Choose the right core construction
Soft seating uses either solid foam or foam on a wooden frame. Foam cores are lightweight and tend to be more flexible, making them a great fit for younger students and frequently rearranged spaces. Wood cores provide better support for older students and adults. Think about who will use the seating most and how often the layout will change before settling on a core type.
Select the right cover material
Most soft seating comes in one of two cover materials. Vinyl is easy to clean and comes in many different colors, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas. Fabric is softer and tends to look more refined, which works well in libraries and lounges. Consider the level of daily use and how easy cleanup needs to be when choosing between the two.
Plan for modularity
Soft seating has a lightweight, modular design. Shift between traditional seating arrangements and informal workspaces or collaborative layouts at a moment's notice. Flexible seating gives students more control over their environment, which research links to stronger focus and participation
Additional Tips
Consider adding whiteboard tops to encourage students to take notes, brainstorm, and get creative!
Flame-retardant foam is available with many soft seating options. Check individual product specifications or ask our sales team for help meeting your local NFPA fire codes.
If your space shifts often between collaborative and independent configurations, consider adding casters to your furniture pieces to make rearranging simple while not damaging your floors.
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Popular Configurations
Product Types
Featuring both geometric and curved shapes in a variety of sizes, these comfortable pieces of soft seating are ideal for students during class or while taking a study break. These durable and easy to clean soft seating options have a lightweight design, meaning students can easily rearrange pieces to suit their needs. The wide array of colors and fabric patterns brighten up spaces and are well suited to libraries, hallways and classrooms.
Full sets of our foam soft seating make it easy to accommodate a wide range of students. Featuring seat shapes of different heights and widths, these sets create a space where every student feels comfortable and welcome. Combine or separate pieces to allow students quiet study time or an opportunity to share ideas with their peers.
Couches and benches are versatile furnishings that suit any space. Their simple design provides more seating and more cushioning than a chair. Supported by strong wooden frames, couches and benches give students a good place to pause, organize themselves, and rest before their next class. Both are available in an array of colors, styles, and sizes to complement your school's look.
Curved furniture allows more students a spot to sit and share ideas. Choose from complete sets and individual pieces that arrange in a wide array of configurations. From bold solid colors to designer fabric, the upholstery options match any décor. Thickly padded seats with wooden cores provide comfortable seating for any relaxed student space.
Students often need convenient access to power to keep technology charged throughout the day. Powered lounge furniture lets students work while accessing power directly from the furniture. Zippered compartments keep power supply cords out of the way until the seating is ready to plug in. Options include couches, chairs, side tables, and soft seating sets with USB ports and electric outlets.
Banquettes and café booths are excellent options for comfortable seating in large student spaces. Cushioned banquettes and café booths can be placed against walls or serve as contemporary centerpieces. Metal alligator clips make it easy to connect pieces together securely. Most café booths consist of two bench seats and a wide table. Banquettes can also include tables and offer single or dual-sided soft seating. Both styles help maximize space and create separate areas within a room.
Lightweight and durable enough to withstand the most active classrooms, preschool foam seating gives you the freedom to rearrange your room as often as needed. A variety of shapes including cubes, cylinders, wedges, and cogs allow layouts to be customized for any learning space. With different sizes available, these foam shapes give all students comfortable seating options while adding colorful character to their learning environment.
Bean bags and floor pillows are comfortable, flexible seating options that work well in reading nooks, libraries, classrooms, and common areas. Their casual design gives students a relaxed space to read, collaborate, or take a break, and their lightweight construction makes them easy to move and rearrange at any time. School Outfitters carries a range of styles, sizes, and colors suited to both indoor and outdoor use, so you can find the right fit for any space. Durable covers stand up to daily use and are easy to clean, making bean bags and floor pillows a practical choice for high-activity environments.
Materials
Vinyl
Vinyl is easy to clean and resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, making it the ideal choice for high-traffic, high-use areas. Vinyl options come in a smooth-grain or crosshatch finish and are available in a wide range of solid colors.
Vinyl & Fabric Combinations
Vinyl and fabric combinations pair a durable vinyl seat with a soft, patterned fabric back for an elevated look. Fabric options include designer textile patterns such as Angle Mallard, Atomic Baltic, Bandwidth Circuit, Compass Sapphire, and Telegraph Indigo, each available with two to four coordinating vinyl color options. Many Learniture pieces use vinyl on the seat for easy cleaning and fabric on the back for a more refined appearance.
Certifications
Certifications identify products that meet established standards for safety, durability, and environmental health. These standards are set by independent organizations and help ensure products perform as expected in real-world educational environments. Many school districts and procurement teams require certified products to protect student health and meet compliance requirements. Check out some common soft seating certifications below and learn more with our Certifications Guide.
BIFMA Compliant®
BIFMA Compliant®, the commercial furniture industry's registry of standards-conforming products.
Greenguard
GREENGUARD Certified products meet stringent standards for low chemical emissions set by an industry-independent organization. This certification aims to reduce exposure to chemicals and other pollutants, improving overall health.
Greenguard Gold
GREENGUARD Gold is a second tier of certification that considers additional health-based criteria to meet an even lower level of chemical emissions. These certified products meet the indoor air quality needs of more sensitive environments.
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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