Cubbies and preschool lockers give children dedicated space for personal items and help keep classroom supplies in order. Start with the room: measure available floor and wall space, then decide where children need access to their belongings. Low units put items within reach, while wall-mount cubbies free up floor space. A cabinet with a lock can keep staff-only supplies out of reach. Freestanding units suit a fixed layout; units with wheels offer more flexibility when the classroom layout changes. Some models arrive preassembled, which can save setup time.
Count how many children need their own space and compare units by number of openings; some cubbies offer more than thirty. Use the compartments for personal belongings or classroom supplies, such as student artwork. A cubby with a built-in bench gives children a place to sit as they put on shoes or jackets. For smaller items, add compatible tote bins in clear, colored, or basket styles. You can add bins later as storage needs change.
Choose a unit with a few extra openings if your class size may grow.
Look for a UV finish on wood surfaces to help resist stains and simplify cleanup.
Select rounded corners to reduce sharp edges in areas children use every day.
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Features to Consider
Material | ||
|---|---|---|
Plywood | Melamine | Hardwood |
Plywood is an engineered wood that's durable, lightweight and cost-effective. Baltic birch is a common and strong plywood. | Made by fusing hard plastic laminate with wood fibers under high pressure. Resists scratches and stains. | Hardwoods like maple are naturally beautiful and long-lasting; typically more expensive than plywood or melamine. |
Components | ||
Casters | Bins | UV Finish |
Makes moving, sharing or reconfiguring the unit easy. Locks prevent movement when in use. | Ideal for storing and organizing small or easily lost items; keeps supplies accessible. | Preserves the wood for years; creates a scratch- and stain-resistant surface. |
Product Types
Cubbies are box-like compartments with open fronts that are used to store student belongings. They are a popular furniture choice in preschools, daycares and early elementary classrooms to save space and help classroom supplies stay organized. Cubby openings can vary greatly in number, with some exceeding 25. Popular materials for construction include plywood, melamine and steel.
Locker cubbies resemble traditional lockers but without doors and are ideal for storing larger personal items. Rectangular openings are equipped with hooks to hold a student’s coat and backpacks. Depending on the style, locker cubbies can have additional storage with shelving and bins or plastic totes. Many are bench cubbies where students can sit and remove boots or tie their shoes. These lockers are typically made from wood and melamine.
Organizing papers and homework is made easy with paper storage cubbies. This style of cubby comes equipped with shallow openings and slots sized to fit paper. Tote storage can be added.
To prevent personal items from getting lost and make clean-ups quick, plastic storage tubs are ideal. Sized to fit a cubby hole, tubs can be clear for easy viewing of contents or colored for classroom organization.
The option to affix a cubby to the wall frees up valuable floor space. Choose from styles that include storage bins, double hooks for hanging jackets and even an array of colors.
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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