Sourcing School Furniture

There are a number of factors to consider when sourcing school furniture, including but not limited to:

• Size and age appropriateness
• Ergonomics and usage restrictions
• Colour and aesthetics
• Space-saving benefits
• Adaptability for multiple uses
• Guarantees
• Certification

The different size requirements of school furniture stem from a British and European standard which sets out recommended heights for tables and chairs in schools. This standard was introduced to ensure that any furniture purchased for educational settings is of the correct dimensions and is ‘fit for purpose’.

This standard is BS EN1729 and it has sections, Parts 1 & 2.

Below we’ve taken a closer look at each of the two parts of this standard.

BS EN1729 Part 1 – Functional Dimensions

This part of the standard sets out six ‘size marks’. These size marks indicate the ideal seat and table height for each age of child. The size marks within the standard take into account factors such as stature and popliteal height* – what the standard describes as ‘dimensional fit’. So, any school furniture that is marked as ‘Conforms to BS EN1729 Part 1’ will comply with the required dimensions set out within the standard. What’s more, tables and chairs which conform to Part 1 of BS EN1729 will also have a shape and ergonomic design which are considered to encourage good posture, reduce instances of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and prevent the onset of back and joint pain.

*Popliteal height

This is a phrase which refers to the correct seat height for a student (it is sometimes also called the ‘stool height’). The popliteal height measures the distance from the floor to the back of the knees when seated. Imagine someone seated in the normal way, with their thighs horizontal, their lower legs vertical, and their feet planted flat on the floor. It’s this seating position which is measured to give a seat its popliteal height. 

*Sitting working height

This refers to the correct height of a table. Sitting working height is calculated in the following way; an individual sits down with their upper arm vertical and their lower arms horizontal (as if they are resting their arms on a table top). The distance from the floor to the individual’s elbow is then measured to determine the sitting working height of a table.

*Stature Height

This simply refers to the distance from the floor to the top of an individual's head whilst they are standing.

BS EN1729 Part 2 – Strength & Stability

As you’ll probably be more than aware, school furniture takes a beating. Part 2 of BS EN1729 sets out a series of strength, durability and safety standards that furniture must meet in order to be considered ‘fit for purpose’ for use in schools. Furniture that meets Part 2 of BS EN1729 then, will have a long service life, will be of high quality and will create a better learning environment; research shows that quality, ergonomically-focused school furniture improves pupil concentration and reduces misbehaviour.

Sizing Guide

The following sizing guide can be used to assist in selecting the correct products for your target age group. Office Monster stocks a variety of products in each age band and we have simplified the shopping experience by grouping products into their relevant size groups.