How to Choose Dining Room Furniture Suitable for Kids

Find a durable set with faux leather or microfiber seat covers that will repel juice stains.

Decorating for children is much like raising children. While decorating, you'll encounter the many positives, such as his first steps, and the inevitable negatives -- her first public tantrum. Yes, you want the table that matches both your budget and your decor, but without the constant worry that it will succumb to the damage that only a juice-wielding toddler can yield. The trick is taking both in stride by cherishing the good while preparing for the worst. Your dining room furniture can still be safe, sturdy and, most importantly, stylish.

Tabletop Material

When choosing a dining room table, carefully consider the table's material. Tile-top and stainless steel tables are both easy to clean and durable. Stainless steel works best with modern decor and complements stainless steel appliances, a plus if the dining room is open to the kitchen. Depending upon the style and color of the tiles used on the tabletop, tile-top tables work in almost any space. Use white tiles for coastal design or sage green for Arts and Crafts-themed spaces. Wood tables also complement a variety of design styles and offer durability. If you have younger children, you may want to consider gently used tables with small scratches and dings that have a patina and offer relaxed style, but if your kids are older, you should consider new wooden tables, which, if well cared for, could become an heirloom piece.

Table Shapes

Aside from table material, the other big consideration is table shape, and often the shape of the room can help with this decision. Long dining rooms call for long tables, while oval or round tables suit wider rooms. Be sure to take precise measurements when furnishing dining rooms that are open to either the kitchen or living room and to also take into consideration the amount of clearance needed between the table and the wall or a piece of furniture. The maximum amount of clearance space needed to move freely is 4 feet, while 3 feet is the least amount.

Take a Seat

If you have younger children, you may want to resist buying multiple matching dining room chairs when the children are still in high chairs or booster seats. High chairs, for a short time, replace the need for a dining room chair, while the bottom of the booster seat may scratch the dining room chair surface. Steal an idea from the eclectic style of decorating and use mismatched chairs that are of the same height. If you have older children, and their inevitable guests, opt for a bench rather than buying seats in bulk. Use a bench on just one or both sides of the table and invest in sturdy, comfortable chairs for the end of the table. Find chairs with microfiber fabric covering or better yet, keep seating all wood for easy cleaning.

Consider Wear and Tear

Also consider the amount of wear and tear a piece of furniture must endure. Invest in a durable, machine-washable and attractive table covering to use for parties when the dining room table is used as a craft and homework space. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of other dining room furniture such as a sideboard or a china cabinet. Any free-standing furniture needs to be both bolted to the wall and outfitted with child-safety locks.

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