As teachers, you know that the physical space of the classroom — the seating and the comfort of the space — can make a huge impact on how interactive and engaged your students are with the study material at hand. Having quality classroom tables that allow your students to be comfortable, focused and alert with plenty of space to draw, take notes and get involved in your class makes all the difference.
The best classroom table will fit your students’ needs as well as your budget. For instance, if you want a large table with plenty of room for your students to complete their activities, Flash Furniture’s Mobile Horseshoe Oak Thermal Laminate Activity Table would be an ideal choice for you.
What to know before you buy a classroom table
What differentiates classroom tables from regular tables?
Anyone who’s ever been a student likely knows that classroom desks and tables fit a bit differently from other types of seating. First of all, they’re designed to be comfortable for children, which can’t be said of all tables. But most importantly, they’re designed with materials and shapes that make active drawing, writing and participating in academic activities easier for your students.
Shapes
Classroom tables can come in many shapes, and picking out the best one for your classroom will mainly depend on age range as well as whether you’ll be using them as individual desks or as group tables. Round tables tend to work well for groups of three to four, whereas other tables are made in horseshoe or square shapes so as to facilitate individual students using them as desks.
Material
The material of your classroom’s tables will determine, in large part, their endurance as well as the ease of cleaning them. Laminate, wood and plastic are popular options when it comes to classroom table construction. Certain materials like laminate are also much easier to wipe down and sanitize than certain types of vinyl or wood.
Sizing
While most classroom desks are designed for ages 6-12, some are more age-specific. Be sure to look for the age range that is most appropriate for your classroom. For more information about seating options for your classroom, check out the full classroom chair buying guide from BestReviews.
Classroom table features
Foldable
Some classroom tables can come as foldable pieces, either in the center or with folding legs, which might be something you’re interested in for saving storage space.
Wheels
Many classroom tables have wheels on the ends of the legs, letting your students move them about the classroom without having to drag them. This may be more appropriate for older students, though, since younger children may have to fight the urge to slide around and play with the wheeled tables.
Color
Classroom tables are available in all sorts of colors, so if your classroom has a theme or color coordination you’d like to keep in line with, there’s sure to be an option out there for you.
Classroom table cost
Prices for classroom tables can vary wildly; this often depends on factors such as the size, material and shape of the table. Classroom tables tend to cost anywhere from $100-$700.
Classroom table FAQ
Are group tables or individual desks better for students?
A. The answer to that question depends entirely on the sort of teaching style that defines your classroom. Do you routinely opt for group activities where the students need to be in close proximity in order to best work together? A large connected table or round table would probably be your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer your students work mostly on their own, individual desks would perhaps make more sense.
What is the best table arrangement for a classroom?
A. If your classroom makeup is only about ten to twelve students, many teachers recommend making a U-shape with the desks, with the teacher lecturing at the front/middle. That way, all the students can see each other and participate actively without losing sight of the teacher and the blackboard.
Which classroom table should you get?
Best of the best classroom table
Flash Furniture Mobile Horseshoe Oak Thermal Laminate Activity Table: available at Amazon
Our take: For teachers that prefer their students to sit in groups, this activity table offers some top features to get your kids having fun and learning actively together.
What we like: This table can also double as a single desk for older children; the legs are fully adjustable so it can reach the height of your students without an issue. Its horseshoe design lends itself to group work and can accommodate six to eight students comfortably. This table is available in either gray or wood coloring. The wheels make it easy to move around the room but can be locked for stability.
What we dislike: This model is very heavy and will likely need two people to set it up properly or move it from place to place.
Best bang for your buck classroom table
Correll High Pressure Laminate Classroom, Training or Seminar Table: available at Amazon
Our take: This sturdy table is the ultimate long-term purchase for your classroom, as it’s designed to stand up to wear and tear.
What we like: The seriously strong laminate and reinforced legs combined with a utilitarian rectangular shape make this table the best bang for your buck. The legs are foldable and can be adjusted to various heights. The laminate is easy to clean and can be wiped down in one motion.
What we dislike: Some buyers report the table coming with damaged or broken legs.
Honorable mention classroom table
ECR4Kids Bentwood Table and Stool Set for Kids: available at Amazon
Our take: This kindergarten-appropriate table would make for the perfect group table for your pre-k classroom.
What we like: This table comes with four stools, making it a great bargain. The bentwood material is strong with a nice sleek finish and comes with rounded edges so that your students don’t accidentally run into the table and hurt themselves. This table comes with a two-year warranty and thankfully is quite simple to set up.
What we dislike: Unfortunately, the included stools have paint that tends to chip and screws that need to be occasionally tightened.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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