School furniture sizes and dimensions: A visual guide

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Is your school in need of some new classroom furniture like chairs and desks? Before you go ahead and make your choice, be sure to get on top of the relevant regulations that exist in this area.

This guide will give you exactly that, outlining the required sizes and dimensions for classroom furniture for Early years settings, through to Primary and Secondary level. We’ll also offer a few handy and helpful tips so you know exactly what to look for when buying classroom furniture.

 

BS EN 1729: School furniture dimensions explained

Educational furniture in the UK is required to meet BS EN 1729 standards. Originally outlined by the EU in 2007, it ensures that furniture built for educational settings is suitable for today’s children and is based on the average height of children in these age groups.

The regulation is split into two parts:

Part 1: Functional dimensions

Part 2: Safety requirements and test methods

Whenever buying school furniture, be sure to check with the manufacturer that the chair or desk complies with these standards. Below is a visual guide that aligns with part 1 of the BS EN 1729. Here are some useful definitions.

Stature: The distance between the floor and the top of a child’s head

Table height: Measured from the floor to the underside of the elbow when sitting down (with the lower arm in a straight horizontal position).

Seat height: Measured from the floor to the back of the knee (with thighs position horizontally and feet flat on the floor).

 

furniture size and dimensions graphic

Early Years

Sizemark 1

Age: 3-4

Chair height: 260mms

Desk heigh: 460mms

Stature: 95-115cms

 

Sizemark 2

Age: 4-6

Chair height: 310mms

Desk heigh: 530mms

Stature: 110-120cms

 

Primary Schools

Sizemark 3

Age: 6-8

Chair height: 350mms

Desk heigh: 590mms

Stature: 120-140cms

 

Sizemark 4

Age: 8-11

Chair height: 380mms

Desk heigh: 640mms

Stature: 130-160cms

 

Secondary Schools

Sizemark 5

Age: 11-14

Chair height: 430mms

Desk heigh: 710mms

Stature: 145-175cms

 

Sizemark 6

Age: 14+

Chair height: 460mms

Desk heigh: 760mms

Stature: 160-190cms

 

Choosing the right table and chairs

  • These guidelines are based on the average heights of children in these age groups. Be sure to consider where your school’s pupils fit into this before purchasing any furniture.
  • Allow for a 10mm +/- tolerance with the sizes given in the regulations.
  • Dimensions are only one part of good ergonomics. Ensure that the chair is not only the right size, but also designed for optimum comfort for pupils. Look out for a design that reduces pressure on the back, neck, and legs of those seated on it.
  • The right furniture will increase pupil comfort and satisfaction, making for a more productive and harmonious classroom. Don’t underestimate the positive impact good chairs and desks can have.
  • Double check that all the tables and chairs you purchase for your class is in the same sizemark bracket.
  • Note that in order to be sold in the UK, school tables and chairs must comply with part 1 and part 2 of BS EN 1729. This means that all furniture purchased with the correct accreditation will also have passed the relevant safety and quality checks.