Family Friendly Furniture: Living Room, Den Seating

I love decorating. I stalk decor blogs and websites. I cut out tear sheets from magazines and have a whole folder full of inspiration. It is a sickness. But it is also a lot of fun. However, it can also be a little frustrating.

So many of the catalogs and designers are decorating for people who don't have young children. So although the rooms make me drool, I have to edit them to make them more family friendly and safe. If you are thinking about your own living room (den), here are some ideas that we think work for when your kids are young.

Sofa Couch Seating
1. Buy the best made stuff you can afford. 8 way hand tied and all that jazz. Because even if you don't want them to, your kids are going to jump all over your furniture. Like while you are in the shower. Or making dinner. Trust us. They can't resist. Instead of having a couch that sags after 3 years and needs to be replaced, buy one that can stand up to real-life wear and tear and you will be happy for a long time. Even if the fabric get out of style, you can have it recovered or have a custom slip cover made. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
2. Leather is the most forgiving "fabric" because it is soooo easy to clean. Just wipe. However you do have to oil it here and there or it will look cracked and dry over time.
3. Slipcovers can be your friend. Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, IKEA... all the big brands have seating with custom slipcovers. You can wash or dry clean yours to keep it looking brand new in spite of all the spit up it has seen. And, again, if you tire of the fabric color you can always order a different one later. Genius!