Decorating a living room can be a fun and exciting project. However, with kids in the house, your stylish decorations also have to be safe and functional for the whole family. Here are 10 tips for creating a kid-friendly living room that's trendy and practical.

1. Choose Durable and Easy-to-Clean Furniture

Durability and ease of cleaning should be top priorities. Opt for materials like leather or microfiber that can withstand spills, stains, and rough play. Avoid delicate fabrics like silk or velvet that are easily damaged. You may also want to consider furniture with washable covers or slipcovers.

2. Find Creative Ways to Store Toys

With kids running around, toys inevitably make it into the living room. Rather than constantly picking up and putting away toys, incorporate creative storage solutions like colorful baskets or ottomans with hidden compartments.

3. Choose Between Cute & Fun Color Schemes

A kid-friendly living room doesn't have to be limited to primary colors and cartoon characters. You can still create a stylish space with a fun color scheme that appeals to both adults and kids. For example, bright accent colors or playful patterns can add a touch of whimsy without being too childish.

4. Invest in Easy-to-Clean Flooring

Your living room floor is bound to see a lot of action from your kids, so choose the flooring that can withstand spills, stains, and general wear and tear. Hardwood floors are a popular choice as they are durable and easy to clean. You can also consider low-maintenance options like laminate or vinyl.

5. Incorporate Kid-Friendly Living Room Decorations

Decorate your living room with items that are both aesthetically pleasing and kid-friendly. Avoid sharp or fragile decorations, and opt for soft pillows, plush toys, and wall decals instead. These can add a playful touch to the room while still being safe for children.

6. Create Zones for Different Activities

Designate different areas in your living room for different activities such as playing, reading, and watching TV. This will help keep the space organized and minimize clutter. You can use area rugs or furniture placement to define each zone.

7. Opt for Rounded Corners

Sharp corners on furniture can be hazardous for little ones. Consider choosing furniture with rounded edges or adding corner guards to protect against bumps and bruises.

8. Incorporate Child-Sized Furniture

To make a truly kid-friendly living room, find some cute child-sized furniture such as a small table and chairs or a mini couch. This will make your little ones feel comfortable and included in the space—plus mini furniture is just so adorable!

9. Decorate With Colorful or Play-Inspired Rugs

Rugs can add warmth and style to any living room, but spills and accidents are bound to happen. Instead of worrying about stains on a light-colored rug, opt for one with a fun pattern or bright colors that can hide any mess. You can also choose a rug with a design that inspires play, such as hopscotch or a road map.

10. Keep Breakables Out of Reach

If you have any breakable decorations or items, be sure to keep them out of reach from children. Consider placing these items on higher shelves or cabinets to prevent accidents. Alternatively, you can use child-proof locks to secure cabinets and drawers.

Avoid High Costs with Rent-to-Own Furniture From Rapid Rentals

Redecorating a kid-friendly living room can get pretty costly, especially if you have young children. To stay within budget, consider rent-to-own furniture options from Rapid Rentals! This allows you to make affordable monthly payments towards owning the furniture of your choice without having to pay a large sum upfront. Visit our website to learn more!

Summer is the perfect time to spend in your backyard lounging on patio furniture. However, with constant exposure to outside elements, it’s no surprise that your furniture can accumulate dirt, stains, and grime over time. To keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh and new, regular cleaning is essential. Here are some tips on how to clean outdoor furniture.

Outdoor Furniture Cleaning 101

Start by removing loose dirt and debris using a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment. This initial step prevents scratching during the cleaning process. You can also rinse your furniture thoroughly with a garden hose to remove any residue and allow the furniture to air dry completely.

How to Clean Outdoor Furniture Based on Material

Your cleaning method will vary depending on the type of material your furniture is made of. Here's how to clean outdoor furniture based on its material:

Metal Furniture

Metal furniture is sturdy and durable, making it a popular choice for outdoor use. However, over time, metal furniture can rust and lose its shine. To clean it, mix a quarter cup of mild dish soap and a gallon of warm water and use a soft cloth to scrub the surface gently. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

If you spot any rust stains, mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a soft brush. Rinse and dry completely.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic furniture is lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain. Use a soap and water solution or even an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the surface. You can also use a pressure washer on a low setting for deep cleaning. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before use.

Wood Furniture

Wood furniture adds a natural and warm look to your outdoor space. However, it requires proper care to prevent it from weathering and rotting—so how do you clean this outdoor furniture? 

Use a mixture of mild soap and water with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse thoroughly, and for extra protection, apply a coat of outdoor furniture sealant.

Fabric Furniture

Fabric furniture, such as cushions and outdoor pillows, are susceptible to staining and mold. To clean them, remove the covers if possible and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually includes a delicate washing machine cycle and air drying.

For non-removable fabric, use a mixture of mild detergent and water to spot clean, and then rinse with a damp cloth.

Wicker Furniture

To clean any wicker furniture, start by wiping any dust with a microfiber cloth. A steam cleaner can also be used to loosen any dirt or grime. For hard-to-reach areas, use a toothbrush and a mix of water and dish soap to scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely.

Wicker is also prone to mildew. If you spot (or smell) any suspicious areas, create a solution of half vinegar and half water and spray it on. Rinse the solution off and let it dry in the sun.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options

Not everyone wants to use harsh chemicals on their outdoor furniture, especially if you have pets or children. Fortunately, we have some eco-friendly alternatives that are just as effective. Use these quick tips to clean outdoor furniture without harmful chemicals:

- Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar as a natural cleaner

- Lemon juice can also be used to break down any grime or grease on metal surfaces

- For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and then scrub with a damp brush

- To prevent mold and mildew, mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and use it as a disinfectant

- For wood furniture, mix equal parts olive oil and white vinegar for a natural cleaner and conditioner

Ready to Invest in New Outdoor Furniture? Choose Rapid Rentals!

If your outdoor furniture is beyond cleaning or you’re ready for an upgrade, consider rent-to-own furniture from Rapid Rentals. We offer a wide selection of high-quality and stylish outdoor furniture to enhance your outdoor living space. Visit our website today to learn more!