Whether you’re going with traditional pink and blue or rocking urban brights, good furniture is key to any nursery. The basics remain the same: crib, changing table, dresser, rocking chair and perhaps a matching armoire or shelves. Variations, however, are as endless as the ways your new baby will keep you up at night.
Today’s must-haves include comfy gliders, conversion cribs that evolve into full-size beds, and chests that double as changing tables during the diaper years. One thing that never goes out of style? Safety. Here’s a look at some cool places to shop for your bundle of joy.
1. House of Bedrooms Kids
Need some inspiration? You’ll find it here, where more than 40 cribs (some available in 50 colors) are displayed in rooms created by Visual Designer Shannon Klaus. Vignettes for every taste include furniture, lamps, mirrors, rugs, wall art and figurines, so you can pinpoint your nursery style down to the paint on the walls.
Trending now is furniture with sophisticated yet earthy driftwood veneer. This southeast Michigan store is at 1716 S. Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills (248-745-0012).
2. Land of Nod
Hipster parents will find the latest furniture and accessories here – all with an artsy DIY flair. Find cribs made by hand in the United States, gliders and ottomans upholstered with your choice of fabrics, and exclusive bedding that will make your nursery the envy of Tiger Mothers everywhere.
3. Pottery Barn Kids
When it comes to organizing that baby booty, they’ve got the mother lode. Shop for bins, boxes and baskets galore (personalization optional), along with shelves and cubbies to hold them. Our fave? Madison book racks that display children’s lit face forward, so kids can see the cover. Located in Somerset Collection North in Troy (248-643-0172).
4. Craigslist
Don’t be afraid to use these online classifieds to find furnishings for your munchkin’s room, but do be cautious. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission introduced rigorous new rules for crib safety in June 2011, and while Craigslist has banned the sale of drop-side cribs, it’s buyer beware. The upside? Once you become familiar with the site, you can do some selling of your own.
5. Local resale
Indie consignment stores like the ones found in our Baby + Maternity Stores Directory – and roundup of kids resale shops in southeast Michigan – can have some sweet finds. Still, they have limited selections of furniture, so call first to see if they have what you need.
6. IKEA
For a bargain with sleek Scandinavian style, shop IKEA, where you can pick up a brand new crib and mattress for around $105. Many designs are made to maximize small spaces, and you’ll also find cute accessories like the new Mysig canopy ($9.99). Shop on Tuesday – and kids eat free 11 a.m.-close. Our southeast Michigan location is at 41640 Ford Road in Canton (734-981-6300).
7. Once Upon A Child
Inventory is constantly changing at this national resale outlet with franchises in Ann Arbor, Canton, Novi, Southfield, Troy and Woodhaven. Visit often to stay on the lookout for gently used name brand furniture at deep discounts; then bring it back to sell when you’re done. “Children grow so fast, you cannot keep up,” says Pamela Granberry, owner of the Southfield store.
8. Mom-to-mom sales
Lace up your sneakers and run through the doors as soon as they open to score the best baby gear at these events, which often benefit local charities. Check out the Metro Parent guide to upcoming mom-to-mom sales in metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and more.
9. Big box baby shops
You’re already registering for strollers, bath supplies and diaper gear at Babies ‘R’ Us or Buy Buy Baby, why not put a few big ticket items on your list as well? The girls at work – or the grandmas – might just pool together for a crib and glider.
10. Burlington Coat Factory
Did you know your local branch of this chain sells baby furniture and supplies, too? Head toward the back of locations in Auburn Hills, Canton, Harper Woods, Redford, Taylor, Warren and Westland – and look for the Baby Depot.
