Home Room: Creating Cool Bedrooms for Girls and Boys AFMA Offers Insight Into Children's Furniture

Furniture World Magazine

A study by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) reveals that while children spend a lot of time in their rooms, boys and girls are busy doing different things. Below AFMA offers parents some insight about furniture. Carrie is 10 years old and in the 5 th grade. She has lots of friends, likes to read and talk to her friends online and on the telephone. She sends e-mail to her grandparents and pen pals, and writes in her journal each day. Carrie may be the typical tween girl. She spends a lot of time in her room with friends as well as by herself. Now is the perfect age to upgrade her bedroom furniture and accessories to accommodate her hobbies and interests. o Girls want a stylish place where they can hang out and sleep, as well as entertain friends. Consider a trundle bed, daybed or bunk bed for sleepover guests. o Help desk. Because girls are likely to spend time in their rooms studying and reading, they will appreciate a desk to organize their schoolwork and other hobbies. This piece can even move with them into their first dorm room or apartment. o Dress-up dresser. Today's young women can achieve even greater storage with an armoire providing space for playthings, a television or computer system, in addition to clothing. Bobby is 12. The time he spends in his room is with friends, playing video games and watching TV. His closet currently doubles as his toy chest, with spillover shoved under the bed. He listens to music, and has lots of CDs, games and even some equipment Mom and Dad can't figure out how to use. o Techno-center. Today's furniture makers are producing attractive home entertainment cabinets perfectly scaled to fit into smaller bedrooms - and hide techno-clutter. o Shelf life. Bookshelves are perfect for displaying sports memorabilia and trophies. o Read and relax. An upholstered chair or loveseat will create the perfect spot to flop down and listen to CDs, watch TV or play video games.