In the pantheon of iconic chair design, the focus has long been squarely on the grown-ups. However, a few greats turned their attention to children. Thonet broke ground in the kids’ furniture market in the late 1800s, when his company added kid-size cane chairs and high chairs to its catalog, bringing small design to a mass market.
In the early 20th century, Marcel Breuer and Alvar Aalto created miniature versions of their existing pieces. The Eameses also conducted experiments in plywood for kids’ chairs, but it wasn’t until 2007 that Vitra and the Eames Foundation began mass production of the Elephant chair (originally debuted in 1946 at MoMA).
All of which is to say: Truly great children’s seating has historically been rare. Today, thanks to the internet, it’s easy to find functional and affordable children’s furniture. But despite the proliferation of options out there, few mass-produced furnishings meet the criteria of design-forward parents.
So we’ve combed far and wide to source some top-notch kiddo chairs and couches that are guaranteed to make an impact in a nursery, playroom, or anywhere in your home. Some are mini reproductions of iconic works, others are new to market—but they’re all truly adorable.
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Oeuf has long been a pioneer in design-forward kids’ furniture, making the type of streamlined, Baltic birch pieces that have shown up in countless Brooklyn town houses. The Moss chairs are a newer arrival and fit in with the rest of the Moss collection. Complete the look with the round play table.
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For the discerning, modern-minded parent whose home is designed within an inch of its life, Knoll’s pint-size Barcelona chair ensures that even your little one’s seating adheres to the International Style.
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For an eco-friendly option, check out EcoBirdy, a kids’ furniture company that creates its wares out of ecothylene—a patented material made from upcycled plastic toys that lends each piece a flecked pattern. The Charlie chair receives top marks for its durability and easy cleaning.
Despite only being around for about a decade, Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly chair has already achieved cult status thanks to its distinctive molded base and squat legs. There is indeed a miniature version made out of PE plastic—and it would lend whimsy and a pop of color to any nursery.
Practical might not be the word to describe this pricey, child-size chair (all stiff steel frame and paper cord seat) created by USM in collaboration with Henry Julier. But it is undeniably amazing-looking, and it definitely checks the “no one else has this” category. Might as well throw in the matching kids’ stool.
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The Adirondack chair has long symbolized American leisure—for adults. Outdoor furniture company Neighbor changes the narrative with its kid-size Adirondack chair, made from sustainably sourced FSC-certified solid teak wood.
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In 1977, UK-based King Living made its mark with a mod, foam sectional sofa. The brand has since relaunched the couch, calling it The 1997. The kids’ version can be arranged in several combinations (although we’re partial to the three-seater with chaise). All the covers are washable, and with multiple fabric and color options, this mini couch can easily become the statement piece of a playroom.
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For an on-trend color combo, look to House of Noa’s Harlan couch, with its poppy- and maroon-striped fabric. This little love seat can be disassembled for imaginary playtime, and the covers are fully washable. (To purchase the couch setup, add two Harlan seats and a pair of armrests to your cart. You’ll automatically get a $75 reduction off your order.)
