When a family has two school-age children living in one room, the issue of the work area is very acute. After all, each of them needs a place where they can study every day. A desk for two children can solve this problem, allowing schoolchildren to do homework at the same time. When choosing this piece of furniture, it is important to take into account certain features: material of manufacture, size of the working surface, availability of space for accessories, etc. In addition, parents should remember that it is important to position the table correctly in the room.
Design Features
When two school-age children live in one room, parents need to organize two study spaces at once. In rare cases, the size of the room allows you to accommodate two separate desks. Therefore, many try to choose one large desk. When choosing furniture for schoolchildren, it is important to consider the following features:
- the product should be of sufficient size so that children do not interfere with each other when sitting next to each other while studying;
- there should be separate drawers, bedside tables and shelves for student supplies;
- It is better to choose models that can be adjusted to suit the child’s height;
- there should be enough space on the surface of the table for each child and at least two table lamps.
Standards have been developed that must be adhered to when choosing a table:
- the working field for students must be at least a meter wide and at least 0.6 meters deep;
- An area of 50 x 50 cm is required to place the hands.
There are standards, the purpose of which is to properly distribute the load and preserve the physical health of the child’s musculoskeletal system when working at a desk. They regulate the parameters of tables and chairs for different age groups:
| Height (cm) | Minimum width | Length(cm) | Depth (cm) | Distance between supports |
| from 85 to 100 | 45 | 60-110 | 30-40 | 42 |
| from 100 to 190 | 50 | 60-120 | 40-50 | 42-45 |
The height of a desk for two children is considered to be correctly selected if the end of the product is located in the area of the child’s solar plexus.
Configurations
Tables for two children are offered in various configurations:
- Double table. The model is a rectangular tabletop with cabinets on the sides. This product is suitable for children close in age. The table saves space. The children are located nearby. Among the disadvantages of such a product is the need to equip the table with additional daylight lighting, if you do not place it near a window.
- Bedside table-chair-chair-bedside table - placement similar to the previous option, but the model takes up much more space. The children are nearby. One of the advantages is the presence of a large working area for everyone. This table for two children is suitable for large rooms.
- Corner designs are appropriate in rooms with a small area. Writing desks for two children of this model can be placed in a corner or near a window, thereby freeing up space near the walls for cabinets or any other furniture. In addition, when sitting at a corner table, children have their backs to each other. This helps them concentrate and not get distracted when doing homework.
- A U-shaped table is a design with one cabinet and two tabletops on the sides. It takes up more space, while the children are facing each other. The working surface of this table is not very large. The advantages include ease of use and the presence of additional lighting.
- Straight with a roll-out tabletop - this design takes up little space in the room. When purchasing this table for a schoolchild, it is necessary to provide for the availability of free space to accommodate the retractable tabletop. This design is convenient because it saves space. Children at such a table are placed along a line, so you will have to take care of additional lighting.
When choosing lighting, it is necessary to take into account that for a right-handed person the light should fall from the left, and for a left-handed person from the right.
Double table
U-shaped
Straight with roll-out tabletop
Bedside table-chair-chair-bedside table
Angular
Basic recommendations for choosing a table for two children in a nursery
Working area by the window
There are several interesting and practical ideas that will tell you how to choose a table for two children. You can use multifunctional furniture and original ways of arranging it. The most important task is to arrange workplaces so that children do not interfere with each other.
Sliding
An extendable table with two workstations for children will be an excellent solution for a small room. When the guys are not at home, you can assemble the structure. When they need to study, the table is laid out and chairs are placed next to it. Many transforming tables can be adjusted in height. In stores you can find large stationary (non-sliding) structures in the form of long elongated tables. Such models are called “Tandem”.
Furniture of this design can be purchased at IKEA.
To ensure that every student has enough light, it is best to place the table opposite the window. As a rule, workplaces are separated from each other by drawers or shelves.
It is necessary that the furniture for studying is suitable for the child’s height, so an extendable table will not be convenient for everyone. This design is suitable only for children of the same age or children with a small difference in age and height.
Extendable table for two
Wide (face to face)
A spacious, wide structure is located in the center of the room, where sufficient light falls. Children sit opposite each other (face to face). The width of the model should be very large, which is why many parents prefer square tables. Workplaces can be separated by small shelves or a screen so that the guys do not distract each other from their studies.
It is important to take care of good lighting. It is advisable to place the chandelier directly above the table. If there is still not enough light, then each student should be given a small table lamp.
Face to face
Along the wall
A long structure can stand near a wall or opposite a window. There are two types of such tables: with two identical tabletops and with just one. It is advisable to place it opposite the window, but if this is not possible, then it is placed against the wall.
Here you need to take care of adequate lighting: either install table lamps, or place several small lamps on the wall, emitting light diffused light. Do not allow bright light to hit your eyes.
Long work area along the wall
Corner designs
Corner structures are very convenient - children can study without interfering with each other. Workplaces can be located in two ways:
- at a right angle (letter G) - the guys sit with their backs to each other, and none of them sees what the other is doing.
- in the form of a triangle (at an acute angle) - children sit half-turned to each other.
This table can be placed near a window or in a corner. Lamps that emit soft light should be hung on the wall.
Corner model with letter L
Corner triangle model
Location in the nursery
After purchasing, it is important to position the desktop correctly. For a corner model, the most optimal turn would be, taking into account natural light, from the right wall to the window. A left-handed workstation is suitable for a left-handed person. Any other location will require additional lighting: table or wall lamps.
When placing a table for two children near a window, it is important that there is no draft. If there is a heat battery under the window, then you should leave a gap between the furniture and the radiator for air circulation. The obvious advantage of this arrangement is saving space in the room plus the presence of a natural light source from the window. But a table by the window in a nursery also has disadvantages: you will need to carefully insulate the window frame. In addition, it is better to remove everything from the windowsill immediately so that you don’t have to reach across the table for the necessary things.
For large rooms, it is permissible to place a desk for two students along the wall. One of the advantages of this choice is the ability to hang shelves above the table. One of the disadvantages of this option is the lack of natural light in the workplace area.
Near the window
Near the wall
Location options
Even before purchasing a comfortable table for two schoolchildren, you should determine the installation location. Corner models are selected so that the entire working surface is naturally illuminated. Regardless of the location, additional lamps will be required that will provide sufficient light.
If the table is placed near a window, it is necessary to eliminate the possibility of drafts. If there is a radiator under the window sill, you will have to leave a gap between the structure and the heating device. Otherwise, air circulation will be disrupted.
A table by the window in a nursery is an excellent solution that allows you to save usable space. Enough light will reach the tabletop. This placement option has some disadvantages - you will have to insulate, seal the frame for the winter, and also remove all excess from the window sills so as not to impede the access of light.
Decorating an aquarium table in different styles, basic shapes and sizes
A student desk in spacious rooms can be placed along a blank wall. The main advantage of this solution is the ability to install shelves above the countertop. Disadvantage: severe lack of natural light.
Along a blank wall
Near the window
Corner model
Height selection
If we talk about the growth of a child, then when choosing a desk you should be guided by the following parameters:
| Child's height (cm) | Table height (cm) | Chair height (cm) |
| up to 80 | 34 | 17 |
| 80-90 | 38 | 20 |
| 90-100 | 43 | 24 |
| 100-115 | 48 | 28 |
| 110-119 | 52-54 | 30-32 |
| 120-129 | 54-57 | 32-35 |
| 130-139 | 60-62 | 36-38 |
Often parents prefer to purchase children's furniture designed to last several years of use. Adjustable products are the best choice for this situation. They are made so that as growth increases, the structure can be changed to the appropriate height. Such models are more expensive, but as a result they allow significant savings.
It is important that schoolchildren sit correctly at a desk for two children, since incorrect body position can cause problems with posture:
- When a child is sitting, his chest should not touch the edge of the tabletop; moreover, a child's fist should pass between them.
- With the correct height of the table and chair, the elbow of a straight outstretched arm should be 5 cm below the table.
- It is necessary to bend over the work surface as little as possible.
- When sitting, your knees should form a right angle, as should your hips and lower back. The feet should be firmly planted on the floor or on a special stand.
- The correct position on the chair means that the back rests completely on the backrest and forms a right angle with the hips. Elbows should rest on the surface of the tabletop.
- When working at a computer, there should be at least half a meter between your eyes and the monitor. It is necessary that the gaze falls from above, at an angle of 30 degrees. The monitor must be installed in the center of the viewing area.
- When writing to a right-handed person, it is necessary to place the notebook to the left, and to a left-handed person to the right, 30 degrees. This position will allow you to avoid turning your torso.
- When reading, you need to slightly tilt the book towards you, so the body can independently take a natural pose and relax the muscles of the back and neck.
If the desk is intended to be used by two children of different ages and heights, then you can purchase special adjustable footrests. With their help, you can subsequently easily adjust the correct body position at the table. In addition, you can give preference to special chairs with height adjustment and a built-in footrest.
Sizes and colors
The size of the desk must correspond to the height of the students. Their health, especially their posture and the condition of their spine, depends on this. Children should sit at arm's length (about 1 meter) from each other, then both will be comfortable.
How to check the correct size:
- When the child is standing, his elbow is located 2–5 cm below the surface of the table.
- When a child sits at a table, his knees should be bent at right angles, his feet should be fully flat on the floor, and the tabletop should be located at the level of the solar plexus. The knee can be 10–15 cm lower than the tabletop.
- By placing his elbow on the table, the child can reach his temple.
For children 1.1–1.2 m tall, a table with a height of 52 cm and a chair with a height of 32 cm are suitable. If the child is taller than 1.2 m, then for every 10 cm of height, add 5 cm to the height of the table and 3 cm to the height chair.
The table should be in harmony in color with the interior
The color scheme should be harmonious and calm so that the children feel comfortable.
Suitable colors:
- woody;
- beige;
- cream;
- brown;
- black;
- white;
- grey;
- blue;
- green.
In addition to classic colors, other calm shades, especially pastels, are suitable for a school desk.
Design and materials
When choosing a desk for children, you need to focus on the general style of the children's room. But at the same time, preference should be given to laconic, convenient and comfortable models. Excessive decor and pretentiousness are inappropriate in this case. In terms of design, it is better to choose the most neutral models.
The color scheme should be combined with the shades already available in the room. If there is a large age difference or for children of different sexes, it is permissible for work stations to be of different colors, compatible with each other and with the color scheme of the room. It’s good if the fittings of the product are in the same style and color as the rest of the furniture in the room.
When choosing a desk for a children's room, you can give preference to pastel colors. Pink, blue, greenish shades are acceptable. Light brown, sand paints or wood-look options are available. You should not choose dark colors, they will overload the appearance of the room.
Nowadays the furniture market offers products made from various raw materials:
- Wood is a natural material. The advantages of such a base include environmental friendliness and durability. Wooden models look decent and are easy to use. Hard woods are resistant to damage. The disadvantage of such a product is its high price.
- Wood derivatives (chipboard, MDF, etc.). Such pieces of furniture have a shorter service life and are susceptible to moisture. Their surface wears out and peels off quite quickly. The advantage is low cost.
- Plastic furniture is comfortable and light. The cost of such models is low. However, over time, this material releases harmful substances into the air. In addition, such products are fragile, easily scratched and, as a result, look unpresentable.
A table made entirely of wood can look bulky. It is better to give preference to a model with a wooden tabletop and metal legs. This product is best suited for a children's room.
Tree
MDF
Plastic
laminated chipboard
Materials and colors
Desks should fit organically into the interior of the room. The materials from which furniture is made are subject to special requirements: environmental friendliness, safety, strength, durability. The most common options are:
- Natural wood. The material is of natural origin. Pros: environmental friendliness, reliability, attractive appearance, easy maintenance, hardwood is resistant to deformation and mechanical stress. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
- Sheet materials (MDF, chipboard). Pros: availability, variety of models, colors. Disadvantages - the school table quickly wears out, flakes, the surface is deformed upon contact with water.
- Plastic. Pros: comfort of use, light weight, mobility, low cost. Disadvantages - the likelihood of containing toxic substances, fragility, not very attractive appearance.
Tables for schoolchildren, made entirely of wood, seem too large. The ideal option would be models with metal legs and a wooden work surface.
Solid wood MDF
Laminated Chipboard Plastic
As for design, preference should be given to laconic, convenient options. Designs with pretentious shapes and abundant decor will only interfere and distract from activities. The colors of the furniture should be combined with the existing tones in the interior. If children have a large age difference, the shades of the workplace may be different.
Secrets of the design of a table with an infinity effect, types of lighting
Designers recommend choosing the color of a model for two children, based on their own opinion. The priority is neutral pastel shades: soft pink, light blue, greenish. Sand and brown options and wood-like designs are popular. It is better to avoid dark colors, as they greatly burden the appearance of the room.
Useful tips
When placing a table in a children's room, it is important to think through and calculate all the possibilities for arranging furniture and choose the most suitable option.
- For a small children's room, a straight desk located along the wall or window is suitable.
- A product with drawers and shelves will help organize storage space for both children.
- Additional shelves on the wall will also help you place all the school supplies you need.
- Light-colored pieces of furniture are more suitable for a children's room.
- Products for two tabletops with a slope will form a correct and beautiful posture.
- Having additional light sources will help children maintain good vision.
- It’s good if the nursery has a minimum of floor furnishings, this will relieve the space in the room. It is better to distribute children's things along the entire height of the walls.
- If it is not possible to place the table along the window, do not worry. Modern table lamps are able to provide the right lighting for the work surface.
Desks for two children are a great option when you need to organize their workspace. These models save space and provide a decent work area for two schoolchildren. By following all the necessary selection criteria, you can find a good model that will preserve the health of children and save money for parents.
A straight table is suitable for a small child's room
Additional shelves on the wall will also help you place all the necessary supplies.
A product with drawers and shelves will help organize storage space
Desk under the bed
Currently, more and more parents are choosing desks that are located under the bed. It is worth noting that most children will like this solution. In addition, within the framework of such a design, you can also combine a couple of drawers, a small cabinet and a desk itself.
Agree that this is very beneficial not only from the point of view of saving space, but also from the point of view of saving money.
Desk under the bed
However, such a loft bed will not fit into every room.
Please note that in a long nursery, this option may not look very attractive, because the room may look like a compartment car. But if the room is square and also of considerable size, then this option would not be a bad choice. Table beds can be placed along opposite walls or even in a corner, provided that the layout of the room allows this.
This way your children will have their own space, everyone will use their own table and their own lockers. The only drawback of such a desk for two is that over time the children will outgrow their sleeping place, and then the bulky two-meter structure will have to be replaced with something.
