How long should I plan on children's furniture lasting for?

I am looking into new furniture for the kids. I don't know if I should get a set that suits them until they are teenagers (which for Emma is like 8 years )or if I should go cheaper and get them something I won't care replacing sooner. Ideas please.

Message edited 11/25/2006 2:00:41 PM.

Re: How long should I plan on children's furniture lasting for?

We got Bella a set to last (hopefully) until she moves out! I just couldn't see spending (even cheaply) money just to get rid of it in a few years. JMO. We picked out a set and my MIL said she'd pay for 1/2 and she never did But, I would have gotten it anyway if she hadn't offered.

Sorry, don't know if I helped or not.

Re: How long should I plan on children's furniture lasting for?

I guess it depends on what you need and what your house set up will be. In my case, my 2 boys will be sharing a room. I want to get them bunk beds but it wont be until they are 6 and 2 (they are 4 and 6 months now). At that point I want to spend the money and get them a good quality set. My DD has my nieces hand me down furniture. It lasted a long time, she is 22 now and she had it for most of her childhood years, and now her 2 year old cousin is using it so thats good quality IMO. Her room is small so I know we are going to want to get her a loft bed with drawers underneath when shes out of her toddler bed.

Some of the childrens sets dont have very deep drawers. As they get bigger and their clothes get bigger, if the drawers are shallow, you're not going to fit a heck of alot in there. If you are looking for long term furniture, keep that in mind when shopping. My advice is to think about their room size and whose rooming with whom when you buy. And if you dont know yet...make due with something that is inexpensive for now.

Re: How long should I plan on children's furniture lasting for?

Well we went with Bellini for Julia's furniture because we wanted her to grow with it, her crib turns into a day bed, and her changing table turns into a desk. Its very $$, but I feel its well worth it.

Re: How long should I plan on children's furniture lasting for?

Thanks Elizabeth. I had the same feelings. I have no idea who is going to be where and when or what this baby is... This is what I was looking at for Em.

http://www.allchildrensfurniture.com/South-Shore-3210-Series-TH1223.html

Re: How long should I plan on children's furniture lasting for?

My son is using my daughter's furniture, 8 years later and I plan to keep it for him for a long time. She is using my furniture that I used as a kid!