Buying tips for youth furniture

1) Furniture sizes are very important in youth rooms. Remember children tend to use large areas of floor for play, so if possible plan to have as large a space as the room will provide. As children get older this becomes less of an issue.

2) Try and buy youth groups that are more style neutral, not too "little girl" or "little boy" so when he or she turns 10 and is all of a sudden an "grown up", the furniture looks grown up too. Ideally, if bought correctly, it should last until they move out.

3) With today's video games, computers and the like, remember to plan accordingly for storage. If the kids are allowed video in the bedroom, best have a place for it.

4) The more storage the better. Bookcases, armoires and bins are a big help and don't need to cost a lot either. Greatest amount of storage per square foot of floor space wins the day here.

5) Buy nice quality furniture. It's much cheaper over time to buy something that lasts 18 years than to buy several sets over that same time. Plus, it looks and functions better to boot.

6) This last tip is personal preference of course, but we have found it works best for the parent to select several top candidates and involve the youth in the final decision. In addition, when it comes time for linens, art and other room accessories, that is the time to get into more age specific subject matter. A set of sheets is much less expensive to change than entire bedroom group.

7) Stanley Furniture and Hooker Furniture's youth area have some great ideas on youth rooms.