Creating a space that supports your children’s education, from homework to arts and crafts, is essential in promoting creativity, focus, organization, and even better posture. Here’s how to select a desk that’s suitable for your little one:
Because children are continuously growing, it can be challenging to choose a desk that’s worth the investment. Here are a few things to consider before you begin shopping:
Pick a Location
If possible, we suggest choosing a room or corner that’s large enough to transition from a simple arts and crafts setup to eventually house all the gadgets, books, and other supplies your tween or teen will eventually need. This forethought will help you avoid rebuilding your kid’s setup year after year.
Measure, Measure, Measure
The first step before buying any furniture is to take proper measurements of the space. To ensure there’s enough space to pull out a chair and walk around, we recommend leaving at least two feet of clearance around the desk’s perimeter.
Select the Style
The desk you choose should complement the rest of the room. Younger kids might enjoy bright colors or patterns, while older kids might feel more focused with a streamlined aesthetic. Seeking your kids' opinions may help narrow in on the proper option while ensuring they’ll be satisfied with the selection. Some common styles include:
Desks Under Beds: For a space-saving option, combine your kid's bed and desk. With a long desk fixed beneath a high-lofted or bunk bed, your kids will have ample space for all their activities, from schoolwork to extracurricular hobbies.
Height Adjustable Kid’s Desk: If you aren’t interested in buying a new desk for every era of your kid’s life, consider a desk with an adjustable height that accommodates growth spurts. They’re typically designed with a simple knob to lower and raise the height.
Ergonomic Desks: For a more advanced option, consider sit-to-stand or adjustable standing desks that allow kids to stand, stretch, and move about without breaking their focus. These desks have more of a height range than height adjustable kid’s desks — plus, they’re lowered and raised using a more tech-forward lever or button.
Choose the Material
Whether you want to invest in a desk that will last a few seasons, or you’re looking for an interim solution, there are a few common materials to consider:
Premium: Solid wood and metal styles boast durability and extra sturdiness.
Great Compromise: Composite woods and particle board styles can give the appearance of a solid wood finish but at a much lower price point.
Affordable: Plastics and other synthetic materials, like resin, are lightweight, easy to clean, and come in a vibrant array of shades.
Desks by Age
As children grow mentally and physically, their needs will shift for the ideal desk. Here’s how to find the right design to align with your little one’s needs, at every stage of their development:
Recommended Styles
Preschool
This age requires a simple desk design, such as a draw-and-play desk or a simple lift-top desk, with a single shelf or drawer to hold art supplies like crayons, paper, or markers. The work surface can be compact and easily added to even the smallest nooks and spaces.
Elementary School
As your kids' curiosity and learning experiences grow, and they begin to bring home more homework and projects, desks with hutches or ladder desks with more shelving, storage, and surface space will better suit their needs.
Middle to High School
When the focus turns to hours of heads-down productivity and laptop use, older kids may require larger workspaces similar to grown-up home offices, such as writing desks or computer desks, with room to keep all their materials within reach. They may also need other accessories, like lamps and tabletop organizing solutions.
Recommended Heights
Toddler (1–2 years): 13–14”
Preschool (2–4 years): 14–17”
Kindergarten (4–6 years): 17–19”
Elementary (6–10 years): 20–22”
Middle School (10–13 years): 23–29”
Middle to High School (13+ years): 26–30”
Spruce Up Your Child’s Space With Furniture.com
Whether it is for play or schoolwork, a desk in your little one’s space is a great addition that will be used for many years to come. Start browsing our wide selection of kid’s desks today.