How To Choose Classroom Desks for Amazing Students

Whether you're a first-year teacher or a veteran of the classroom, decorating an empty classroom is one of the best parts of the job.

When deciding on how to fill your classroom space, it's tempting to let your creativity run wild and bring your Pinterest dreams to life. However, there are a few different factors that should weigh on your decision of what to purchase.

Between posters, flags, and cubbies, you'll have a lot of options. But, the item that your students will use the most, and therefore the one you should put the most thought into, is the classroom desks.

Read on to discover some considerations before choosing your students' desks!

1. Alignment with your Teaching Style

Every classroom is different, and no two teachers are the same. Therefore, make sure to choose desks that align with your teaching style.

Do you see yourself running a lot of station activities or small groups? Larger tables may be better for your classroom than individual desks. 

If you're a teacher who wants to encourage collaboration and focus on group work and project-based learning, you may want to select desks that fit together in groups.

However, if you teach older children or are a more traditional teacher who wants students to have their own space, find desks that can be used for independent work.

If the sky's the limit for you and you want to integrate design thinking into your classroom, consider whiteboard desks or other desks that can be used as learning tools!

2. Use Desks as Organisation

Classroom furniture shouldn't just be used as decor, it should also be functional and practical.

Students need their own space to keep their belongings safe and make their own. Not only is this beneficial for their sense of security and identity, but it also means there's less mess for you to clean up after!

If your classroom doesn't have a cubby space, or your students don't use lockers, you may want to design a classroom seating area that doubles as storage.

You can find desks that have a cubby underneath them or even desks with a little track underneath the seats.

This can keep your classroom tidy and also keep your students safe from tripping over backpacks and books while moving about the room.

3. Don't Ignore the Cost

The budget needs to be a top consideration when evaluating new classroom essentials.

While it would be a dream to have an unlimited budget to create the learning space that your students deserve, most aren't in that situation.

Therefore, look for affordable classroom desks that don't break the bank. However, this doesn't necessarily mean buying the cheapest desks that you can find.

Being conscious of your financial constraints may also mean investing in high-quality desks that you won't need to replace often.

If you're worried about children being too rough on the furniture, look for furniture that comes with a generous warranty and trustworthy customer service! 

4. Give Students a Choice

Gone are the days when students should be forced to sit in rows and face forward all day. These days, flexible seating is gaining momentum as a best practise in the classroom.

Not all students have the same needs or learning styles; thus, you can integrate several classroom workstation options for students to choose from.

Perhaps some desks are more functional, while others are more comfortable. Some desks can be designed for group work; others can be for independent work.

Giving students the gift of choice for how they'd like to learn shows them that you're prioritizing their individuality.

5. Consider Diverse Learners

Another factor to consider is the accessibility of your classroom. While this may only seem relevant to special education teachers, all teachers should have accessible classrooms.

Think about whether students of different sizes and ability levels would be comfortable sitting at these desks for an extended period.

Believe it or not, there are certain types of seating that can be advantageous to students with disabilities.

For example, wobble chairs are great for students with ADHD or who have trouble focusing. While you can't predict the future, you can definitely plan to make your classroom as accepting as possible.

6. Context Matters

Of course, the age of the children and the subject you teach will impact the types of desks you buy.

A science teacher who will be performing complicated labs will likely need laboratory desks for students. A kindergarten teacher may not have the need for a lot of storage in the desks for the students since they may not have a lot of books. An English teacher may want comfier seating for independent reading time.

It's crucial that you envision how your students will use these desks before you purchase them. If your classroom looks a little bit different every year, or you're not sure if you'll always be teaching the same subject or grade, go for a more universal seating option that can work in various contexts!

7. A Little Style Goes a Long Way

Students are in school for 7+ hours every day. That's a long time to sit at uncomfortable desks or stare at dull furniture.

The way your classroom looks can have a great impact on students' moods and attitudes. By styling your classroom in a way that inspires curiosity, you're setting your students up for success.

Buying new furniture is a great opportunity to add a little flare to the classroom. Experiment with colours, textures, and patterns!

Classroom Desks Make a Big Impact

At school, the desk is where students will make their biggest breakthroughs and tackle their biggest challenges. So, make sure to choose classroom desks that promote learning, not inhibit it.

If you're looking for smart and stylish solutions to classroom furniture, check out our store! You'll find innovative school furniture that works.