How to choose a desk for a child: 5 important criteria

The right desk for a child is the key to healthy posture. Orthopedic surgeons never tire of repeating this. And teachers assure that school performance largely depends on the convenience of the workplace. It is important that the child is comfortable and comfortable spending time at the table. Then he will be less tired, write, read and be creative with pleasure.

What should a children's desk be like?

Many people choose furniture for a child based on the quality of the material and appearance. But it is much more important that the desk is comfortable and contributes to the formation of correct posture.

To make the right choice, just sit the student at his desk and pay attention to the details:

1. Knees and hips should be at right angles.
2. Feet – fully touch the floor.
3. There should be a gap of 8–10 cm between the edge of the desk and the chest.
4. Elbows should rest comfortably on the tabletop.
5. All accessories can be placed on the table so that they do not interfere with activities.

Suitable for height

In order for a student to sit comfortably and study comfortably at a table, it must match his height.

Optimal tabletop height:

• with a height of 110–120 cm – 52 cm;
• 120–130 cm – 57 cm;
• 130–140 – 60 cm;
• 140–160 cm – 63 cm.

Along with the desk, it is important to choose the right chair for your child. It should have a firm, straight and high back. With a height of 110–120 cm, the optimal seat height is 32 cm, 120–130 cm – 35 cm, 130–140 cm – 38 cm, 140–160 cm – 41 cm.

Comfortable

Important parameters of a desk are its depth and width. In order for a student to be able to conveniently arrange all his supplies, and for his elbows not to hang down during classes, the tabletop must have a width of at least 120 cm and a depth of 60 to 80 cm. These are standard, physiologically correct dimensions that allow full control of the workspace without unnecessary stress.

Attractive to child

The workplace should evoke pleasant emotions. If a child wants a desk of a certain color or with stickers, it would be right to give in to him in this matter. It is not for you to study at the table, but for the schoolchild. Many parents worry too much: how will the children's furniture fit into the overall interior, will the drawing get boring? But you can always balance out the design of a room with wall decorations, bedding or a rug. And after several years, the tabletop can be repainted or covered with film.

Wear-resistant

You need to understand that children sometimes stain the table with ballpoint pens and markers. Therefore, it is important that the tabletop material is easy to clean and scratch-resistant. You should also pay attention to its stability and strength. The child will use it daily, so the fastenings must be secure.

If you choose a desk made of plastic, you should pay attention to the thickness of the material and the presence of a chemical odor. Parts that are too thin will bend over time, and strong-smelling plastic can be toxic and harmful to a child’s health.

Are boxes needed?

To prevent a child’s desk from turning into a “warehouse” for textbooks, notebooks and stationery over time, it is useful to allocate its own place for each accessory. A functional desk with drawers is much more convenient for a student.It is better if some of them are closed, and some with open shelves. Only those accessories that are frequently used should be kept in sight. A variety of textbooks, notebooks, pencils, plasticine, and paints in front of the eyes will distract the child from the main task. Therefore, drawers are needed, and preferably with doors.

Is slope important?

To relieve back strain and provide better visibility, many desks for children have an angled top.

For different types of activities, the recommended inclination angle is different:

• for reading – 15–20°;
• for writing – 8–12°;
• for drawing – 0–5°.

The slope is important, but not as much as the height of the tabletop. If you buy a table with a tilt, it is important that it be adjustable. This will allow you to carry out different types of activities - writing, reading, and drawing.

If you choose a desk with a straight top, purchase a stand for textbooks. With it, it will be much more convenient for the student to read and do homework.

Ithaca, the main thing when choosing a desk for a child is that it matches his height. But everyone knows how quickly children grow. In order not to order new furniture every 1-2 years, some people buy a table with a margin of 5-10 cm, complete with a high chair and a footrest. The stand allows you to position your body correctly at the table, even if it is a little large for the child’s height. An alternative option is to purchase a desk in which the height of the tabletop, and sometimes the inclination, is adjustable. Such models are very popular. They “grow” with the child and can last 5 years or more.