What type of material furniture should you choose for a children’s room?

When furnishing a child's room, design is not the only factor that matters. Safety, durability, and ecological aspects should always come first. Below is an overview of the most popular furniture materials, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Solid Wood

✔ Pros:

• Natural and eco-friendly

• Strong and long-lasting

• Can be restored (sanded, repainted)

• Non-toxic if treated with safe paints/varnishes

❌ Cons:

• More expensive than other materials

• Heavier, making it harder to move

Best wood types: birch, oak, pine

2. MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

✔ Pros:

• Smooth, uniform surface – easy to work with

• Cheaper than solid wood

• Available in many colors and finishes

❌ Cons:

• If it contains formaldehyde, it can be harmful to health

• Less resistant to moisture than solid wood

Important: Always choose MDF with E0 or E1 formaldehyde emission class for better safety.

3. Plywood

✔ Pros:

• Stronger than MDF, but lighter than solid wood

• Less prone to cracking and warping

• Popular in Scandinavian-style children's furniture

❌ Cons:

• Quality depends on the type of glue – eco-friendly adhesives are recommended

• Sometimes more expensive than MDF

4. Plastic

✔ Pros:

• Lightweight and safe (no sharp edges)

• Easy to clean

• Available in bright, fun colors

❌ Cons:

• Not as durable as wood-based materials

• Cheap variants may contain toxins (always check for BPA-free, PVC-free)

• Less environmentally friendly

5. Metal

✔ Pros:

• Strong and durable

• Easy to maintain

• Stable, suitable for beds and shelves

❌ Cons:

• Cold and hard – less cozy than wood

• Heavier and not always child-friendly in design

Conclusion: What's the Best Choice?

• Solid wood is the safest, most natural, and most durable option.

• Plywood and MDF are good alternatives with lower costs – but pay attention to eco-certifications.

• Plastic can work well for temporary or play furniture, but not as a long-term solution.

• Metal is suitable for specific furniture (like bunk beds), but less ideal for younger children.

👉 If your priority is safety, ecology, and durability, the best choice is solid wood furniture with non-toxic finishes.