Choosing school furniture may seem to be a simple process – size and build standards exist for tables and chairs and it’s easy enough to work out average pupil sizes and purchase accordingly.
But what about the sizes of all the other school furniture; storage units, bookshelves and cupboards, reception desks and staff room furniture? Time to consider bespoke furniture sizing.
Investing in bespoke office furniture means that the furniture is created to work with the room, letting you make the most of all available space and incorporating flexibility into the design.
Bespoke school furniture should always be considered when identifying specific furniture requirements based on age groups and subjects. As we know, ergonomics must be taken into account when choosing table and chair sizes, but comfort and correct sizing should be factored into all furniture purchases.
When assessing space and the needs of a room, start by focusing on the use. Is it a multi-purpose space like a classroom or common room, or a specific-use room like a kitchen or lab? Identify furniture requirements based on age and subject and plan accordingly.
British school furniture standards require tables and chairs to have been tested for strength and durability as well as ergonomics. But all school furniture needs to be made of suitable materials and constructed to high standards. Purchase bespoke furnishings from a reputable commercial supplier, they’ll supply only contract-grade furniture that complies with the relevant regulations and is designed to withstand the toughest daily use – by children.
Budgets are always at the forefront of educator’s minds. Remember that quality furniture is a long-term investment and will likely last well beyond the guarantee period. If a design refresh is required, or student profiles change, well-designed bespoke furniture should be adaptable and repurposable.
A competent school furniture supplier will offer a range of furniture to suit all budgets. It’s important to balance costs with quality and flexibility. Don’t forget ‘hidden costs’, like the possibility of musculoskeletal damage caused by non-ergonomic furniture.
School environments are constantly changing to keep up to date with changes in technology and society, often within the constraints of older buildings. Every space in the school should be considered a multi-use space and the furniture should reflect this. Quality, flexible furniture and modular systems should be able to adapt as times and needs change.
Bespoke size school furniture allows you to create your ideal teaching space and storage facilities rather than trying to shoehorn in a variety of furniture that doesn’t really fit. Investing in school furniture allows you to maximise precious space, increase student comfort and productivity and make the most of budgets.
Modular furniture systems are ranges of desks, storage units and soft seating designed as individual pieces that can work together in a variety of ways. Smaller pieces can be combined to create bespoke arrangements for complete flexibility.
Modular seating, especially the soft seating designs that come as cubes, low chairs, sofas and round seats, are a great solution for common rooms and breakout spaces and can be combined with chairs and tables in classrooms.
