Synopsis: Whether you want to make quick-and-dirty painted furniture that will stand up to child use, or an heirloom piece that matches an adult table or chair, designing furniture for children carries its own set of rewards and challenges. There are many design considerations that revolve around how children see and interact with furniture, and a whole set of opportunities to incorporate fun and whimsy into your work. But kids’ furniture also requires a special emphasis on safety, whether you are building a dresser, a crib or cradle, a bunk bed, or a toy chest. Here are a tips on building furniture that will bring out the kid in you and inspire the kids around you.

Whether it’s for your children, grandchildren, or the children of other family and friends, making things for the kids in your life can be uniquely satisfying. But there are challenges as well. How do you know what will be appreciated or what will be safe? Children’s furniture differs from the adult variety in many ways, much as children themselves do.

A whole set of design considerations revolves around how children see and interact with furniture. But these are opportunities— new creative avenues for designer and builder. Kids’ furniture also requires a special emphasis on safety that should guide you every step of the way.

Exercise your creative freedom

There are several approaches to designing furniture for children. All are fun in their own way. For example, children love having their own version of a special adult piece. It makes them feel grown up, even though they’ll certainly use the furniture in some rather un-grown-up ways.

On the other hand, many successful designs have an element of whimsy, such as bold shapes and bright colors. I believe children see the world as…