Choosing a suitable piece of furniture for your child’s study can become a challenge because when it comes to making a choice, many questions arise. The study hours that children dedicate to the performance of their tasks deserve comfort and convenience. It should be noted that several scientific studies have shown that comfort in furniture is fundamental for concentration on homework or study.
The different colours, finishes, shapes and sizes of the tables and chairs in their categories are thought out and designed for the little ones. They are dedicated so that the chairs are not heavy, but easy to transport and, at the same time, remain durable and resistant to their daily activities.
Why is it important to provide your child with a baby table?
First, it is important to know that the baby table is an item that becomes useful from 18 months of age, and even then, be aware that your baby will not spend hours on your table. As the child gets older, it is natural that he or she becomes interested in activities that are more compatible with the baby’s table.
The baby table offers more autonomy. It is important because, besides being a safe piece of furniture for the child, the little ones also gain more autonomy and freedom.
They can sit down and stand up by themselves, choose when they want to do some activity on their table and it is a space prepared for them, especially if placed in their room.
Just think of the configuration of a nursery or infant school, the tables are adapted to the size and phase of the little ones. So why not do the same for them at home?
The methodology left by Maria Montessori, doctor and pedagogue, says that it is necessary to offer an environment prepared for the little ones. In this way, the child learns to be independent from an early age. You can start this teaching with the use of the children’s table.
Criteria for choosing a children’s table
Many are the aspects that should be taken into consideration when making the selection. One of the most important to consider is the size of the study table. In the case of the height of the desk, it should be adjusted to the age and height of the child, as well as the height of the chair. Adjustable tables are an excellent option because as the child grows they will adjust, ensuring their use for many years.
Storage
Ideally, the children’s study desk should have areas such as drawers to store their implements. This way, you can save the ones you don’t need temporarily and free up space – taking into consideration that there are times when the habit of order is not very well developed. The shelves are also an alternative to organize school material, books, notebooks, texts, and cases.
It is important to point out that a child between 1 and 3 years old does not deserve a desk with a drawer, because at this stage of life, he or she needs other types of furniture to carry out manual activities that allow for sensory development.
In the case of children over 5 years old, a more complete space is needed to carry out their academic activities, homework and schoolwork.
Materials
When acquiring a children’s study desk, the ideal is that it is in harmony with the decoration of the room, that it is suitable for the space and assess its structural quality and useful life, that is, that it has been made with very natural materials, durable materials and colours suitable for children. The most recommended materials are wood, melamine and plastic.
Table Weight
Another important aspect is the weight of the furniture. In some cases, children will want to carry the chair and even the table itself, so it should be considered for certain ages.
Colour
Colour cannot be left aside, as it is an important element when choosing a table, especially if it is for children’s use. Using strong tones, at least as a contrasting element, can be an alternative to stimulate their creativity.
It is advisable not to exceed the use of two or three colours to give a fun touch to the table, but at the same time, not to overload it.
Greens are the tones of the season, combined with low tones such as grey, white or yellow. Black and white are a classic not-so-childish option, but using certain appliqués ideal for little ones, can be a fun option.
What size should a kid’s table be?
While the exact measurements of children’s furniture vary from brand to brand and style to style, many furniture builders follow guidelines based on the age range of the children they design the furniture for. If considering a purchase, the actual dimensions of each piece are often mentioned on the tag, packaging or online description for any given piece of furniture.
Table Height
The width, depth or diameter of a table varies greatly, based upon the number of children it is designed to comfortably seat at once. According to Capital Area Woodworkers, the height depends on the age range of the children. For toddlers up to 4 years old, the standard table height is 20 to 22 inches. For children aged 5 to 7, a table 22 to 25 inches high is standard; 24 to 29 inches is typical for a table designed for 8- to 10-year-olds.
Chair Sizes
Chair height also varies based on the recommended age range of the children who may use it. There is no standard for chair back height, but the seat ranges from 10 to 12 inches off the ground for toddlers, 12 to 14 inches for children aged 5 to 7, and 13 to 17 inches for children from 8 to 10 years old.
Regardless of the type of study desk you choose for your children, the most important thing is that they are comfortable. Studying with the correct posture is essential. The important thing is always to create an environment that allows them to study more calmly and that favours their concentration level so that they are more motivated in their activities.
