Buying guide for Best kids' desk and chair sets
All children need a spot to do their homework or get creative with art supplies, and kids' desk and chair sets are the perfect proportions for young bodies. By purchasing a desk and chair as a set, you know the chair is just the right height to fit comfortably at the desk, plus the desk and chair match, which many find more aesthetically pleasing than mismatched furniture.
You first need to look at desk and chair sets that are the right size for the age and height of the child who'll be using them. Some are the right size for preschoolers, while others are large enough for middle schoolers, so you don't want to get it wrong. Built-in storage space in the desk is a huge bonus, allowing kids to store paper, workbooks, and other supplies. You might also want to consider the desk’s appearance — whether your child will like the way it looks and if it fits with their bedroom décor.
Key considerations
Age range
Most kids' desk and chair sets should indicate the age range that they're suitable for. Of course, this is only an estimate, since some children are taller or shorter than average for their age, but you'll know if this is the case with your child and can adjust accordingly.
For those desk sets that don't indicate an age range, you'll need to look at the dimensions of both the desk and the chair to figure out if it will be a decent fit for your child. Consider that you'll probably want a desk that your child can grow into. So, if you're buying a desk for a 10-year-old, it's better to choose one suited to ages 10 to 15 than ages 7 to 11 because your child will be able to use the desk for a longer time.
Storage
Built-in storage space in a desk, while not essential, is nice to have. Some desks have a traditional lift-up lid with storage space inside, which is reasonably practical but can end up getting messy since it's just one large space for everything. Plus, it's a little risky with young children because it's easy for little fingers to get pinched when closing the lid. Drawers are a little safer and having several small drawers rather than one large one makes it easier for kids to separate different items and stay organized. Some kids' desks also feature a hutch on the desktop for additional storage.
Desktop size
We recommend checking the dimensions of the desktop so you know whether your child will have ample room to work. Kids' desks often have a fairly small desktop, which is fine for young children. Once kids enter middle school and high school, however, they tend to have more complex homework, which might require additional space to compile research materials, gadgets, and supplies. Even if a desk and chair set fits your child’s height, it's not much good if the desktop isn't large enough to work on.
Features
Adjustability
Height: The height on some kids' desk and chair sets can be adjusted, which is excellent news if you want a desk that will grow with your child. You can even find models that fit kids ages 5 to 15 and potentially longer depending on the height of your child. Some kids could use the same desk until they leave for college.
Tilt: A tilting desk surface can make drawing and writing by hand feel more natural. It enables the user to adopt a more comfortable hand and arm position and means they don't have to bend over to look down at the page.
Colors and designs
You can find kids' desk sets in a huge array of colors, finishes, and designs. Some keep it fairly neutral in white or gray or a stained-wood finish. Others are much brighter or feature designs that appeal to little kids, such as cartoon characters or wild animals.
Did You Know?
Kids' desk and chair sets generally require some assembly. It shouldn't be tricky, but you might need some simple tools like a screwdriver.
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Kids’ desk and chair set prices
Desk and chair sets for kids can cost as little as $40 or as much as $250.
Inexpensive
Basic kids' desk and chair sets start at around $40 to $100. At the lower end of this price range, you'll generally find small desks made for young children, but you can find plenty of desks for bigger kids for between $75 and $100.
Mid-range
You can find plenty of great desk sets for $100 to $175, including some highly adjustable desks that will see your kids through high school.
Expensive
The costliest desk and chair sets are priced between $175 and $250. These are generally durable wooden desks with plenty of storage, but you can also find some high-end metal and plastic options at this price point.
If your child is approaching their teenage years, it's best to get them a full-size desk and an appropriate desk chair that will last them longer.
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Tips
- Consider how long your child will be using the desk. If it's adjustable enough to fit your offspring well into their teens, that's great, but not all desks and chairs are durable enough to last that long. Plus, teenagers tend to need a significant amount of space on their desk to fit books and other materials.
- Choose function over form if necessary. If presented with a choice between an attractive desk set that isn't all that functional and a less pleasing desk that's adjustable and has loads of storage space, the latter is the better option, though you can find sets that offer both form and function.
- Don't overlook storage. We've touched on storage already, but it can't be overstated. Having space to store essentials such as exercise books, textbooks, and writing utensils is extremely useful, especially as your child grows and has more complex schoolwork.
FAQ
Q. Why should I buy my child a desk and chair set?
A. Having their own desk and chair gives children a dedicated spot to sit and do schoolwork, art, or creative writing. Sure, they could do it all at the kitchen table, but having their own space can help children focus. If your child is being schooled at home, a desk is vital, but even if they just use it for their own creative hobbies, it's still a worthwhile investment.
Q. What's the best material for a kids' desk and chair set?
A. There is no material that's clearly better than others — each has its pros and cons — so first consider what you want from a set before deciding on the material. Wood is probably the most popular material for these sets. It's a classic choice that works well with practically any decorative style. A quality wooden desk and chair can be extremely durable, but cheap models can be flimsy, so buy with care. Desk and chair sets with a plastic seat and desktop and metal legs are also common. The plastic is sturdy yet lightweight and can easily be wiped clean, while the metal legs are durable. This combination of materials might not be especially attractive, but it is practical.
Q. Are kids' desk and chair sets comfortable to sit at all day?
A. If your child is educated at home full time, you're probably wondering whether a kids' desk and chair set is comfortable enough to sit in for a whole day of schooling. The chairs that come with these sets aren't usually ergonomically adjustable, so they're not the best option to sit in all day. The fact of the matter is, however, that many kids don't learn best when they're sitting at a desk. While a desk is useful when your child needs a flat, hard surface to work on, if you're homeschooling full time, you should take advantage of the fact that your child isn't forced to stay seated at a desk all day like they would be in a classroom. You'll likely find your child is more productive when you allow them to work where they feel most comfortable, whether that's curled up in an armchair or sprawled under a tree in the backyard.
