Before you settle on a table, take a close look at your available floor space. You need room for more than just the table itself. Factor in aisle clearance for easy movement around the room, the footprint of the table, and about 10 to 12 inches of space between the seat and the tabletop so students can sit comfortably. Getting these measurements right from the start saves you from a setup that feels cramped or limits how your room can function day to day. Different table shapes, like rectangular, trapezoid, or kidney, also play a big role in flexibility. Most shapes can be pushed together for group work or spread out for independent tasks, so think about how your room needs to shift throughout the school day.
Not every feature will be relevant to every space, but a few are worth understanding before you buy. Tables with self-leveling nylon glides keep the work surface even and eliminate wobbling, which matters during focused tasks. If rearranging your space is something you do often, look for tables with locking casters so furniture can move without effort. Adjustable-height tables are worth considering if your room serves multiple grade levels or ages. Most adjust in one-inch increments, so the same table can work across different student sizes over time. Whiteboard tabletops are another option if you want to give students a surface for brainstorming and group problem solving without needing additional materials
Match the table size to the task. Think about what students will actually be doing at the table. Some tasks need plenty of surface area for notebooks, devices, and materials. Others are better suited to a smaller, more focused workspace.
Think long term with adjustable height. A table that adjusts in one-inch increments can serve multiple grade levels over the years, which helps you get more use out of a single purchase
Consider the tabletop surface. Whiteboard tops encourage spontaneous collaboration. Standard laminate tops hold up well for general use. Match the surface to the kind of work most often in your space.
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Activity Table Seating Capacity
Product Types
Whiteboard Top Activity Tables
Whiteboard activity tables provide students with a space to take notes, jot down ideas and collaborate with others at a moment’s notice. These tables prevent wasting paper while students practice important concepts such as math equations and foreign language conjugations. Dry erase tables are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Rectangle and Square Activity Tables
To seat a larger number of students, choosing a rectangular table is a good option. With more room for students to spread out while working or eating, rectangular tables are practical for use in a variety of educational environments. Similarly, square tables are ideal options for creating space for smaller groups of students. Rectangle and square tables are easily adaptable and can be combined with many other types of tables for group work.
Round activity tables allow students to see one another, making group work easier. This shape is conducive to sharing supplies during collaborative activities and developing social skills. Their simple shape means that they are extremely versatile and suitable for many types of educational spaces.
Similar to horseshoe tables, kidney tables gather students in a semi-circle to encourage better focus on their teacher. With wider tops, kidney tables are ideal for engaging students in group activities and collaborative projects.
Sometimes referred to as ‘U-Shaped’ tables, horseshoe activity tables allow teachers to be at the center of their students’ attention during class. Students can sit close to each other for collaborative activities and to easily share activity supplies.
With six flat edges and a wide center, hexagon tables make for great collaboration. These tables make it easy to share supplies and help students develop important social skills. The unique shape readily combines with other tables, creating a flexible classroom environment.
Half-Round & Half-Moon Activity Tables
With wide tops and one flat side, half-round and half-moon tables are excellent options for one to two students to sit and work. Teachers can easily work with students from the rounded side without disrupting the space. Semi-circle tables combine perfectly to create large round tables for collaboration and group activities.
Flower tables are similar to hexagon tables, but offer even more versatility. Each curved edge gives students their own space and is compatible with many other collaborative table shapes. The wide center is ideal for group projects and activities.
Crescent shaped activity tables are nearly identical to round tables, except for the curved edge that gives the table its name. This design makes it easy to reconfigure classrooms and seamlessly combine different table shapes.
Trapezoid activity tables are great for one-on-one sessions between students and their classmates or their teachers. The versatile design means that these tables can be used as individual desks or combined to create collaborative groupings for teamwork.
Wooden activity tables lend classic style to any room. Especially sturdy and durable, wood tables are designed to withstand busy classrooms and libraries. Featuring rounded edges and additional options such as rolling casters or protective glides, these tables are a good choice for any grade level.
Classroom Activity Tables with Storage
Making the most of the available space in your classroom is easy with activity tables that include storage. Conveniently keep student supplies in drawers and totes while enjoying less clutter in your room. There are many different shapes and sizes available with optional features such as adjustable-height legs and smooth rolling casters, offering even more versatility.
Classroom activity tables with wheels are essential to any flexible classroom design. Locking casters make it easy to stabilize tables while still having the option to quickly move them later. Most of our activity tables can be customized with casters, so every grade level can benefit from the added flexibility.
Guided Reading Activity Tables
Guided reading tables are typically shaped to direct the attention of students. Optional adjustable-height legs and smooth rolling casters add flexibility to the classroom. Whether the teacher is speaking or the class is following along with audio-based reading activities, these tables help keep students focused.
Classroom Tables & Chairs Sets
Quickly and easily standardize classrooms with full table and chair sets. School Outfitters has a wide selection of school tables and chairs perfect for both traditional and contemporary classrooms. With adjustable height and mobile options, having matching table and chair sets for every grade level is easy.
Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, preschool activity tables are designed specifically for small children. These tables are made with ultra-durable materials and have rounded edges to keep students safe. Mobile and adjustable options are easy to implement in classrooms, plus dry erase tops let students be creative without damaging the furniture.
Water activity tables offer the chance to engage students in tactile lessons. Ideal not only for water but sand as well, these tables are another way to enhance dynamic classrooms. Safe and hygienic, there are many different styles of water tables available to create a unique learning experience.
Take class outside with outdoor activity tables. These tables offer dynamic learning experiences for students. From collaborative to crafty activities, students can enjoy learning alongside nature. The rustic styles and bright colors make for great additions to any outdoor educational space.
Efficiently furnish your preschool with matching table and chair sets. Choose from a wide variety of shapes and colors, plus mobile and adjustable options. Standardization doesn’t have to be boring with our large selection of preschool table and chair styles suitable for any décor.
Ready for the next step?
Talk to a School Outfitters furniture expert today and get assistance on everything from product selection and room designs to purchase compliance and delivery.
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