We’ve written previously about the joys of co-opting children’s furniture and home décor for adult use here — and we’re still as charmed as ever. The products tend to cost less, fit smaller city-size spaces more efficiently, and, of course, delight in a way that furnishings for grown-ups typically don’t. Over the years, major home brands like Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Pottery Barn, and RH have established their own baby and kid lines, and many of their designs — made with rounded edges, European-influenced natural finishes, and tasteful displays of color — would work just as well in an adult’s bedroom or living space as they would in a kid’s. Some pieces skew whimsical and cheeky, while others are almost identical to their tasteful adult counterparts.
Below, I’ve scoured the internet to bring you a collection of lighting, storage, shelving, seating, and decorative objects specifically made for children that you could easily incorporate into your home. Lamps, bookcases, and storage can be used according to their usual functions. Pieces like stools, chairs, and tables are typically built for a kid’s smaller frame, but can be adapted as side tables or an extra surface. While I tried to keep the price point generally more affordable than what you’d find for adults, I included a couple of special splurge-worthy pieces.
Lighting
Interesting lamps can be expensive, but browsing the children’s section turns up plenty of charming options for both your tabletop and floor. While the kiddie options aren’t drastically cheaper than ones from a brand’s flagship line (maybe by $50 or so), I’ve found that they look softer and more welcoming and rarely scream “nursery.” Mix and match a few of them so that you don’t fall prey to the Big Light.
Baskets and Storage
You can never have too much storage, especially when it’s also decorative. The kids’ department is an especially good place to look for larger storage furniture: Mustard Made’s versatile locker comes in fun colors, and a compact kids’ toy bench would be perfect as a shoe rack in an entryway.
Bookcases and Shelving
Bookcases can be expensive, but there’s a whole world of fun and functional options out there beyond the Billy. Many of the kids’ bookcases I found incorporate cubbies, allowing for more storage flexibility. They’ll be on the smaller side but just as sturdy, and many come with anchors to secure them to the wall.
Nightstands and Side Tables
I love the idea of a statement nightstand, and the kids’ department is where you’ll find ones with just the right amount of detail, like oversize feet or a subtle squiggle. Most people have platform beds anyway, so a low, pint-size side table would work swimmingly. You’ll notice that I have a soft spot for Jenny Lind–style furniture as well.
Stools and Seating
A kid-size stool can also work as an extra tabletop surface. The price is right on the little slatted bench from Max & Lily that’s made from solid wood. And the ECR4Kids stool is height-adjustable. Apparently the Ikea two-in-one chair-table is making the rounds on social media as a “hack”; use it as a grown-up surface for your laptop and it’s a three-in-one. I also love the idea of using a kiddie chair — as long as it has a flat seat that doesn’t slope — as a stool or side table, and couldn’t resist a couple of European ones I came across.
Tables and Desks
Some of these desks (meant for teens) can work as a small writing surface for an adult, as they have the same height dimensions of between 29 and 30 inches. The We Do Wood table is decidedly tot-size (with a height of about 18 inches) but would make an excellent nightstand.
Décor
And finally: An Ultrafragola dupe, a decorative rotary phone, and a chicken rug absolutely belong in your adult apartment.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
