Designer children's tables – how to find the right model for your home
- Table shapes and uses
- The right table height
- Ergonomic seating at the table
- Material and sustainability
- Summary
From a certain age, children want to draw, do crafts or play at a table on their own. With the right children's tables and chairs, you can support and encourage your child.
1. Table shapes and uses
As a general rule, the shape of a table determines how it's used. And the older the child, the larger the tabletop should be.
Children's tables with storage
Children's desks should offer plenty of storage space and surfaces. Depending on the model, children's tables are available with built-in drawers, compartments and pen holders, or with matching accessories such as pencil boxes. This lets you adapt the table to your child's needs, making it suitable for pre-school and primary school children right up to their teens.
To save space in small children's rooms, folding tables or fold-down tabletops are a good choice.
Round children's tables
A round children's table is the classic choice for nursery-age children to draw and do crafts. Children's table and chair sets are perfect for getting together when your child invites friends over or when parents want to join in. Round children's tables look inviting and are particularly easy to place in a room.
Children's tables should stand firmly on the floor and be tip-proof. That's why several table legs are often a better choice than a central base.
Children's tables are available in sets with matching chairs, creating a cohesive look in the children's room.
Multifunctionality
Multifunctional furniture can change its function in no time. Some children's tables, for example, can be turned into a bench or a rocker simply by flipping them over.
Multi-purpose furniture is particularly suitable if space in the children's room is limited. It's especially well suited to young children up to the age of 5.
Small tables
For young children, small tables are first used for drawing and crafts. Later, they can be repurposed as a surface or side table.
2. How high should a children's table be?
The table height depends on the seat height and therefore on your child's height and proportions. You can use the following measurements as a guide, for example.
3. Ergonomic seating
Because sitting correctly is very important, especially while children are growing, pair the children's table with a suitable children's chair. Ideally, the table should be adjustable so that it can grow with your child.
When your child is sitting, their thighs and lower legs should form a 90° angle (1). The thighs rest on the seat (2), the backs of the knees don't touch the edge of the seat (3) and the knees and thighs don't touch the table (7).
When seated, the feet rest flat on the floor (4) or on a footrest.
The forearms rest flat on the tabletop and the shoulders are relaxed (5). The backrest supports the pelvis and shoulders (6).
4. Material and sustainability
Material
Children's tables are made of materials such as wood, wicker, plastic or metal.
It's an advantage if the children's table is lightweight, so it can easily be moved when needed. Lightweight materials such as plastic or rattan are a good choice.
It's important that children's tables have wipeable surfaces. Materials such as plastic or metal are easy to clean with a damp cloth if drinks get spilled or someone draws on the table with crayons.
Wood and metal are sturdy and stand out for their stability and durability. Children's tables made of aluminium are even suitable for the garden.
Harmful substances and safety
Toddlers in particular explore lots of things with their mouths – and that includes licking and nibbling furniture. If you choose children's furniture made of natural materials such as wood, make sure the wood is untreated, and that the surface hasn't been treated with harmful varnishes.
Make sure the corners and edges of children's tables are slightly rounded. This reduces the risk of injury.
Sustainability
Look for products that have been manufactured sustainably. Sustainable wooden furniture is usually low in harmful substances and also stands out for its durability.
Choose furniture that grows with your child, is height-adjustable or extendable, so it can be used for many years.
You can also consider where a product is made. Products manufactured in Germany or elsewhere in Europe, for example, have shorter transport routes, which can reduce CO2 emissions.
5. Summary – what to consider when buying children's tables online
- Depending on how you want to use it, there are classic children's desks, children's table and chair sets with a round table, practical multifunctional furniture, or small tables that can later be used as side tables.
- The table height depends on the seat height and therefore on your child's height and proportions. Ideally, the table should be height-adjustable.
- For more storage in the children's room, choose a children's table with extra storage in the form of pen holders, drawers and surfaces.
- The table should be made of a sturdy material with an easy-to-wipe surface.
- To reduce the risk of injury, the children's table should be stable, with slightly rounded corners and edges.
- Sustainably produced wooden furniture is usually low in harmful substances. You should also make sure the wooden surface is untreated.
- Many children's tables are sold in sets with matching children's chairs, creating a cohesive look.
