Creating a Happy Home Where Children Can Thrive

Family life with small children works best when the home supports it. From childproofing to storage children can reach themselves, here is how to shape a space that is safe, welcoming and built to last.

Start with safety first

Before anything else, large furniture needs securing to the wall and loose cables tucked out of reach. Windows, drawers and cabinets should be fitted with latches so curious little fingers cannot get where they should not.

IKEA's UNDVIKA multi latch is designed for exactly this, keeping cabinets and drawers closed without fuss. Pair it with the FLISAT children's stool, sturdy enough for little ones to climb up safely, and the SMÅGÖRA shelf unit, a compact piece that suits smaller rooms without crowding them.

UNDVIKA multi latch, white, 2 packSMÅGÖRA shelf unit, white, 29x88 cmFLISAT children's stool, pine, 32 cmTROFAST storage box, white, 42x30x10 cmHJÄLPA soft closing hingeTROFAST storage box, white, 42x30x23 cm

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Design for the whole family together

Rather than filling a room with lots of small items, it often works better to choose fewer, larger pieces that bring everyone together. A dining table that hosts meals, homework and arts and crafts in equal measure becomes the true heart of the home.

The PERJOHAN bench with storage adds seating with a practical twist, while the AGAM junior chair gives smaller family members a proper seat at the table. Overhead, the AGUNNARYD pendant lamp with three lamps casts a warm glow over it all, and a LOHALS rug underfoot softens the space and ties the dining area together.

AGAM junior chair, black, 41x79x43 cmPERJOHAN bench with storage, pine, 100 cmAGUNNARYD pendant lamp with 3 lamps, black, 122 cmLOHALS rug, flatwoven, natural, 200x300 cmBEKVÄM step stool, beech, 63 cmMÅLA 10-pc cardboard town template set

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Let children manage their own things

Helping children find and look after their own belongings builds confidence from an early age. Storage at a low height, within easy reach, makes tidying up something they can genuinely take part in rather than something done for them.

The BULLIG box is light enough for small hands to carry, while the HÖVOLM rack with six knobs keeps coats and bags within reach by the door. For creative corners, the MÅLA easel gives children their own space to paint and draw, and the HAUGA glass-door cabinet keeps favourite books and toys on display yet tidy.

MÅLA easel, softwood, 66x48 cmHÖVOLM rack with 6 knobs, oak, 57x5x5 cmPERJOHAN stool with storage, pine, 49x45x28 cmLOHALS rug, flatwoven, natural, 160x230 cmHAUGA glass-door cabinet, grey, 105x116 cmSNIDAD basket, rattan, 54x39 cm

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Choose furniture that takes the knocks

Family life is rarely gentle on furniture, so it helps to pick pieces that can handle spills, scuffs and the general wear of busy days. Delicate items are best kept well out of reach, while seating and flooring should be forgiving of accidents.

The SUNDVIK children's chair is built to last through years of meals and homework, and the ULRIKSBERG armchair offers a comfortable spot for reading that still stands up to daily use. A LOHALS rug adds warmth underfoot and is easy to keep clean, useful given how much time young children spend playing on the floor.

LOHALS rug, flatwoven, natural, 200x300 cmSUNDVIK children's chair, grey, 28x55x29 cmULRIKSBERG armchair, rattan/anthracite, 67x76x74 cmHAUGA high cabinet with 2 doors, grey, 70x199 cmMAMMUT children's chair, in/outdoor/white, 39x67x36 cmKRITTER children's chair, white, 27x53x29 cm

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Make room for everyone to join in

A family home works best when there is genuinely enough space for parents and children to share an activity at the same time, rather than taking turns in a cramped corner.

The SKOGSTA dining table brings a solid, natural feel to a room and comfortably seats a growing family, while the AGAM junior chair means younger children are included at full height. Add the ULRIKSBERG armchair nearby for a relaxed spot to sit, read or simply watch the chaos unfold.

SKOGSTA dining table, acacia/black, 235x100 cmAGAM junior chair, black, 41x79x43 cmULRIKSBERG armchair, rattan/anthracite, 67x76x74 cmFLISAT children's stool, pine, 32 cmÖRFJÄLL children's desk chair, white/Vissle pink, 53 cmMAMMUT children's chair, in/outdoor/white, 39x67x36 cm

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Maltashopper brings these IKEA pieces to homes across Malta and Gozo, making it easier to furnish a family space that genuinely works for daily life.

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