Choosing the perfect furniture for kindergartens: materials, colours and styles

The school environment plays a key role in the development of children, especially in their early years. In kindergartens and nurseries, the layout of spaces and the choice of furniture are not only aesthetic matters, but also essential elements for fostering learning, socialisation and safety. Carefully designed furniture can improve concentration, stimulate creativity and support daily activities.

To ensure a welcoming and functional environment, it is essential to choose furniture designed specifically for young children, made with safe and certified materials. Elements such as chairs, tables and organised spaces help create a favourable setting for learning, encouraging autonomy and the active participation of children. But who decides on the furniture for kindergartens? And what are the key factors in designing a space tailored to children’s needs?

Who decides on school furniture?

Furnishing a kindergarten requires careful planning, involving local authorities, school leaders and specialised designers. Every choice must comply with safety and functionality regulations, ensuring a space that meets current educational and psychological needs.

Key stakeholders in the selection of school furniture:

✔ School leaders and teachers: define the didactic needs, selecting furniture and tools that can enhance the educational experience.

✔ Local institutions and municipalities: set the guidelines and budgets for furnishing public kindergartens.

✔ Specialised suppliers: offer customised solutions, with safe, certified and child-sized furniture.

One of the most important aspects in choosing school furniture is compliance with current regulations, which govern the use of safe materials, furniture stability and seat ergonomics. For this reason, the involvement of specialised suppliers and designers is essential to ensure a safe and long-lasting investment.

Safe and certified materials for kindergarten furniture

When it comes to furnishing a nursery or a kindergarten, safety is the top priority. Children in preschool age are very active and curious, so it is essential that every element of the environment is designed to avoid risks and ensure safe use.

Ideal material features for school furniture:

✔ Non-toxic and free from harmful substances: furniture must be made with paints and glues that are not dangerous to health.

✔ Smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces: furniture must be easy to sanitise, to guarantee the highest level of hygiene and health safety.

✔ Robust and stable structures: tables, chairs and all other furnishings must be strong and durable to prevent damage and accidents.

What are the most commonly used materials?

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages
Plywood	Resistant, natural, warm to the touch	Can absorb moisture if not properly treated
Non-toxic plastic	Easy to clean, lightweight, safe	Less resistant in the long term
Reinforced plastic	Resistant, durable, easy to sanitise	More expensive than traditional plastic
Textile coverings	Useful for seating, improve comfort	Require periodic maintenance

Each material has specific characteristics and must be selected based on its intended use. For example, natural wood is ideal for desks and shelves, while reinforced plastic is perfect for chairs used daily.

Colours and design: how they influence children’s well-being

Kindergarten furniture is not only about choosing safe and functional materials, but also about the use of colour and design, which play a key role in children’s psychological and emotional development. The right colours can positively affect children’s mood, ability to concentrate and behaviour.

The importance of colour psychology in school furniture

Several studies have shown how colours influence emotions and academic performance. Here are some of the most suitable shades for early childhood educational spaces:

Yellow – Stimulating and full of energy, ideal for artistic activities.
Light blue – Relaxing and reassuring, perfect for reading corners.
Green – Encourages tranquillity and concentration, excellent for classrooms.
Orange and soft shades – Can be used moderately to increase vitality and social interaction.
Neutral tones – Help create a calm and harmonious setting. For example, a space intended for reading or motor activities can benefit from soft or neutral tones, while a play zone may include brighter and more dynamic colours.

A good colour balance helps create a welcoming and harmonious environment. For example, in a classroom intended for play and motor activities, bright colours can be used, while in a relaxation area or nap room, it is better to opt for softer pastel tones.

Nursery furniture: design meets functionality

One of the most important aspects in choosing furniture for kindergartens and nurseries is ergonomics and safety. Preschool children have unique needs and every element must be designed to offer the right mix of comfort and practicality, supporting play, learning and daily activities.

To create an optimal space, it is essential to choose furniture that is child-sized, safe and easy to handle. Among the essential items, we find:

Chairs and tables in proportionate sizes – They must be light and easy to move, to suit different activities.
Stackable cots – Perfect for naptime, optimised for space and maximum comfort.
Low open shelves and organisers – Support children’s autonomy, allowing them to independently manage materials.
Storage cabinets and organisers – Essential for keeping classrooms tidy and organised.
Reading and relaxation corners – Ideal for quiet time, with soft cushions and comfortable seats.

How to organise spaces for a functional environment

School furniture must not only be ergonomic, but also well-organised to maximise the usability of school environments. Each area in a school must meet specific needs:

Learning area – Must be well-lit, with furniture arranged functionally to support learning.
Play area – A wide, safe area where children can easily move and be stimulated by creativity and socialisation.
Relaxation area –Equipped with stackable cots to ensure children a peaceful nap without taking up too much space when not in use.
Reading and literature area – With bookcases and soft seating to promote reading.

A well-organised layout makes it easier for children to move and contributes to creating a harmonious environment, where children can learn, play and rest in total safety.

What does a school need to be compliant?

A school must meet precise regulations on safety and functionality to ensure safe and welcoming environments for children, and it is always best to consult an expert on this. However, these general principles are always valid:

Structural safety of the materials used, with non-toxic, certified and impact-resistant furnishings.
Correct lighting to avoid eyestrain and promote concentration.
Ergonomics – Child-sized furniture to ensure proper posture, comfort and rest.
Hygiene and cleanliness – Easy-to-clean and sanitise materials, to ensure safety.
Efficient services – Bathrooms and relaxation spaces must be easily accessible, safe and well signposted.
Emergency exits and safety routes – Clearly visible and easily reachable.

A nursery or kindergarten must be a space designed to foster children’s autonomy, with furnishings that stimulate interaction and promote safety.

Investing in school furniture for a quality educational environment

Choosing safe, certified furniture means creating a space that fosters children’s creativity and learning. Every element – from furniture to colour – must be designed to stimulate creativity, play and socialisation.

A well-organised school environment becomes a welcoming and stimulating place, where children can explore, learn and have fun in complete safety.
Discover the best solutions to furnish your school with safe, certified and ergonomic furniture!