Choose the Right Shapes for Sensible Decorating Around Toddlers

Parents can maintain stylish decor even with a busy toddler at home. It just takes a few sensible decor choices and strategic placement for decorative accents in a room. One way to achieve kid-smart style is by choosing the right shapes for vases and other décor accents to help prevent tipping and falls. Choosing decor crafted in more durable materials will also help you maintain kid-smart style in any room.

Vases and Containers
To reduce tipping, select containers and accents that feature a substantial base and avoid top-heavy vases and floral arrangements. Square containers are naturally tip-resistant, (always check for sharp corners) and offer the added benefit of not rolling off the table if pulled over by curious hands, as do oval, oblong and rectangular shapes. Bowls and such that are wider at the bottom than the top are an ideal shape to resist tipping.

Bowls
Large, low wooden decorative bowls (not too heavy) can be a good selection as they tend to roll back to an upright position when upset. Also look for bowls comprised of straight sides, such as octagons, that inhibit rolling if turned on the side.

Look for Durable Materials
Wood, metal, polymer clay, fabric, woven and even glass-like acrylic containers and accents are available in a wide range of looks, and offer a safer and more durable alternative to glass and ceramic decor. When selecting accents that will be accessible by little hands, do check for sharp edges, corners or any loose weave, just to keep little ones safe.

Decorative Details to Avoid

Handles
Containers with handles pose several problems. Handles just beg to be grabbed by little hands and make it easier to pull or carry a object, which creates potential for breakage and injury. Also, handles often are weak points on an object and are easily broken.

Footed Objects
Many wonderful containers sit atop tiny feet that lift the base an inch or so off the surface. These can pose a problem for two reasons; one, the space is the perfect invitation for little fingers to hook the object and give it a tug. Two, like handles, feet often are weak points on an object and are easily broken, and if broken off, can pose a choking hazard.

Twisted Wire and Wrought Iron
Open, curly-cue designs made from twisted wire and wrought iron are inviting spots to stick little fingers, and once hooked are easily pulled off a table. Plus, little fingers can get stuck or pinched in the tight spots where wires meet.

Top-Heavy Vases
Low, wide, roll and break-resistant shapes are the name of the game for tabletop décor accessible by curious hands. Elegant slim-footed vases should be displayed on an inaccessible shelf.

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