Back-to-school is about far more than just stocking up on notebooks, backpacks, and new outfits for the kiddos. It’s also a great time to take a fresh look at how your home's layout supports your child’s learning, development and daily routine.
Unfortunately, back-to-school time also comes with a number of challenges around the house. Does your middle schooler use the kitchen table or dining room table for homework, only to get crowded out at dinner time? Is your teen having a hard time focusing because they don’t have a dedicated workspace? Are you sending your oldest off to college for the first time and want a quick checklist of what they might need? We’ll touch on each of these things below.
Whether you’ve got a kindergartener or a college freshman, whether you're homeschooling or creating a great space for homework after school, scroll on for a helpful checklist of furniture pieces to consider for every age, grade, and stage of development this back-to-school season. Let's get started!
Pre-K & Elementary School (Ages 4–10)
At this age, kids are developing routines and learning how to focus on tasks. Although most people tend to give it very little thought, establishing this foundation is critical to a child's development down the road. The right layout with the right furniture can help set the tone for good habits from square one.
Checklist:
- Kid-sized desk and chair: Something small and sturdy to help them color, read, or do homework. This also creates a designated space that they will mentally associate with school time.
- Bookcase or cube storage: Cubbies and shelves perfect for organizing books, workbooks, and school supplies.
- Comfortable Twin bed: If they’re transitioning from a toddler bed, this is a key upgrade. If your kids are on the taller side for their age, you can go ahead and spring for a Twin XL or Full size bed and mattress.
- Toy chest, storage bench or storage ottoman: Whether in their bedroom, den, play room or bonus room, these pieces are functional, but also encourage clean-up routines.
- Low-height table for crafts/homework (optional): Especially helpful for younger siblings.
MiddleSchool (Ages 11–13)
As schoolwork (and homework) becomes more demanding, your child will benefit from additional storage and an even more structured study space.
Checklist:
- Standard-size desk with storage: Offers enough room for reading, writing, and screen-time for curriculums requiring a laptop or tablet. Consider something like a writer's desk.
- Adjustable desk chair: Pick something comfy, that encourages good posture, and will grow with them.
- Bookcase, hutch, or other shelving: Keeps everything from books, trophies, awards, and school supplies within reach.
- Under-bed storage: Perfect for out-of-season clothes, extra bedding, sports equipment and more. This could be as simple as under-bed plastic totes, a new storage bed, or a storage trundle.
- Full-size bed (optional): If you haven't already, this age range is when many parents begin to upgrade their kids to a big-boy or big-girl bed. Especially if they’re outgrowing a twin.
High School (Ages 14–18)
More than ever before, teenagers need flexible, functional spaces where they can focus, relax, and recharge. This holds true whether these spaces are in their bedroom, the bonus room, the basement, or anywhere else in the home.
Checklist:
- Desk with plenty of room for tech: Make sure your teen has space for books, laptop, monitor, and plenty of charging ports for devices.
- Ergonomic desk chair: If you didn't buy one already, it is time. An adjustable, ergonomic desk chair will promote healthy posture during longer study sessions.
- Full-size dresser or chest of drawers: As teens grow, often so does their wardrobe. As a result, you should have a plan to increase their clothing storage.
- Upgraded bed (full or queen): Depending on the space you have available, Many high schoolers benefit from more space to sleep well.
- Accent chair or lounge seating: Offers a chill space for reading or winding down.
College (Ages 18+)
If you’re preparing to move your child to college, the advice below may seem like a step backwards — and it kinda is. Dorms and college apartments are unique spaces that call for different solutions. Focus on furniture that’s purpose-built to be compact and multi-functional.
Checklist:
- Mattress Topper or Twin XL mattress: Dorm mattresses can be pretty basic, if they're included at all. Consider an upgrade or a high quality mattress topper at bare minimum.
- Compact desk: Your college student will still need adequate desk space for a laptop and a semester's worth of books, but remember to keep it small.
- Chest of drawers, cube organizers and storage totes: You'll want to consider any of these pieces for organizing under-the-bed or in tight spaces. This may include something like a slim lingerie chest that can easily fit in a closet.
- Folding chairs or storage ottomans: These will provide extra seating that doesn’t take up much room, can be stowed when not in use, or that will serve additional functions
- Bed risers (if allowed): For a little more under-bed storage space that you can actually use, bed risers are a practical and affordable solution
A Few Bonus Tips for Multi-Kid Homes:
- Always be labeling! If you've got multiple children sharing the same study and homework space, labeling everything from storage bins, to cubbies, to desk drawers can keep their school supplies separate and organized.
- Bunk beds or lofted beds are an easy way to maximize floor space, creating more real estate for other spaces that will allow them to study and relax.
- Longer desks, credenzas, or even dining tables can make perfect shared homework stations — provided you can keep siblings from pestering each other.
Need More Help? Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet Has Back-to-School Furniture Solutions!
No matter your child’s age, your goal as a parent is the same — to create a home environment that supports learning, comfort, and healthy daily routines. If you’re rethinking how your home supports learning this school year, our team is here to help you find the right furniture solutions – no pressure, just guidance. Even if we don’t carry every item on your back-to-school list, we’re happy to help you think through your options or recommend where to find it.
We’re always happy to help guide you through the process. Come see us at any of our 4 North Georgia and Metro Atlanta locations today – including an entire section of our showroom dedicated to everything you'll need, from baby cribs to college dorms!
