What Kind of Material Should I Choose for My Child's Bed

The sleigh bed is one of those styles that we immediately associate with traditional because of their silk finishes, graceful curves and flowing lines. Traditional furnishings are inspired by the fashions and customs of the past, ranging from the elaborate fussiness of Victorian times to the rich simplicity of French Country. It is probably for this reason that traditional-style pieces like a dresser or nightstand can make a room feel informal or formal, depending on the time period that has been used as inspiration.

Contemporary children’s bedroom furniture is known for its simplicity of line, shape and form. A blend of modern, casual and traditional styles, the contemporary style emerged during the second half of the 20th century. By underplaying the ornate lines and rich textures of more traditional furniture, a contemporary bedroom set might mix natural elements with bold color.

Casual children’s bedroom furnishings are comfortable, warm and inviting. This style is characterized by simple details, textured elements such as lattice work, and horizontal panel insets. Rectangular and softly curved elements contribute to its relaxed feel. Furniture can be oversized or large in scale to emphasize its coziness and functionality. A bunk bed in the casual style is ideal for creating a child’s room that will posses the comfortable look of contemporary and the warm, charming feel of the traditional.

Simple style is even more pared down and leaner than casual furniture. Characterized by clean, uncomplicated lines, casual furnishings are inviting, warm and comfortable while unpretentious in form. A child’s room, which might include a trundle bed, furnished in simple style may appear more uncluttered because of minimal architectural detail. Finishes are usually lighter than traditional or casual furniture.

Country furniture combines more formal traditional styles with provincial charm, and are known for being comfortable, cozy and welcoming. They contain a distinctive period flavor like Colonial or English Country. Country style furnishings are almost always constructed of wood, ranging from light to medium finishes. Some of the more common types of finishes are grainy, painted or distressed. Country furniture can include whimsical details like hand-painted stenciling, hand-carved insets, shutter style panels and French twist embossing.

Transitional style children’s bedroom furnishings blend together contemporary and traditional styles. Typically this style merges austere lines with intricate curves and natural wood finishes with lustrous metals. It also utilizes neutral palette finishes like taupe, tan and vanilla. Since it is a mix of other styles, it adapts easily and blends in with a wide range of designs and fashions. The versatility of transitional bedroom furniture, like a four poster bed, makes it a good choice for a child’s room because as the child grows, pieces, not necessarily in the same style, can be added.