When buying preschool furniture, one must look for a few important things: value, safety, durability, desirability and functionality. Children are rambunctious and messy, so it’s important to find pieces of preschool furniture that can withstand the everyday abuse of finger-paint, peanut butter, spittle and milk. It’s also important to remember that the furniture be safe, without sharp points, so the child using the chair or table not hurt his or herself. Finally, it’s important to remember that you’re buying preschool furniture, so it must be colorful and aesthetically pleasing for the child, and fit with the jubilant décor of a preschool class.

Value and Durability

Don’t spend too much on preschool furniture, because they have a pretty short expiration date. Unlike great works of antiques, preschool furniture will be treated roughly and without care to cost, because its users are going to be small children who have no concept of taking care of things. That said, the furniture should be reasonably durable to withstand the childhood onslaughts of spilled juice, splattered glue and crushed animal crackers. Also, when roughhousing, children might hurl a chair at the wall (this will also be a safety issue), so a chair that can bounce of a wall or table without serious damage would be ideal.

Safety is the Most Important Thing to Look for in Preschool Furniture

Safety is something that is always on the mind of preschool teachers. Children will touch everything because of curiosity. Little fingers will try to fit themselves into every nook and crevice possible – that’s why buying preschool furniture with safety in mind is important. Look for furniture that doesn’t assemble too much (less risk of something falling apart, or having slots or folds where little hands can be pinched). Also the furniture should be made as soft and malleable as possible – especially chairs that can sometimes be lifted by the child. Rounded edges and plastic won’t do as much damage as a hardy oak or cedar chair can.

Desirability and Functionality

Finally, when looking for preschool furniture, after considering the more serious aspect, look to find something that will be pleasing for the child – bright colors with large, inviting shapes are best – often interactive furniture would also further develop a child’s motor skills (for example a table that folds out into an art center). You also don’t want your preschool furniture to be a dour eyesore in a bright, joyful, preschool classroom setting.