Cultivating a Love for Reading: Eva Chen's Inspiring Children's Furniture Collection

Eva Chen, the author of "Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes" and Instagram's director of fashion and shopping partnerships, has a deep-rooted passion for reading that has shaped her life and inspired her latest collaboration with West Elm Kids. Her heartfelt dedication in her children's book, thanking her parents for allowing her to read at the dining table, reflects the profound impact that simple gestures can have on a child's love for books.

Unlocking the Power of Reading for the Next Generation

The Importance of Early Exposure to Books

As a shy, first-generation American, Chen found that reading opened up a world of culture and discovery for her. This transformative experience has motivated her to cultivate the same love of reading in her own three children, Ren, Tao, and River. Chen believes strongly in providing children with access to as many "good old-fashioned paper books" as possible, recognizing the profound impact that early exposure to literature can have on a child's development and understanding of the world.

Designing a Collection to Inspire Budding Bookworms

When Chen teamed up with West Elm Kids to design a line of children's furniture, it was a natural fit to center the collection around the concept of raising readers. The 26-piece collection, available exclusively online on September 5, features a range of versatile and thoughtfully designed pieces that cater to the needs of young book enthusiasts.

Fostering a Cozy and Engaging Reading Environment

The standout items in the collection, such as the modern lofted bed with soft pale-yellow accents, showcase Chen's dedication to creating spaces that foster a love for reading. The lofted bed, which is designed with Fair Trade and FSC certifications, boasts built-in nooks and crannies that provide ample storage for books and a cozy, private reading nook where children can escape and immerse themselves in their favorite stories.

Versatile and Functional Pieces for the Ultimate Reading Nook

The collection is further enhanced by a variety of vibrant and functional pieces, including a shape-embellished rug, cozy floor cushions, an arched reading bench-bookcase, a wall-mounted workstation, adjustable desk chairs, pastel reading lamps, and a colorful play table with stools. Every detail of the collection has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of budding bookworms, ensuring that children have access to the resources and environments they need to nurture their love for reading.

Fostering a Lifelong Love of Reading

Chen's passion for reading and her desire to share that love with the next generation is evident in every aspect of the West Elm Kids collection. By creating a range of versatile and functional furniture pieces that prioritize book storage and comfortable reading spaces, Chen is empowering children to cultivate a lifelong love for literature, just as her parents did for her.