We all know how important education is in shaping our future. Education affects our future and has a measurable impact on where we end up in life and so does the furniture in a classroom.

Furniture and classroom design play a crucial role in achieving a high-quality education and achieving student engagement and motivation. The first thing that we notice while walking into a classroom is how it looks and how it is set up for the children. Although it may not seem very important, the design of a classroom can affect student behaviour and work ethic.

Why Furniture Design Is So Important for Classrooms?

It is of utmost importance that classroom furniture fits the children well, allows movement and invariably encourages a good posture. Free movement is an important part in seating. These factors have a major impact on students learning and can help improve their performance, if done right. 

Despite the advancement in technology and school curriculums, we can still find many classrooms, where students sit on conventional wooden desks and benches that are not suitable for their height or body structure. Although the children may be of the same age group, their physical growth varies from one another. Therefore, one common desk or bench may not fit all. 

Such classroom furniture can give rise to back and neck pain, which in turn can distract a student from concentrating in the class. Therefore, classroom furniture must support a healthy posture, since young bodies develop rapidly.

How Does Furniture Arrangement Affect Student Behaviour?  

Furniture arrangement in the classroom directly affects student behaviour. According to studies, there is a direct correlation between the two.

The most effective arrangement is clusters of two to three tables, with a teacher’s desk in the corner, and distinct separations of different areas in the classroom. It gives the students a chance to interact with one another, while still being able to stay on task and pay attention to the teacher. The teacher’s desk in the corner is effective, as it allows the teacher to move around, which is a great deal and helps make sure that all his/her attention is on the students.

The seating and tables should be comfortable, and the height should be ideal and adjustable. Also, the students should be encouraged to move around on a regular basis. Uncomfortable furniture can go beyond a child’s muscular development. Teachers must check in a routine manner, how the furniture is impacting focus, time management, collaboration and engagement in the class, among the students.

School furniture is a crucial factor that is too often neglected considering the fact that it plays an important role in the effectiveness of a student’s learning. Schools need to think beyond a classic classroom design and encourage collaborative learning by creating ideal learning space with the modern school furniture.