About the Author
Kate Neville
When you go to buy children's desks, there are a lot of things to think about. Among them are durability, value, the way the desk fits your budget, your child's preferences, safety, and the life of the desk. The best way to pick a children's desk that will work for you and your child is to figure out what you don't want, then choose from what remains. Narrowing down your options is the ideal way to decide what kind of desk you'd like to buy for your child.
First, you should decide what kind of desk is suitable for your child's height and age range. Remember that kids grow fast, so a desk that's a little bit larger than you'd first think is probably the best choice. Younger children have more safety considerations, and need smaller desks. Some toy and playset manufactures build brightly colored, appealing, and safe plastic children's desks because of this. These desks are usually fairly inexpensive, and can hold up to kids' play. Some types are adjustable, so that as toddlers become kindergarteners, you can keep using them.
For older kids, desks that are more like small versions of mom and dad's are appropriate. However, you should still look for a sturdy build, and adjustability when possible. Children are often hard on their furniture, so a white or easily stained finish is a bad idea. Remember that while you may give your kids plenty of advice about how to stay safe, rough housing still happens. Because of this, avoid desks with protruding fixtures, sharp or rough edges, and other dangerous elements, even when around older kids. Expandable desks are a great choice, since children's desk use changes over time. Look for hutch, drawer, and shelf options for later.
Talk to your child about what he or she would like in a desk. This reduces the chance of getting one that won't get used. Of course, you should take every child's preferences with a grain of salt, since they often change their minds. However, it's worth knowing whether your little girl would like to have a traditional white or pink desk, or if she prefers something more neutral. Pay attention to the space you have available, and how much the desk will need. Include the space required to open drawers or doors, as well as the overall dimensions. Room at the front of the desk for the chair should also be added into your calculations. Measuring before you buy prevents problems with doorways, or discovering that the space is more cramped than you'd thought. If you're limited in the space available for your children's desk , consider a corner model.
Published by Kate Neville on February 17, 2008 10:23 PM