What’s your memory of a “school desk”? Does it immediately induce the need for a coma worthy nap? Can you still remember what was carved and drawn around the edges? Desks are an integral part of our daily lives beginning from a very young age.

In 1880, John Loughlin of Ohio designed the first “school desk”. Schooling wasn’t mandatory for all children at this point in time, but the need for a working space was sought. The well recognized “fashion desk” (pictured above) was the starting point for all desks to come. It had a large desk top with inkwell and attached bench seating which could accommodate 2-3 children. Mostly made of wood and metal and it drastically changed the landscape of classrooms.

As formal teaching progressed, textbooks and class materials were introduced. This created a need for storage. John Loughlin’s design was modified to include a flip top with cubby hole for storage and divided to single use for individual learning.

But holy cow, desks have come a long way! Learning spaces have become innovative and creative. None of us learn the same way, therefore a learning environment needs to be adaptable and personalized.

Do your kids go to a traditional learning facility or are you schooling from home? Either way… you need a desk! There have been so many advancements in the design of desks and they do play a role in how your child learns and focuses.

A desk should be comfortable and functional. These aspects allow for better concentration which converts to higher learning. Some must haves for a good desk:

Ergonomic Design

Simply put, the things you surround yourself with in a learning (or working) environment should be designed to fit a person’s needs and comfort.

Safety

A desk should be sturdy, stable and secure with no loose parts or exposed nails.

Environmentally Friendly

Mr. Loughlin’s desk is a thing of the past mainly due to its construction materials. An all wood desk in a school facility is almost unheard of these days. Large learning facilities are trying to create less harm to the environment and use sustainable building materials.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Learning doesn’t have to be a chore. If a person’s learning space is fun and attractive, this motivates staying in your seat and makes learning fun and interesting.

As school returns to session, are you looking to upgrade your in home work area or add a new homework station for a child moving up in school? Here are some innovations in desks that promote learning:

• Dry Erase Surfaces
• Height Adjustable
• Storage
• Swinging Fidget Bar
• Good Desk Chair

To see some of the latest desks, jump on over to this link and see what is available to you: https://heavy.com/home/2019/06/student-desks/

And if you are still stumped on how to help your child continue moving up the learning ladder, give us a call! We can personalize a space in your home that will ensure your kids will love to learn no matter their age!

Stylishly Yours,

THE CHELSEE SOWDER DESIGN TEAM

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