Back-to-school season means new opportunities to incorporate fresh classroom designs, school furniture additions, and learning space enhancements to maximize student engagement and learning. And when it comes to student seating options, the designs are endless! The days of buying those rigid seat-and-desk combos are long gone. Today's school districts are bringing in floor seating, wobble stools, adaptive chairs, and adjustable chairs with wheels. This flexible approach to student seating is benefiting students in a big way, too.
According to responses in the Voice of Educators Survey 2024, 76% of administrators with flexible learning spaces believe they support student learning achievement. Moreover, 63% of teachers with flexible learning spaces believe they're better and more effective teachers.
One of the most popular flexible seating solutions is soft seating. With more comfortable designs and convenient classroom applications, soft seating makes a great addition to any classroom environment for both students and educators. Today, we'll share innovative ways to incorporate soft seating in classroom settings, so you can take advantage of these monumental advantages.
Try classroom soft seating in your libraries and reading centers
When students venture to the school library, they deserve a comfortable and welcoming environment to read, study, and focus. Explore all the latest soft seating furniture designs to reimagine your library spaces with student impact in mind! Popular library soft seating arrangements right now include:
Soft seating product highlight: Accent your library with the comfortable Foam Soft Seating Cylinder Accent Set from our exclusive Sprogs brand!
Soft seating is an essential element of any calming space
The top learning space investment today's school districts plan to invest in is calming spaces, according to the Voice of Educators Survey 2024. If your back-to-school plans include calming spaces or Zen dens for your students this year, soft seating is a core element to add.
Some of the best soft seating solutions for calming center spaces include:
Soft seating product highlight: New for 2024-2025, check out the Sprogs Stepping Stone Pentagon Floor Seats Set!
Move to the floor for a novel seating switch-up
Working on the floor is a great way to change how students interact with their environment and absorb a lesson's information. Floor-style seating options can help regulate and ground students who may be having a difficult time staying still or help keep other students' attention who are struggling to stay awake.
This swivel floor chair is a great option for a floor-level seat with a supportive design and comfortable foam padding. The swivel feature allows for quiet, regulating movement, and the color options help this chair easily incorporate into classroom themes.
Soft seating product highlight: These SoftScape round floor cushions stack for easy storage and feature a rainbow gradient for a fun, functional classroom furniture addition.
Set up a lounge area for students to decompress
Lounge areas and comfortable common areas can be incorporated practically anywhere, including hallways, shared academic spaces, or in individual classrooms.
A mobile lounge recliner may be the most appropriate for high school to higher education environments, while a bean bag may be best in a classroom or Zen den for younger ages. If lounge areas are meant to double as an area to study, consider incorporating soft seating that can be paired with a table or even extra storage options like this lounge chair.
Explore these soft seating variations to create perfect lounges and comfortable common areas:
Soft seating product highlight: The teardrop soft seating options are trending to incorporate organic shapes in a space-saving design. They also come in soothing, muted colors to fit traditional classroom or lounge themes and even more biophilic themes.
FAQs about classroom soft seating
Where do I start to incorporate flexible seating in the classroom?
You don't have to outfit an entire classroom to reap the benefits of soft seating for your students. Work with the budget and spaces you have to incorporate one piece of soft seating at a time. Each classroom addition, large or small, will be advantageous.
Does classroom seating really impact student learning?
Yes! Seating arrangements, along with the comfort and ergonomics of student chairs, can impact how students focus, learn, and remain attentive during lessons. Flexible seating allows students to easily move around and interact with their environment and others in organic and novel ways.
What do I need to consider when choosing soft seating options?
Consider the adaptability of soft seating options when choosing furniture and chairs for your classroom. Some options conform more easily to the user, like a beanbag, while others have more structure for more functionality. It's also best to consider durable soft seating materials that are easy to clean.
School Outfitters has all your classroom soft seating
School Outfitters is dedicated to building innovative, flexible spaces for educators and administration, with student engagement at the heart of that conversation. These designs can prioritize comfort and budget! Our expert staff can handle quotes for orders within 24 hours. We streamline the process for you so that you can build the most functional classroom for your district's needs. Get a quote today and Experience Positive with School Outfitters!
