As we look ahead to 2024, it’s amazing to reflect on the evolution of classrooms over the last three decades.
In the not-so-distant past, it was common to see classrooms featuring desks arranged in neat rows, with a blackboard and teacher’s desk at the front of the room.
But as learning, technology and other factors continue to change, these types of classroom setups are gradually disappearing.
So, what can we expect classrooms to look like in 2024 and beyond? Let’s take a closer look at what some of our in-house experts identified as key classroom furniture trends in the years ahead.
1. Multipurpose Mobility and Adaptability
Flexibility is going to be a key player when it comes to 2024 classroom furniture trends. With the advancement of technology, students are no longer limited to traditional methods of learning and are seeking more interactive, engaging and personalized ways of learning. This means that classrooms need to be designed to accommodate a variety of teaching methods, including project-based learning, group work and online collaboration. Instead of having separate rooms for different subjects or activities, classrooms can be designed to accommodate multiple uses.
Because flexibility will become increasingly important, we’ll see classrooms with more multipurpose, mobile furniture to efficiently utilize space. Examples include:
- Mobile storage solutions: These serve not only to organize materials but can also act as room dividers, creating cozy reading nooks or collaborative spaces. Mobile storage units like our Dual Ended Tote Storage could even double as whiteboards, encouraging interactive and dynamic learning environments.
- Mobile workstations: Featuring ample workspace for group work, and storage for projects and supplies. At WB, we have a variety of flexible workstations for any space, like our Stewart Workstation or Nucleus Workstation. We also have our Reflection Workstation w/Totes that are perfect for tighter spaces. With docking magnets for seamless pairing of identical models to create a collaborative work area, these workstations can adapt to smaller spaces by being moved against a wall.
- Pneumatic systems: Ensuring easy height adjustment, making desks and chairs adaptable to students of varying heights. Our Elevate Desks feature a pneumatic base, making it easy to provide students with height-adjustable options.
2. Power On the Go
In the ever-evolving realm of classroom furniture trends and technology advancements, the reliance on wall sockets is no longer the best solution. In 2024 and beyond, we’ll see more tables and genius bars equipped with battery packs, allowing students to charge laptops and other equipment without being tethered to walls or floors. Take a look at our variety of power options that are great for desks, tables and workstations.
3. Branding
Another notable classroom furniture trend we’ll see in 2024 will be an increase in branding and other design elements. At WB, our furniture can be personalized, offering a spectrum of color options that will help bring your branding to life. The result? A more inviting environment that makes students want to learn.
4. Career and Technical Education (CTE)
As the demand for skilled workers in various industries continues to grow, we’ll see an increase in CTE spaces that help prepare students for future careers. Classrooms focused on career-oriented subjects like aviation, cybersecurity or automotive studies will feature furniture and equipment that mimic the real-world tools and environments of these industries. For example, aviation classrooms may feature flight simulators, while automotive classrooms may have car engines and parts for students to work on. Expect to also see collaborative workstations where students can learn how to tackle real-life problems as a team.
5. Quiet Corners
Over time, there’s been an increased focus on students’ mental health and well-being.
According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Education, 80% of parents and 77% of teachers expressed concern for students’ social, emotional and mental health.
Recognizing the diverse emotional needs of students, school professionals are starting to understand the importance of incorporating quiet spaces or calming corners in classrooms.
Quiet corners in learning spaces are important for many reasons. For one, they provide a designated area for students who need a break from the hustle and bustle of the classroom. Some furniture you may see in quiet corners include floor seating like Fomcore’s Lily Pad Ottomans, cozy comfort seating like our Reading Tree or Reading Fort, and even mobile bookcases to help separate the space.
The implementation of calming corners also aligns with the understanding that students have individualized learning needs. These spaces cater to those who may require a quiet environment to concentrate, recharge or address sensory sensitivities. By fostering inclusivity and considering the unique requirements of neurodiverse students, calming corners not only support positive behavior management but also contribute to a more empathetic and supportive educational atmosphere. As educators continue to prioritize student well-being, the integration of calming corners is likely to become an essential aspect of classroom design in the coming years.
Are you ready for 2024?
Next year’s classroom furniture trends are going to bring a whirlwind of flexibility, adaptability and student-centric design to classrooms across the nation. And at WB, we’re here to support these positive shifts! Whether it’s making mobile furniture solutions, incorporating branding throughout the space or customizing environments for specialized education, our design experts can make it happen. Let’s work together to create tomorrow’s classrooms!