Choosing furniture for an educational setting can be challenging. There may be fewer options on the market than for residential and corporate environments. Many education providers find it difficult to tell what will work best for different types of students, especially outside the traditional K-12 environment.
However, there are still some general guidelines to help you create a positive learning environment. By keeping the considerations below in mind as you shop, you can create a supportive classroom setting for your students.
Furniture for Comfort and Focus
People learn best in a comfortable setting with ergonomic furniture. When students are comfortable, they will bring a more positive attitude to the class and be more focused on learning.
To ensure your students are comfortable and safe, keep the following principles in mind when buying furniture:
- Desks and chairs should be positioned so students do not have to type or write above the height of their elbows.
- Chairs should provide cushioning and back support if students will use them for extended periods of time.
- If your students are children, desks and chairs may need to be smaller to fit their proportions correctly.
Choosing an Appropriate Desk Material
Different desk materials are suited to different environments. The best material depends on what students will be doing, whether you are teaching children or adults, and how often you expect to use the desks.
Laminate is an inexpensive option that can help education providers save money. In most cases, laminate desks have a wood top with a thin processed surface to provide protection from damage. If you are teaching adults and do not expect students to try to write on the desks, laminate is likely a good choice.
The hard plastic is more likely to resist damage. If you are teaching kids who might dig pencils into their desks (note: this includes older children), you will likely need hard plastic or similarly durable material.
Creating a Cohesive Learning Environment
Most educational furniture comes in a variety of color options that can match or clash with each other. The most common colors are neutrals like espresso, walnut, and gray. While neutrals can usually be combined, too many neutral shades put together will create a cluttered-looking environment that could decrease student satisfaction and learning.
Educational furniture can be coordinated to create a cohesive space for learning. If you are outfitting an entire classroom, it’s a good idea to choose desks and chairs in matching or complementary colors to ensure the environment feels unified.
Everett Office Furniture provides quality new and repurposed furniture, including furniture for educational environments. As a full-service furniture dealer, we offer an in-house design team to provide consultations, computer space planning, ergonomic evaluations, and assistance with other furniture-related concerns.
Contact us today to learn more about furniture possibilities for your educational setting.