Babble Best: Play Tables and Chairs
Our five favorite sets, designed for toddler living.
by Nicole Feliciano
January 22, 2008
|
With cooler temperatures and shorter days upon us, parents have to get inventive. Pint-sized and practical, a mini table and chairs are the perfect spot to peruse books, enjoy a midday snack or channel toddler energy into creative pursuits. — Nicole Feliciano |
|
|
Babble Best: Offi-EVA Foam Table and Chairs by Tarantino Studio - $300 for a table and two chairs
This play set was named one of Time magazine's "Coolest Inventions of 2002." Six years later, we still love this foam play furniture from New Jersey designers Lawrence and Sharon Tarantino. The roomy table measures 28"x 21.5" x 17.5" — plenty of space to spread out and get creative. Go ahead take a seat alongside your kids, since the chairs are comfortable enough for parents. In fact, each sturdy piece can support up to three hundred pounds. Another plus: new walkers can't injure themselves on this cushy EVA Foam (the same material used in sneakers). Four color options available.
Get the chairs for $150 at Offi.
Get the table for $150 at Offi.
|
|
|
Play Tables and Chairs : Runners-Up
|
|
|
Svan-Mini Furniture 5-piece Set - $200
If you want to keep things nice, simple and durable, the wooden Svan set is an excellent value. The set is offered in three finishes (one is bound to match the other furniture in your home): natural, espresso, and cherry. And my, aren't those Swedes smart: the five-piece furniture set includes a table, three chairs and a stool. The stool is added specifically to comfortably fit an adult at the table. Thanks to Svan's hardy Scandinavian design, this may still be around when the grandkids come over to play. The table measures 20" high with a 24" diameter.
Pre-order at Baby Geared.
|
|
|
Kidkraft Noah's Ark Table and Chair Set - $149.95
Animals are always a hit when it comes to kiddie décor, and this five-piece set will liven up an otherwise dull room. Each of the four chairs takes an animal shape: yellow giraffe, purple hippo, aqua walrus, and lime green alligator. Parents over five feet tall won't squish into these chairs easily, but hey, it's not really for big people. We also appreciate KidKraft's replacement and repair program: they'll send replacement parts free under the ninety-day warranty. Table measures 21-1/2" x 28"x 26-1/4".
Get it at Amazon.
|
|
|
Ikea Mammut Table and Chairs - $14.99-$34.99 a piece
The Mammut table and chairs are pleasant on the eyes and quite sturdy. This blue plastic set is ideal for a playroom that sees a lot of traffic. Made of Polypropylene (which may be recyclable), the table has a raised edge that prevents spills from ending up on the floor. Though not the most eco-friendly, the Mammut pieces are super-affordable and a cinch to clean. Table has a 33 1/2" diameter and is 18 7/8" high.
Get the table for $34.99 at Ikea.
Get the chairs for $14.99 at Ikea.
|
|
|
Alex Super Art Table with Paper Roll and Two Benches - $199.88
Got a little Georgia O'Keefe or Jackson Pollack on your hands? Fuel that artistic talent with this palette-inspired set from Alex. The hardwood table has a chalkboard surface, and plenty of built-in cubbies to store paints and other art supplies. The best feature is the attached paper roll, which gives kids a huge "canvas" for their work. The two sharable benches are the perfect size for collaborating with a friend. Table measures 52.5" x 18.75" x 27.75".
Get it at Amazon.
|
|
©2008 Nerve Media
