If you have small children, you should not have to choose between having kid-friendly furniture and having attractive furniture. Today you can find furniture that's beautiful and family-friendly. There are many choices available, so look for certain features before you begin shopping for furniture.
Look for Hardy Surfaces:
Look for surfaces that can take some abuse, such as spills and scratches.- Guess which surface is easy to clean and can take a lot of abuse? Leather. It can be wiped clean easily and makes any room look better.
- Oak and cherry are durable woods, and can take a beating, but avoid pine as it dents easily.
- Glass tabletops will not succumb to stains, but should be avoided with younger children around.
Consider Storage:
Children can create lots of clutter, so consider furniture that offers lots of storage.- Entertainment centers and armoires can be used for storing anything and are ideal for keeping rooms orderly and free of video games, CDs and toys.
- Look for chests in a variety of styles and finishes. Many furniture manufacturers offer them in a range of sizes and styles that are perfect for the family room or the bedroom.
Choose Versatility:
With growing children your needs keep changing all the time. Consider furniture that can be put to another use later on as needs change.Furniture such as computer workstations or coffee tables is usually placed in areas of the home where the whole family spends time together. You may want to pick what suits your needs at present, but remember that these items can be used in more than one location and can be rearranged at a later time.
Source:
http://furniture.about.com/od/childrensfurniture/qt/ki4109ds.htm