Your bedroom is your oasis, but lets face it, if you have small children they are bound to spend time in you room. If you want to have a luxurious bedroom but still be kid friendly, you can make use of some of the new materials and products to achieve both.

If you thought that having a family meant putting your decorating skills and ideas on the back burner then you just haven't been opening your eyes to the stylish ideas designers use to liven up their own homes and their client's homes, even with children (and pets) around!

Kid Proof Materials

Yes, choosing the right material can make all the difference when furnishing a home for a family.

Have you always loved leather? Well it's not only great for minor spills that are quickly wiped off, it also wears well, even gaining a beautiful patina with time and use. Leather does not collect pet hair as a cloth couch or chair would, and crumbs and dirt will wipe off easily. Leather furniture works great to create a sitting area in a masculine, contemporary or exotic look bedroom.

If your bedroom is more light and airy you may prefer fabric upholstery in your sitting area. Think of luxurious Ultrasuede. Sophisticated enough for even the most formal rooms, it's looks belie the easy care of the material. You won't deal with fading or staining the way you are accustomed to with cotton, and many stains will come off quite easily with a damp cloth.

Do you have real ruffians running around? You can always count on slipcovers if you need to. Many decorators have used white or cream slipcovers to good effect, although you may consider a stripe or other pattern to disguise everyday wear. And because you can clean them thoroughly by removing them you do not have to be too concerned about occasional messes. Slipcovers also work well on fancy dining room chairs and can be removed for adult-only dinner parties.

Your bedding can be easily washable if you purchase the right materials. A print pattern in cotton or other washable fabric will work well to hide stains. On the other hand, try to stay away from delicate materials like silks or velvets which stain easily and are difficult to clean.

Kid Proof Furniture

If you have small children you may also consider choosing soft furnishings, like ottomans, to replace hazards such as hard edged tables. You can even buy upholstered bed frames that are soft on the corners.

Area rugs can be great for keeping light colored carpets in good shape, but be certain they rest flat so children are not prone to trip over them. Selecting heavy rugs or using a special padding underneath to reduce movement would be especially recommended when using rugs on hard, slippery surfaces.

When choosing wood furnishings, light or dark, be sure it has a protective clear coat so that marks and spills do not ruin the finish.

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs and Decorations where you can learn more about elegant bedroom decor.

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