Our Top Picks for Student Desks in K-12 Classrooms

We all want a work space that is comfortable and functional, and kids are no exception. And when schools are buying new furniture for classrooms, it’s not just a purchase, it’s an investment. The last thing you want to do is waste time and money. When you’re shopping online, something may look fantastic, but when you get it, the actual product isn’t what you expected. That’s why doing your homework is so important. Don’t have time to do the research? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of the best student desks for classrooms of all grade levels, along with tips and tricks from educators.

Open-Front Desks

1. Open-Front Desk With Book Box by Virco

Virco-brand desks are an educator favorite, and many prefer this traditional model with adjustable legs. Principal Jessica B. likes this style desk because you can arrange them in pairs, 4s, 6s, horseshoes, and circles. She adds, “They also stack top to bottom easily for summer floor waxing.”

Buy it: Virco Open-Front Desk With Metal Book Box at Worthington Direct

2. Natural Open Box Student Desk by Flash Furniture

Principal Justin A. shares that he finds the best prices on student desks at Amazon. Here’s a budget-friendly traditional desk with adjustable legs that works for all grade levels.

Buy it: Natural Open Box Student Desk at Amazon

Desks With Attached Chairs

3. 420 Series Chair Desk by Scholar Craft

For older students, desks that have attached chairs are a space-saving option. However, they don’t accommodate all students. “Desks and chairs that are separate are more flexible and accommodate students of different ages and sizes, plus those with disabilities,” explains principal Erica S. Principal Cynthia P. adds, “The same applies to adults if you have parent conferences or small team teacher meetings.”

Buy it: 420 Series Chair Desk by Scholar Craft at Worthington Direct

4. Solid Plastic Top Chair Desk With Bookrack by Virco

If you’re looking for a desk-chair combination, there’s an ergonomic option from Virco. This model has an extra-large writing surface and includes a bookrack underneath.

Buy it: Virco Solid Plastic Top Chair Desk With Bookrack at Worthington Direct

Collaborative Desks

5. Berries Trapezoid Desk by Jonti-Craft

Trapezoid desks are currently a popular choice because they fit together to create collaborative work spaces for small groups. Many models even have adjustable legs to accommodate students of all ages. Some educators, however, feel the trapezoid shape isn’t as versatile as traditional rectangular desks when arranging them in the classroom.

Buy it: Berries Trapezoid Desk at Worthington Direct

6. Premier Series Triangle Desk by Marco Group

These triangular desks fit together in neat pods of four when you’re ready to create a collaborative learning space. Plus they have adjustable legs, so they work well in all grade levels.

Buy it: Premier Series Triangle Desk by Marco Group at Worthington Direct

Standing Desks

7. Correll Adjustable Standing Height Desk by Jonti-Craft

Older students appreciate flexible seating options just as much as younger kids. “I recommend buying two to four standing or taller desks for each room,” says Principal Sarah S. “My very tall juniors and seniors really appreciate having furniture that fits their bodies.”

Buy it: Correll Adjustable Standing Height Desk at Worthington Direct

8. AlphaBetter Stand-Up Desk With Book Box by Safeco

This standing desk deserves its place on any list of the best student desks because it has all the bells and whistles. It adjusts in height to accommodate students in grades 3-12. Additionally, it has a swinging footrest bar to help properly position students’ posture, which locks away when not in use. It even has a book box and an additional shelf to store supplies and lunches.

Buy it: AlphaBetter Stand-Up Desk With Book Box at School Outfitters

Whiteboard Desks

9. Structure Series Open-Front Whiteboard Desk by Learniture

This desk comes with adjustable legs so it allows kids in all grade levels to use the whiteboard surface. A word to the wise: “White board tops were problematic depending on the cleaning solution the custodial staff used. Sometimes the marker won’t erase/just smears,” shares teacher Stefanie C.

Buy it: Structure Series Open-Front Whiteboard Desk With Book Box at School Outfitters

10. Tilt-n-Nest Adjustable Markerboard Desk by Classroom Select

These adjustable markerboard desks allow students to sit or stand while drawing or writing with dry-erase markers on the surface. They also nest together to create small groups for collaborative learning.

Buy it: Tilt-n-Nest Adjustable Markerboard Desk by Classroom Select at School Specialty

Rolling Desks

11. Apex Series Trapezoid Desks With Wheels by Marco Group

Tired of hearing desks screech across the floors when rearranging the furniture for group work? Try rolling desks. They  save floors from excessive nicks and scratches, so your custodian will thank you! The wheels on this model lock into place to keep your arrangement neat and organized when you’re not moving the desks.

Buy it: Apex Series Trapezoid Desks by Marco Group at Worthington Direct

12: Knob-Adjusted Wheelchair-Accessible School Desk by Populous

This rolling desk has wheels and adjustable legs to accommodate wheelchairs of almost any size. Additionally, it includes a bookbox on the side, so students have a place to store supplies without giving up legroom.

Buy it: Knob-Adjusted Wheelchair-Accessible School Desk at School Outfitters

Want to add to our list of the best student desks? Come share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

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