The reality many of us face is that good quality furniture isn’t cheap. However, if you can invest in high-quality furniture that grows with your family, it’s value goes beyond its price tag. These are pieces that can be used by multiple children, and even serve a different purpose long after they’ve moved out of the house. Let’s explore 3 categories of furniture that any family home could benefit from having.

A crib is such a necessary piece of furniture in any nursery. However the challenge is often paying the price for a high quality item when you know your child will soon outgrow it. That’s why convertible cribs have become staples in many homes. They are simple to construct and are built to grow with your child. These cribs are designed to transform into a toddler bed or even a full size bed with additional pieces.

First-time parents often struggle with the list of items needed for a newborn. A changing table is useful, and arguably necessary, but it does not have to be a separate piece that will take up space and collect dust after your child has outgrown it. You can turn an existing or new dresser into a functioning changing table easily – all you need is a changing mat. Some dressers come with a matching frame or guard for a mat, but you can use any dresser and changing mat interchangeably. Just take the proper safety precautions to ensure your child is secure atop the dresser.

How to safely use a dresser as a changing table

To properly use a changing mat on a dresser you should:

✓ Attach the pad directly to the dresser. We recommend using pads that come with sticky backing or straps.
✓ Use restraints to avoid tumbles. This can be achieve via a wooden topper/frame and buckling the safety belt on top of the pad.
✓ Never leave a child unattended. Even if your child is secured on the changing mat, it does not mean there are no risks. Do no leave the room if your child is still on the changing table.

Once your child has outgrown this stage of life, you can continue to use the dresser as normal. This will give them a chance to have a nice set of bedroom furniture for the rest of their life.

Chests are one of the most versatile methods of storage for a child’s room, no matter their age. It can store toys, clothes, shoes, blankets, memorabilia, decor, and just about anything else you can think of. It’s the perfect piece for them to take when they move out of the house as it likely will save more space than it will take up. If your child does decide to leave this chest behind, it’s something that you’re bound to find use for yourself.

Uses Beyond Storage

With their simple shape and flat top, chests can serve as more than storage. You can use it as a coffee table, a TV stand/media cabinet, or an accent piece. You can even place a cushion on top of the lid to make it an additional seating area by a window or at the foot of a bed.

The dining table is one of the most crucial places to make lasting memories within your family. This is the place where a family should be able to share great food, conversation, and love. That’s why having a table that can fit your family, no matter how large or small it is, is invaluable. Some tables come with foldable leaves and others have leaves that can be attached by pulling the ends of the table out. Which option you choose will likely depend on the size and shape of your dining room.

Find the right extendable table for your dining room

Extendable tables are available in practically every shape: rectangle, square, round, and oval. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type:

The sleeper sofa is one of the most well-known pieces of furniture that can grow with the family. While often used for children’s sleepovers and guests, sometimes it is helpful when someone in your family is sick or wants a bed to themself.

Compact beds don’t have to be uncomfortable.

If you want a sleeper sofa with a more comfortable mattress than what many of us remember growing up with, look for these features:

✓ 5-6″ thick mattress for better support
✓ A material such as memory foam, latex foam, gel-infused, or hybrid.
✓ Solid platforms or webbing instead of bars

Additional things that will make your sleeper sofa mattress more comfortable include:

✓ A foam topper
✓ Breathable sheets like high-quality cotton or bamboo sheets
✓ Plush pillows and a lightweight duvet
✓ Fitted covers or straps for your toppers and sheets to keep them secure to the mattress when it’s folded.

Other Uses for a Lift-Top Coffee Table

This design can be used for more than an at home office setup. You can use a lift-top coffee table as:

✓ a snack bar while watching sports. movies, or a TV show
✓ a craft table
✓ storage for thinner blankets, remotes, chargers, books, or other living room items
✓ a game table for board games and video games

The last item on our list is the multi-purpose corner table. This piece of furniture neatly tucks itself away, not grabbing too much attention, but is still extremely useful. You can use it very similarly to the lift-top coffee table. It can serve as:

✓ a desk
✓ a craft table
✓ storage for smaller items
✓ a display table

Conclusion: Find Pieces that Have More than One Purpose

Furniture that grows with your family is a worthwhile investment because you’re making the most of pieces that are creatively designed and built to be durable. These are pieces that will carry memories and may follow your family into the next generation.

If you’re interested in discovering more pieces like these, we encourage you to check out our selection at Heritage Amish Furniture. We work alongside skilled Amish craftsmen who have a passion for building furniture for the home and the family. At our Lima and Elida showrooms, you’ll experience one-on-one service from knowledgeable staff who genuinely care about helping you find the right fit for your home.