4 Tips for Creating a Kid Friendly Living Room

Thank you to At Home for partnering with us.

Most would say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but in our house that title definitely  goes to our living room. It's where we read, play games, pile up on the sofa to watch a movie, and the list goes on.

 

As the weather turns cooler our living room naturally sees even more action than usual. So with fall officially here I knew it was time to change the one thing in our living that was the very opposite of kid friendly - our antique glass coffee table. The top is not secured to the base in any way, shape, or form. I'll let you use your imagination on how nerve-racking and annoying that can be with kids.

 

Now this table has a special place in my heart because as I shared on Instagram I was with my hubby when we found it during a rare date night {more like a date day, but you get the point}, yet I had to be honest with myself and admit it wasn't working for our family.

Once we replaced it with a more functional coffee table and I made a few other tweaks we have what I think is a very kid friendly living room without sacrificing style!

Magnolia Market Blanket Ladder

Tips for creating a kid friendly living room

1. Functional Coffee Table

The Sarina coffee table from At Home unlike my glass coffee table is an virtually indestructible yet stylish solution for our living room. I really like how it tones down the feeling of formality the room had before. The size is perfect for family game nights, with enough room to hold our snacks and treats too {even if we have our feet up}. 

 

The locking castor wheels makes easy work of moving the table out-of-the-way when the kids are ready to get down with a session of Just Dance.

 

My very favorite feature though, is having the bottom shelve for extra storage {because you can never have too much storage with kids}.  The baskets are also from At Home, and they are great for storing things that's usually littered across the coffee table like games, video game accessories, books, and magazines.

*Tip:  Sometimes natural fiber baskets can be a little scratchy, adding some self sticking  furniture pads underneath them will help protect your furniture. 

 

2. Easy To clean upholstered pieces

Having a slipcovered sofa and arm chair also makes for a very kid friendly living room, because I'm not as worried about spills and stains. I can just throw the covers in the wash if there's an accident.

You can read my tips and tricks on how I keep my white sectional clean in this post.

 

3. Versatile Seating 

Having lightweight and easy to move pieces like ottomans and stools in forgiving colors and fabrics {like these wipeable faux leather ottomans} are a must in a kid friendly living room. You never know when you're going to have half the neighborhood in your living room playing Pokemon LOL.

The other great thing about these pieces is that they can perform double duty.  Both the stools and ottomans can be used as a table {with a tray}, footstools, and of course extra seating.

 

And speaking of furniture that does double duty, I also brought in this beautiful ceramic garden stool from At Home {I'm in love with it you guys!}.

 

If you read my post,  4 of the most versatile home decor pieces you can own. You already know my love for garden stools! You can use them in a variety of ways. A small side table or extra seating in a pinch to name a few.

 

4. Cozy touches both kids adults can appreciate

Piles of pillows, and cozy throw blankets creates inviting spots that are perfect for snuggling with a book or watching TV.

 

So I have a serious hoarding problem when it comes to cozy throws ?. At Home had a great selection of throw blankets, and I couldn't leave this pretty blue one behind!

 

 

I love having a well decorated home, but I also want it to be functional for everyday family life! I'm so happy to have switched some things around to create a space that's relaxed, comfy, and stylish.

A big thank you to At Home for partnering with me on this post today. Be sure to check out their amazing selection of affordable home decor and furniture!

I hope these 4 tips will help you create a kid and family friendly living space!

Linking up with: SWEET INSPIRATION LINK PARTY #25 | TUTORIALS & TIPS LINK PARTY {273} | Link Party Palooza