After a new baby arrives on the scene, some parents feel the urge to spend exorbitant amounts of money on furniture for the nursery; after all, who doesn’t want their baby to have the best? However, the drive to provide the most magnificent trappings can sometimes cross the line into wanton excess. Only the parents themselves can decide how much is too much to spend, but it’s safe to say that these ten baby furnishings set the bar quite high:
The Majestic Carriage Crib from PoshTots ($19,995)
This made-to-order crib comes complete with an attached changing table with storage beneath. The crib portion is round and comes with its own specially-made round mattress. Parents wishing to order this for their daughter will want to order as soon as the ultrasound is definitive, as it takes 10 to 12 weeks to arrive. There is also some assembly required.
The French Panel Crib ($4,140)
For those well-to-do parents who are expecting a boy, this crib seems like a bargain compared to the Majestic Carriage. This crib is made of alder and birch and takes a standard-size crib mattress. While the mattress is not included, couples are urged not to simply crumple up $100 bills as a bedding substitute; parents of means can simply purchase a mohair organic crib mattress of the same style for a mere $450. The little prince of the household will feel right at home in this cherry-finished, French Empire-inspired creation.
A Bohemian Mosaic Armoire ($5,270)
Should parents be concerned that they won’t have enough room for all of their baby’s clothing and blankets, this detailed armoire offers up three deep drawers. Two doors at the top open to reveal space for hanging clothes. This piece is made with hand-painted pieces of broken China, so each one is guaranteed to be unique. There’s even free ground shipping! By comparison, a gorgeous walnut piece from the 18th century was sold at Christie’s for a mere $3,177 and was considered one of the most expensive armoires in the world… But that piece, however gorgeous it may be, just doesn’t quite approach the whimsy of this Bohemian creation.
A Parker Converse Rocking Chair (Up to $32,000)
What nursery is complete without a rocking chair? Artisan Parker Converse II was listed in Forbes magazine in 2004 for consistently producing a “named, numbered, and signed work of very comfortable art.” Should an affluent parent want to rock their baby to sleep, a gorgeous hand-carved creation would look right at home in the nursery. The artist even takes the user’s height and weight into account while crafting his one-of-a-kind chairs, so parents may just want to buy two so they each may have their own!
The Magic Garden Cradle ($2,580)
While cribs are great, a mom who is nursing may not want to rush to the nursery at every cry. So, many parents decide to use a cradle in their bedroom until the baby is a little older. For those who want the very best in cradles, this garden-themed creation comes with the mattress included but some assembly required. The wait for the item is only 2 to 4 weeks, making it perfect for last-minute shoppers.
Pirate’s Cove Book Case ($2,999)
What better way to encourage a love of learning than to buy a book case? Well, when the book case’s cost is equivalent to two or three mortgage payments, some parents might have to look elsewhere. However, for those with plenty of funds and a leaning towards the nautical theme, a Pirate’s Cove book case may be just the right fit. Want to outfit the whole room in the same theme? Everything from a pirate booty chest to a matching ceiling fan can be had from the same manufacturer. The prices are more reasonable for other pieces in the set. In the world of luxury book cases, however, the Pirate’s Cove option is a steal; Chilean designer Sebastian Errazuriz once had a large tree-shaped book shelf sell for $75,000 at New York’s Cristina Grajales Gallery!
The Black Beauty Supperman High Chair ($2,125)
While a standard high chair can be had for under $100, this black one was designed by Ineke Hans, a Dutch designer of note. The entire chair is made of recycled plastic and is billed as wind, salt, acid, water, and UV-resistant. Apparently, this thing should be able to withstand just about anything the elements can throw at it.
The Chelsea Dresser in Antique Silver ($1,912)
The astonishing cost of this dresser is compounded by the fact that every other piece in the collection is equally fussy, overdone, and shockingly expensive. While it may seem huge and out of place in a normal room, this piece will look right at home in a mansion-sized nursery. Whether the parents decide to buy the entire set or just the dresser, their wealth will not go unnoticed.
The Agnès & Agnès Design Toy Box ($2,600)
While some parents will simply buy a plastic 55-gallon tote from WalMart and call it a toy box, children of the affluent can have this dual-use toy box instead. It can serve as an art desk and includes many drawers, cubicles, and hiding spaces.
The Sarah Lamp with Bird Finial ($383)
This item may seem cheap compared to the other items on the list, but bear in mind that a decent lamp can be purchased for $30. Therefore, the excess of buying a lamp that costs $383 for a nursery where it may be broken by roughhousing children may seem initially insane. However, discerning parents can see that this lamp could easily be used by a tasteful daughter well into high school. That alone could make it an investment worth the price tag.
When buying furniture for a nursery, affluent parents may decide to splurge on some of these high-end pieces. Whether it’s celebrities, CEOs, or heads of state, the upscale baby furniture market will always be bustling as mothers strive to outdo one another in the nursery. Whether that is money well spent or a frivolous waste – well, I’ll leave that for you to decide.
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