How to Choose the Best School Dining Furniture for Different Age Groups

Aug 15, 2024 • 4 minutes

Three university students sat around a table talking

When tasked with choosing dining furniture for your school, it might seem like a simple and straightforward job at first. After all, it is just tables and chairs, right? But as you start exploring your options, you will quickly realise there is more to consider than meets the eye.

Each age group has its own needs and preferences, and suddenly, choosing the right furniture can feel a bit overwhelming. But do not worry, we are here to help you through the process. Let us take a closer look at what you need to keep in mind to create a dining space that works for everyone.

School Dining Furniture Considerations by Age Group

Early Years and Primary School (Ages 4-11)

When choosing dining furniture for younger students, it is essential to consider how much they grow during these formative years. Furniture that is too big or small can cause discomfort and poor posture, so having a variety of table and chair sizes ensures every child can sit comfortably.

Safety is also a top priority. Opting for furniture made from non-toxic materials and designed with rounded corners can help to prevent injuries. And because spills and messes are inevitable at this age, easy-to-clean surfaces will help keep the dining area tidy and hygienic, providing a welcoming environment for all.

Secondary School (Ages 11-16)

As students move into secondary school, dining furniture needs to be robust enough to accommodate their growing bodies and increased activity levels. It is important to choose durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear and still look great over time.

Unlike younger years, where everyone typically eats together, secondary school students often form smaller groups and gravitate towards their own friendship circles. Offering a variety of table sizes can cater to these different group dynamics, keeping the dining area flexible and welcoming. This variety also supports the multifunctional use of the space, allowing for study sessions, social gatherings or school events as needed.

College and University (Ages 16+)

For post-secondary educational environments like colleges and universities, dining furniture needs to serve multiple purposes. Students often use dining areas not just for meals, but also as informal study spaces or places to relax between classes. Furniture should be both functional and comfortable to support longer periods of sitting, whether students are eating, studying or socialising.

Opting for modern, sleek designs helps create a more mature and calming environment that resonates well with older students. Durable, easy-to-maintain materials are still key, ensuring the furniture remains in good condition despite heavy use. Flexible layouts with movable tables and benches can also help accommodate various group sizes and activities, making the dining space versatile and inviting.

Additional Factors to Consider

Mobility and Flexibility: Opting for furniture that is easy to move or stack is essential in multi-purpose spaces like assembly halls. At Westcountry Group, our Versa range offers flexible dining solutions that adapt to your space. Our Wall Pocket system has foldable tables that can be easily stored on or inside the wall. This maximises your space’s functionality, allowing you to quickly set up or clear dining areas as needed.
Colour and Design: The right colours and designs can create a welcoming and stimulating environment for your students. All our tables are fully customisable, allowing you to add a personalised touch to your dining hall or cafeteria with your school’s logo or preferred imagery.
Durability and Maintenance: School dining furniture should withstand daily use and frequent cleaning. It is essential to choose materials that are both durable and resistant to damage from common detergents and cleaning agents. Our Versa range features ultra-durable, hygienic surfaces designed to endure the daily rigours of school life, ensuring they stay in good condition even after repeated use.
Budget and Longevity: Balancing initial costs with long-term value is key to avoiding frequent replacements and high maintenance expenses, which can strain your budget and lead to dissatisfaction among staff and pupils. All our dining furniture comes with a standard 15-year manufacturer’s warranty, guaranteeing they remain free from defects and provide reliable use for many years, giving you a strong return on investment. You can also extend that further to a free lifetime warranty with our service and maintenance contract. Contact us for me details.

Create the Ideal Dining Space for Your Students with Westcountry Group’s Versa Range

Designing dining spaces that cater to the specific needs of different age groups is essential for creating a comfortable and functional environment.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your current dining furniture or looking for something new, we have delivered a number of multipurpose and dining hall projects that meet the needs of your education environments. Here is what our customers had to say about our work.