably in a room that will get quite a lot of foot visitors. Sure, you’ll be able to add foam bumpers (we did) for the primary 12 months or two of their strolling careers, however even after, they handle to rough-house, bounce, and dance their approach to harm by some means.
From Left: Panos Brown Stable Acacia Wooden 51″ Oval Espresso Desk | Pierce & Ward Wooden Tiered Facet Desk (18″) | Voyage Pure 2-Door 3-Drawer Bed room Armoire Closet By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent
Don’t #4: Furnishings With Slim Grooves Or Texture
At this level, I sound like a damaged file about this texture stuff. However clearly, I can’t say it sufficient. These early years, once they can’t wipe their arms correctly or their curiosity about how the world (and their slime) works is at an all-time excessive, will not be when you ought to be investing in a stunning piece just like the nightstand within the above picture.
I additionally needed to deliver this one up as a result of a lot furnishings available on the market right this moment seems prefer it has shiplap on the entrance of it, with small, slim seams a number of instances over. That, or deep ridges and fluting. When you worth your free time and the cleanliness of your house, keep away from, keep away from, keep away from! I can’t inform you what number of instances I used to be on my arms and knees with a toothpick and a moist rag, cleansing out the tiny traces on my storage cupboard doorways in my front room. And once more, I’ve a child who likes cleansing up and doesn’t go rogue with markers or finger paints typically.
Do As an alternative: Easy, Simply To Clear Surfaces
What you need as a substitute is a easy floor. Flat panel fronts. Restricted seams. Sufficient sheen that issues wipe off. Matte finishes are magnets to filth and dirt, and god allow you to if oily issues splatter on it. You will be cool in one other 10-15 years, okay? However for now, simply go forward and make your life simpler. Your private home continues to be going to be stunning, even with out that caned-front media cupboard.
From Left: Relaxation Straightforward Nightstand With Drawer | Mid Century Trendy Wooden Curio Cupboard Black Oak | Anders Media Console, 72″ in Walnut
Don’t #5: Upholstered Or Leather-based Eating Chairs
I nonetheless have these eating chairs above. And fortunately, they’re doing okay, except for the melted chocolate that was pressed into it simply this weekend from making pretzel-chocolate spider webs. Shiny leather-based is one factor, however that uncooked, matte leather-based you see in all places that appears so stylish? Don’t get that in your eating chairs as a result of good luck cleansing them. I haven’t had a lot luck with leather-based cleaners for this particular end of leather-based, and once more, my chairs are in first rate form contemplating they’re on the excellent top for a brand new walker to seize to regular themselves contemporary off a bowl of strawberry Greek yogurt.
The identical goes for material upholstery. Can it’s cleaned? Yeah most likely. Is that one thing you’ll need to do or have time to do? No. What do you have to get as a substitute? Glad you requested…
Do As an alternative: Wooden Or Efficiency Material Eating Chairs
There’s a theme right here with the flexibility of wooden in a house with youngsters. When you’re involved with consolation, you’ll be able to all the time add a detachable seat pad that may be cleaned or swapped if worse involves worst. Oh, and like within the couch world, there’s additionally efficiency material. The providing is much less huge in eating chairs than for couches, however you will discover them. Or you’ll be able to supply your personal Sunbrella or Crypton material, as an example, and get your chairs reupholstered.
From Left: Morton Eating Chair – Black | Petrie Barley Ash Mustard Upholstered Eating Chair with Efficiency Material | Merritt Oak Eating Chair
Don’t #6: Furnishings on Casters That Don’t Lock
You see that little cupboard up there? With the lovable casters? These don’t lock, and on wooden or tile flooring, it’s really easy to maneuver round. When your child is younger, this can be a dangerous factor as a result of it’s not steady as they be taught to face or stroll. They will both topple over because of the furnishings transferring, or one thing on the highest of it might fall over onto them, too. Once they’re older, they’ll have totally different motivations. I nonetheless have this cupboard and fortunately, my child has little interest in it, however that will not be the identical fact for an additional child that comes alongside or in a unique household. Your greatest guess is sturdy, immovable furnishings.
Do As an alternative: Furnishings You Can Safe
If you have already got one thing on casters or that hasn’t been secured, take this as your alternative to get what you want, and don’t be sorry later. Dressers, cupboards, TVs not mounted to the wall…it’s all truthful sport for security considerations. It *ought to* go with out saying that any heavy furnishings, particularly something with drawers or cabinets that may be climbed, needs to be secured to the wall, however I’m saying it once more as a result of it’s immensely essential. I’ve those on the underside proper and like them as a result of you’ll be able to’t actually see them behind issues, and the zip tie is detachable/adjustable. That peace of thoughts is priceless.
From Left: Hangman Black Furnishings Anti-Tip Equipment 400 lb 1 pk | TV & Furnishings Security Straps | 4our Kiddies Furnishings Straps (10 Pack) Child Proofing Anti Tip Furnishings Anchors Equipment
Don’t #7: Wallpaper On The Decrease Half Of Your Partitions
In contrast to paint, wallpaper can’t simply be simply touched up. Crayons, markers, everlasting markers ::gasps!!!!::, and even simply all of the scruff marks of thrown toys, and vrooming vehicles and vans should not suitable with costly, delicate wallpaper. However don’t fear, it’s not all or nothing (see beneath).
Do As an alternative: Wallpaper Above A Chair Rail (Or Simply Satin Wall Paint)
My recommendation to anybody who desires the colour and sample of wallpaper however is confused a couple of child ruining it’s to maintain it on the highest 1/3 of the wall, above trimwork or a chair rail. That method, it’s way more out of attain from all of the motion however nonetheless checks the packing containers of your design wants.
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So, have something so as to add right here? Have one thing I discussed however you’d prefer to refute my warning? I’m all ears. Thanks for being right here right this moment. Till subsequent time…
*Opening Picture Credit: Design by Emily Henderson | Photograph by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Mountain Home Reveal: How We Designed Our Tremendous Child-Pleasant Household Room
