Picking a Kid-Friendly Couch

5 Steps for Picking a Kid-Friendly Couch

by Carrie Waller

If your family is growing and becoming more active, it may be time to update some of your home's furnishings. With sofas being one of the most-used pieces of furniture in a typical house, buying a kid-friendly couch can benefit you in both the short and long term. Feeling overwhelmed at the idea of shopping for new furniture with little ones in tow? Trust us: It's totally natural to feel that way and it's absolutely possible to find a fashionable, functional couch that fits your family. A good first step in any furniture hunt is coming up with a list of your needs. That way, you're able to hone in on the style and fabric options that are right for your family, and then you can eliminate all the rest. If you choose wisely, the couch can bring your family closer together and help facilitate special memories for years to come. Here's an overview of the five most important things to consider as you hunt for a kid-friendly couch.

Daine Sofa | Lucinda 2-pc. Cocktail Table

1. KEEP DURABILITY TOP OF MIND

If there's any one tip to take away from this rundown, it's durability is key. You have enough to worry about in your life as a busy parent! The functionality of your couch shouldn't be on that list. You can give yourself a break by prioritizing fabrics that look great and stand up to whatever your kids throw at it (think: dirty feet, sticky hands, wrestling matches, etc.). Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from when hunting for a kid-friendly fabric for couches. Leather, for example, is a great one to try since it's extra tough against spills and easy to clean. Another option is a couch with performance fabric upholstery, which is made of ultra-soft, stainresistant 100% polypropylene. Don't overlook the fact that patterns can help hide inevitable blemishes. Search for a sofa that comes upholstered in colorful florals or a modern geometric motif, as these types of patterns are eye-catching enough to hide even the most stubborn of stains. If you're not sure about using bold fabric on something as big as your sofa, a patterned accent chair is a great way to incorporate designs in a smaller way that's still full of (functional) impact.

Ollie Sofa

2. PONDER THE TYPE OF PILLOW

There are a couple of different ways to approach your pillows when shopping for a kid-friendly sofa. The first option is for parents who prefer a more fuss-free lifestyle where everything generally stays in its place. In this case, look for a sofa with attached or semi-attached back pillows so your kids are less tempted to toss the cushions around. If you're not worried about the cushions coming off the couch, try finding one with just two unattached pillows across the back. That way, when your kids inevitably wrestle them to the floor to build a fort, it's only a two-part (or two-pillow) process to put your couch back together.

Linus Sofa

3. OPT FOR A BENCH SEAT

We can't discuss pillows without addressing the seat cushions! When building a kid-focused seating area, consider hunting for a bench seat cushion—that is, a single long pillow that spans the length of the couch. This means there won't be any deep valleys between the cushions where little feet, toys or crumbs might get stuck. Also, keep an eye out for sofas with a removable and washerfriendly slipcover. That way, when someone accidentally spills their juice (or your red wine) on the cushion, it's as easy as removing the cover and throwing it in the washing machine.

Macauley Sofa

4. GO BIGGER, NOT SMALLER

It might seem counterintuitive to choose the largest couch your room can handle when shopping for your smaller-scale family members, but this concept might just be ideal for a family home with kids. Children love having room to play and stretch out, after all, so find an oversized couch that affords them that space. And don't forget, children come with friends. It might just be your own kids on the couch now, but come slumber party night, there could be half a dozen children in need of a cozy spot on the couch.

5. REMEMBER, COMFORT AND STYLE ARE ALSO KEY

Yes, there are lots of features to consider when shopping for a kid-friendly couch, but comfort should still be on your list! A cozy, inviting couch encourages more family time, so look for a sofa that has a soft, rounded arms and lots of plush cushions. The right couch might just make weekly movie nights a standing family tradition, even into your child's teenage years. Aside from comfort, it's important you also think the couch looks good, as it'll be part of your living space for some time. What type of silhouette complements your existing furniture? If your style leans a little mid-century, focus your search on sofas that sport clean lines and tufted detailing. Or, if your interior style is more traditional, look for a sofa accented with nailhead trim and exposed wooden legs. A chenille sofa is a great example, since it's stylish and comes upholstered in a woven fabric that's soft yet durable, which means it can stand up well to everyday use by your kids. Finding the perfect kid-friendly couch for your home doesn't have to be difficult. Start by making a list of your must-haves (don't forget to put kid-friendly fabric for couches toward the top), and start your search from there.