A cosy nook for play and sleep

How can a children's bed be something more than a safe place to sleep? Can it even inspire play? This was how designers Tina Christensen and Kai Legaard were thinking when they started sketching a new children's bed. It resulted in KURA reversible bed which, for almost 15 years, has been used as a nook ― inspiring play for children around the world. One child is named Vera and lives in Älmhult, Sweden.

The most important things for a children's bed is that it's comfortable and safe. It's a plus if it can change as the child grows. But the goal for KURA was greater than that, explains designer Tina Christensen. "We really wanted it to fall in line with what children want ― that it could be a place to play and be used as the child's own nook."

Tents transform the bed

KURA was given a reversible construction and over the years we've developed various tents that can be fixed to the bed frame and which transform the bed into a house, a tree house or a radiant starry sky. KURA is also a constant source of stimulation for children's imaginations and creativity ― families create their own solutions by using colours and decorations. This is something that Tina likes. "Sometimes I search online for pictures of KURA and find the most fantastic solutions", says Tina. "It's exciting that it continues to develop."

Right height for being tucked into bed

Vera, who lives in Älmhult, Sweden, has a room which is quite small and narrow, so her parents chose KURA to maximise the room's space. At first, Vera slept on the bottom, but when she turned six, the family turned the bed over to transform it into a loft bed with secure edges and a play area underneath. KURA is lower than a common bunk bed. This makes it a little safer for a 6-year-old and all parents can reach up to say good night. When it's time for Vera to be tucked in, her mother or father usually crawl up next to her for story time. "Then we each have a torch that we turn on and read. It's really cosy", Vera says smiling.