Are you sitting comfortably?! Cos today we're talking kids chairs... I have been looking at mini chairs for Stella to use in our living room as she loves climbing up our Panton dining chairs but never manages to get to the top, which is becoming a health and safety issue. She already has a fabulous high chair (more on that front in another post!) but she needs a low chair to colour, read her books (yes she's geeky like that), and (yes, sue me!) watch a bit of TV in the evening...

I wanted to avoid going down the Ikea route and get one of the usual suspects I see everywhere but I am also after something that will look cool and blend into the decor, rather than stand out. Turns out, there are some amazing options out there, and most classic designs now have a kids version, so here are my favourite five...

1. Kartell Lou Lou Ghost

Photo credit: www.minieden.co.uk — Photo credit: www.minieden.co.uk

Phillippe Starck is a design hero of mine - not just because he's French, mind, he's a genius - and his Ghost chair is a timeless classic that fits any interior style. The kids version is just too much so it had to go straight to number one on my top list. It's available in many colours, including clear pink, purple, yellow as well as opaque white. Available from Amara, £75.

2. Panton Junior

The Panton Chair has always been a favourite of mine - well I own four bright yellow ones in my own house... Its colourful and fun design means it's always a hit with children – both as a chair and as a plaything. Verner Panton thought about the idea of producing a child-size version of the chair together with Vitra over 35 years ago. At the time, it was impossible for economic reasons. But his dream became a reality in 2008 with the introduction of Panton Junior, a chair based on the designer's original plans. Identical to the regular model material- and shape-wise, just smaller in size. Available in six different colours, it's an ideal chair for a nursery or kids bedroom. Available from Mini Objects of Design, £130.

3. Tica chair

The Tica chair was originally designed in Costa Rica over 60 years ago and is made of woven plastic. Light, virtually unbreakable, and stackable, its retro style has become a classic. Can also be used outdoors. Available in 5 colours: red, pink, turquoise, blue and black, from Bobo Kids, £90.

4. Rabbit Play Chair by Oeuf NYC

These are so ridiculously cute, I actually wish they made them in adult size! Made by one of my favourite kids brands, Oeuf NYC, these rabbit ears chairs will add a bit of fun to any space, playroom, nursery or living room. Available in either a birch or walnut finish.
Stickers are sold as an optional extra and removable and reusable. Available from Nubie, £175 for a set of two.

5. Mouette children chair by Tolix

Yes, a pint-sized Tolix chair, for little ones! I can't really think of anything cuter. Tolix, the iconic French furniture company that makes those famous steel-framed cafe chairs, has re-edited the Mouette ('seagull' in French) armchair. Back in 1935, Xavier Pauchard, founder of the company, created this armchair especially for children and the model has since reached undisputable icon status. Available from Made in Design, £124.

Happy shopping!

Mini Style: 5 cool chairs for kids