creativematch: Furniture for little ones.

We know it can be difficult for a specifier to find suitable, exciting and contract worthy furniture for children. Here we have tried to collate some of the better options on the market, although this overview is by no means exhaustive. Please contact us for any requirement you have.

Play+Soft

PLAY+SOFT is a unique collaborative project, drawing on the experience of experts in education, textile development, product design and manufacturing. Each product has been designed by one of 28 international designers invited to participate in the project, with art direction by ZPZ Partners and with the support and guidance of Reggio Children.

There are over 250 individual pieces in the PLAY+SOFT portfolio. Each piece is made with patented ecosoftx® fabric, an eco-friendly material that contains no PVC or rubber latex. As well as being soft to the touch it is also fireproof, wipe-clean and extremely durable.

PLAY+SOFT has already been exhibited to widespread acclaim at museums and design events throughout the world, including the Triennale Design Museum in Milan, Shidomeitalia in Tokyo and with the V&A museum in London.

World renowned for their research projects and innovation in early years education, Reggio Children are teaching consultants for the PLAY+ project. They bring more than 40 years experience of working with young children. They pay particular attention to the importance of environments for learning, children's creativity and the belief that children are competent and active participants in the modern world.

Each year, many hundreds of educators from all over the world visit Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy, to attend lectures, conferences, and visit the pre-schools and infant toddler centres. International collaborations include Project Zero with Harvard University. They have acted as consultants for companies such as Sony, Alessi and Lego."

The full Play+ catalogue can be downloaded here

Me Too by Magis

Me Too is a collection of objects and furniture for children between two and six years old. The design team at Magis have moved beyond the established practices in design for young children by establishing a dialogue between experts in child development and design professionals.

Within the Me Too designs we see themes that are relevant to providing learning opportunities and stimulating development in children's thinking: There are designs that provide opportunities to enhance the child's sense of control of the environment as well as stimulating the child's fantasy and imagination.

The Me Too range offers affordable design that gives the child the opportunity to experience control of their environment. It also enables the child to use apparatus that fits in with the concept of "fantasy play" which in it self will contribute to the child's learning and sense of self.

The full Me Too collection can be viewed online here.