Top Trends in School Dining Furniture for 2024

Aug 22, 2024 • 5 minutes

With the new academic year underway, it is the perfect time to look at your dining spaces. At Westcountry Group, we believe that dining areas are more than just places to eat—they are spaces where students can relax, recharge and connect with peers outside the classroom.

Poor design can make these spaces feel cold and uninviting, which is why investing in high-quality, durable and attractive furniture is essential. Doing so creates an environment that can withstand the daily wear and tear of school life while remaining functional and welcoming.

In this blog, we will explore the latest trends and features shaping the future of school dining environments, helping you make informed choices that enhance the overall dining experience in your school.

Space-Efficiency and Flexibility

As student numbers grow, schools need to make the most of every square metre available. Dining areas are increasingly being designed to do more than just serve meals—they are doubling as indoor PE classrooms, study zones or assembly halls. However, many schools are limited by bulky dining tables that only serve a purpose at lunchtime, taking up valuable space the rest of the day.

At Westcountry Group, we have the expertise and solutions to make your dining spaces more flexible. Our Versa range of mobile folding tables is the perfect solution for primary, secondary, college and university education settings. The Wall Pocket lets you neatly store tables against the wall when they are not in use, freeing up valuable space for other activities. Whether you are setting up for lunch or clearing the floor for group work, our multipurpose furniture ensures your space is always ready for whatever comes next.
Customisation and Branding

Gone are the days when school canteens were just a sea of plain, uniform tables. Schools are now adding personality to their dining areas with a variety of colours, patterns and even school logos. These custom touches not only help mask the occasional spill but also stimulate creativity and energise students, making the dining area a more enjoyable and inspiring place to be.

Our Versa range is fully customisable to bring your school’s canteen to life. Benchmark tables, for example, offer over 100 colour and pattern options with the flexibility to mix and match. Whether you want to align with your school’s décor, showcase your logo or even feature original images like student artwork, we can incorporate these designs into your furniture. These customisable options are incredibly popular with both teachers and students, ensuring your dining area is as vibrant and unique as your school community.
Inclusive Design

Designing with inclusivity in mind is becoming increasingly important in schools, as educators and administrators work to create spaces that are welcoming and meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. Every pupil should feel comfortable and have equal access to all areas, including dining spaces. By incorporating inclusive design principles, schools can ensure that no student feels left out during mealtimes.

Our Hallmark tables are designed with these principles in mind. They provide ample legroom and are set at the perfect height for wheelchair users, ensuring comfort and ease of use. The tables also feature sturdy, stable construction that offer a secure seating option for all students. Designed to fit seamlessly into any dining area, our Hallmark tables help schools create an environment where everyone can dine together comfortably.
Durability and Low Maintenance

Spilled drinks, dropped food and the occasional enthusiastic table slam—your dining furniture goes through a lot. With hundreds of pupils using them every day, standard dining tables often cannot keep up, leading to frequent replacements that strain your school budget. That is why more schools are opting for more durable furniture that can handle daily wear and tear without showing it, and that is exactly what our Versa range offers.

All our tables and benches feature easy-to-clean, hygienic surfaces that keep the dining area sanitary, even after the messiest lunch periods. They are also built to last, with tamper-proof, moisture-resistant polyurea edging that protects against everyday bumps and prevents moisture damage over time. By choosing our furniture, you can keep your dining area looking its best with minimal effort, ensuring a clean, inviting space for students every day.
Technology Integration

While not yet widespread, there is a growing trend toward integrating technology into school dining furniture, like tables with built-in charging stations or touchscreens to meet students’ digital needs. While this is gaining momentum, it is important to approach this carefully. Technology advances quickly, and what is cutting-edge today may soon become outdated.

Instead of focusing solely on tech features, we recommend prioritising versatile, durable furniture that remains functional and relevant as your school’s needs evolve. Plus, with the 15-year manufacturer’s warranty, and our optional service and maintenance agreement, our tables are built to stand the test of time, ensuring they remain a reliable part of your dining spaces for years to come.
Ergonomic Designs

Ergonomics is becoming a key focus in school dining spaces, with more emphasis on furniture that promotes healthy posture and comfort for students. This trend is gaining momentum because it offers significant benefits for both physical health and overall well-being. When pupils are seated comfortably, it encourages better posture and aids in digestion, making mealtimes more enjoyable.

Our furniture, like the Benchmark and ConverTables, come in various table heights, widths and seating configurations, allowing you to create a dining setup that is ergonomic for students of all ages. By supporting your students’ health, it enhances their overall dining experience and contributes to a more positive and productive school day.

Transform Your School’s Dining Experience with Westcountry Group

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