The 10 Best Kid's Table And Chairs
Special Honors
Mutable All-In-One Though very pricey, this table is designed to grow with your child, so the investment may be worthwhile. It can adjust through four height levels to suit kids from one to eight years of age, and it comes with four double-sided play boards that offer a total of seven activities. Unfortunately, while the company offers matching chairs that are also height adjustable, they are sold separately and also quite pricey. mutable-design.com
Editor's Notes
November 20, 2020:
We replaced Buschman BS-OW-2K11, Lipper International 534WN, and Step 2 Traditions due to availability concerns and replaced them with B. Spaces by Battat Craft, Mecor Storage, and ECR4Kids Curved Set, respectively. B. Spaces by Battat Craft is a stylish set that looks more like shrunken chic office furniture. This would be a good option for folks who plan on putting the set in a common area, because it doesn’t have any wild colors or designs that will clash with your decor.
The Mecor Storage offers extra storage which is ideal for families who are using their set for a homework station. The bins beneath the seat can store extra paper, pencils, or books for convenient access. For an option that seats more than two, the ECR4Kids Curved Set is a good pick because it seats four comfortably and has ample workspace for kids to work all together.
July 26, 2019:
When compiling this list, wanted to make sure we included a nice variety of styles to suit every use and budget. Without a doubt, our favorite model is the ECR4Kids Bentwood. Few other options on the market can come close to matching its versatility. Calling it a simple table and chairs set would be selling it short, since each of the chairs can be flipped over and used as end tables. The table is equally multi-functional, as well. It too, is designed to be flipped over, allowing it to double as a bench.
For those searching for an indoor piece with a high-end look that they won't mind placing in a common living space, we recommend the Buschman BS-OW-2K11, Melissa & Doug 2427, and and Baby Relax Hunter. All of these have a slightly more mature style, while still being the perfect height for children. However, if you prefer something that would look darling in your child's bedroom alongside the rest of their kid-sized furniture, then we think you'll like the Delta Children TT894 and KidKraft 26165. They both feature a charming design that will make for tons of photo-worthy moments. In contrast, the Lipper International 534WN has a somewhat serious style with built-in storage compartments that give it a desk-like feel.
Anybody who wants a set they can bring outdoors when the weather is nice, or perhaps even leave outside permanently, should look to the Step 2 Traditions, OxGord PLTC-01, and Tot Tutors CT599. All of these feature plastic construction that can withstand the elements. Plus, they are lightweight enough that bringing them indoors when you want your child to play in the house won't be much of a hassle.
Whichever model you choose and no matter how sturdy it seems, it is important that you never let children stand on either the table or chairs, as this creates the potential for injury. It is also beneficial if you teach them about the dangers of doing so, so that they won't try and do it when you aren't looking.
Sitting At The Kids' Table: An Important Choice
These sets can accommodate kids well into their elementary years.
Getting your kids a diminutive table and chair set is a great way to provide them with a place to dine, a spot for play, or an area do their homework without having to help them into their seats. Needless to say, a kids' table empowers children to seat themselves and rise as needed.
Choosing the right table and chairs for your little ones means, first and foremost, selecting a set that is the right size. Some such sets come with chairs that perch just 10 inches off the ground, which are perfect for kids as young as two years old. Other options have chairs that rest 14 or 15 inches high, which is only a few inches smaller than many full-sized chairs. These sets can accommodate kids well into their elementary years. If you or another adult plan to sit at the table with the children, look for a set that is sturdy enough to support an adult's weight, as well.
Next, you must consider where the table and chair set will go in your home. If the answer is outside, then the decision as to which furniture will suit your purposes becomes much more straightforward. Only a few tables designed for youngsters are suitable for outdoor use, and such furniture must be made from plastic, treated woods, or metal.
One possible approach for the search is to choose a table and chair set that simply resembles a full-size furniture set. This is a great route to choose for those tables that will be set alongside the larger table during meals enjoyed during parties or holiday celebrations.
A children's table and chair set can also make a great addition to the classroom, either acting as a spot to complete group projects or even standing in for traditional desks entirely. This practice has become more and more common in the current era, as flexible student-centered classroom seating shows its potential to encourage productivity. Using tables instead of desks can help encourage kids to work together and learn about shared problem solving, compromise, listening skills, and much more.
Ideas For Enhancing A Child's Table
You don't have to leave a child's table and chair set exactly as they were designed to look or function. Making changes to your kid's furniture and customizing it to meet his or her needs is a great way to allow them to fully engage in whatever activity they prefer.
You can mount a board or box beneath the table to prevent such implements from sliding out.
For example, if your child (or the youngster in your charge) is a dedicated artist, consider drilling holes in an area of the table that will allow for the storage of pens, pencils, or paintbrushes. You can mount a board or box beneath the table to prevent such implements from sliding out. Alternatively, you can use a larger drill bit, such as one intended for door knob placement, to create a cutout area big enough to accommodate these types of utensils.
Installing a bar along one side of the table that can support a large roll of paper is another way to encourage the artist. This can also help to keep the table clean, acting as an easily replaced temporary table cloth that is perfect for use during messy meals, art projects, or science experiments.
Hanging bags for toys, art materials, and books off to one side of the table or the back of the chairs is another way to help your kids use their furniture. Just watch out for the added possibility of a chair tipping over if there is too much weight on its back.
Finally, consider coating the top of the table with a durable contact paper that can be periodically removed when it is dirtied or damaged. You want to allow children to use their furniture without too much worry over damage or messes, so protect the table top and then let the kids enjoy their meals, art, and other activities to the fullest.
What To Watch Out For In Kids' Furniture
Choosing furniture that is made from solid hardwood is a great way to avoid potential threats from materials like MDF. While MDF is generally considered safe and is quite commonly used in a range of applications, this material is made using formaldehyde, which can release a fine dust easily inhaled and irritating to the eyes if cut, sanded, or even scratched. The concerned parent may want to play it safe and avoid it altogether.
It's also important to make sure your child is simply ready to sit in a regular chair at all. It's much easier to tip over backward or fall out of a chair with a standard design than a high chair or booster seat, so don't transition your kid to such furniture before they are ready.
Finally, watch out for any noted safety issues found by groups like the Consumer Products Safety Commission or other watchdog groups. Chances are good that such organizations will disclose safety issues before a manufacturer does and ideally before your family encounters the issue first hand.