Table height: what should be, standards for the intended purpose. What should be the height of the desk for a student Differences between a desk and a computer desk
Properly selected furniture provides users with comfort and health benefits. If we are talking about tables, then you can make the right decision when choosing, focusing on their purpose and accepted standards.
What are the desk height standards?
The recommended value is 75 cm. Focusing on GOST, manufacturers produce furniture with a height of 70 to 80 cm. Theoretically, such a run would have to satisfy the requirements of all users, but this is not so. Those whom nature endowed with a height of 160 or 180 cm feel uncomfortable at a standard table, because it is either too high or, conversely, too low.
A separate category that does not fit the standards - children. Dining, writing or computer - they need a table before their physical development is completed. Consequently, parents have only 2 options - to adjust the length of the legs of the chair, or, which is preferable, to attend to the purchase of children's furniture.
How to choose the right table height
The basis for calculating the standard is the average height of a person. When choosing furniture “for yourself”, it is also important to take this parameter into account, because the formula for a comfortable countertop height is unchanged: height (cm) * coefficient. But the variable itself depends on the destination.
Kitchen
This type of table means the entire work surface, which is not entirely correct, but most practical. After all, it would be much more difficult to take care of a truly correct and convenient multi-level option.
The finished dish is the result of many preparatory processes, most of which are easier to do standing up. Accordingly, the height kitchen table should be such that the person behind him can work with relaxed shoulders and a straight back. Choosing from ready-made kitchen surfaces, the optimal distance from the countertop to the floor is easy to determine visually: it should be at a level below the waist.
But what to do if members of the same family have a big difference in height? In no case do not determine the arithmetic mean, as recommended by some "experts".
ATTENTION! When choosing a kitchen table, you should focus on the one who cooks more often - it is this person who “brightestly” feels the consequences of not right choice.
If you need to determine the height of the kitchen table if it is made to order, you can use the formula: height * 0.51. By rounding the result to the nearest integer, it will be possible to obtain the optimal distance from the floor to the countertop, taking into account individual characteristics.
Written
This version of furniture has slightly different tasks: it is supposed to work behind it while sitting. The forearms should remain relaxed during work, the back should be straight, and the shoulders should be in a natural position. Let's allow a slight tilt of the head, but the lower leg and thigh must be at a right angle, and the foot must be firmly pressed to the floor.
ATTENTION! When choosing such furniture, there can be no question of any averaging. It is worth focusing on the tallest household. And the rest of the set to the table simply buys individual chairs and footrests.
The formula for calculating the optimal height desk: height * 0.46.
Computer
It is important to understand that this is the direct successor of the written counterpart. The requirements are the same.
ATTENTION! When typing on the keyboard, it is important to maintain the correct posture and position of the hands. And the distance from the eyes to the monitor is easy to adjust by moving it to the opposite edge of the table top.
For greater compactness while maintaining convenience for users, computer tables are often equipped with a retractable keyboard shelf and a monitor stand. In this case:
- the shelf should be at the optimum height to maintain the natural position of the hands;
- a chair with comfortable armrests is selected for the table, which will serve as an additional point of support for the forearms;
- The stand should provide an optimal viewing angle without having to slouch or lean back.
The general recommendation for choosing the height that is optimal for all family members remains: a guideline for the tallest. Fortunately, it is not difficult to purchase a footrest, and a high-quality computer chair can be easily adjusted to the needs of users.
lunchtime
Not too much time is spent behind such furniture, but this does not mean at all that any option will do. Per dining table the family gathers in full force, so it should be comfortable for everyone at the same time. Too high or low table will not allow you to sit comfortably and get the most out of culinary delights. And all kinds of footrests and chairs with adjustable height are simply out of place. But this does not mean that the right choice is too difficult to make.
ATTENTION! The calculated value is determined by the formula: height * 0.43. True, there is one clarification: in this case, it is worth focusing on the average growth of adult family members.
If dad, mom, grandparents "grew" to 175, 155, 180 and 160 cm, respectively, then you need to determine the average value:
(175+155+180+160)/4 = 167.5 cm.
And already it is substituted into the formula. And it does not matter that the father has to stretch his legs slightly in order to comfortably sit at the table - this is permissible near the dining room.
How to choose the right desk for your child
It is desirable that the working surface of the furniture for the student be tilted, and there are several reasons for this:
- the overview is improved, which makes it easier to read;
- teaches you to order, because little things scattered on the table tend to roll down if they are not placed in the places allotted for them;
- stimulates to occupy the only correct position, since it is inconvenient to slouch at such a table.
REFERENCE! The height of the near edge is calculated using the same formula as for the "adult" version: height * 0.46. But the child is growing rapidly, so it is worth buying furniture with a small margin of "growth" or, preferably, with the ability to adjust the height and angle of the table top.
The latter option is somewhat more expensive than unregulated ones. But it will cost less than 2-3 simple ones - and this is the minimum number of replacements for a children's desktop, if you care about maintaining the posture of the younger generation.
Are other parameters important?
Properly chosen height will not make convenient work behind a narrow desk. Conversely, a wide canvas with an unsuccessful height can be quite comfortable. Therefore, when choosing, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters:
- the width of the tabletop is at least 60 cm for a child and 80 for adults (more is better);
- depth - from 35 cm for a child, from 50 for an adult (the principle is the same);
- legroom - to the depth of the tabletop and at least 50 cm wide.
Applied to various types furniture looks like this:
- for the kitchen table, depth and width criteria are taken;
- for written and computer - all three parameters;
- for dinner, the first pair of values is doubled, resulting in the required minimum.
Benefits of an adjustable table
The main advantage of such furniture is the ability to adapt to current needs, eliminating the need to purchase several oversized models. Adjustable Options are compact, which is especially useful in urban apartments. The only negative is that they are not designed for serious loads. Their limit is 45–50 kg.
REFERENCE! The table can be equipped with a mechanical or electronic transformation mechanism. Often the manufacturer provides not only a change in the level of height, but also an increase in area.
Consequences of the wrong choice
The first item in the lists of criteria is convenience. If the table does not meet this requirement, then there can be no question of full-fledged work behind it. Incorrect posture primarily interferes with normal blood circulation. Result: congestion, swelling, pain. And for a child whose body is changing every minute, the wrong position at the desk contributes to an increased risk of abnormal development of the muscular corset.
Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the device, content and organization of the work regime in preschool organizations. The current SanPiN 2.4.1.3049-13 was adopted on May 15, 2013, and entered into force on July 30, 2013, replacing the invalid SanPiN 2.4.1.2660-10.
Excerpt from SanPiN 2.4.1.3049-13:
6.5. In group rooms for children 1.5 years and older, tables must be selected according to the height group of children. For older children and preparatory groups it is recommended to use tables with a changing inclination of the cover up to 30 degrees.
6.6. Chairs and tables must be of the same group of furniture and marked. The selection of furniture for children is carried out taking into account the growth of children according to table 1.
Table 1. The main sizes of tables and chairs for young children and preschool age
Children height group (mm) | Furniture group | Height table (mm) |
seat height chair(mm) |
up to 850 | 00 | 340 | 180 |
over 850 to 1000 | 0 | 400 | 220 |
from 1000 - 1150 | 1 | 460 | 260 |
from 1150 - 1300 | 2 | 520 | 300 |
from 1300 - 1450 | 3 | 580 | 340 |
from 1450 - 1600 | 4 | 640 | 380 |
6.7. The working surfaces of the tables should have a light-colored matte finish. The materials used for lining tables and chairs must have low thermal conductivity, be resistant to moisture, detergents and disinfectants.
6.8. Chalkboards should be made of materials that have high adhesion to the materials used for writing, clean well with a damp sponge, be wear-resistant, have a dark green or Brown color and anti-reflective or matte finish.
6.9. When using a marker board, the color of the marker should be contrasting (black, red, brown, dark tones of blue and green). Educational boards that do not have their own glow should be provided with uniform artificial lighting.
6.10. In preschool educational organizations toys are used that are harmless to children's health, meet sanitary and epidemiological requirements and have documents confirming safety, which can be subjected to wet processing (washing) and disinfection. Soft stuffed and latex foam brushed toys for preschool children should only be used as didactic aids.
6.11. Placement of aquariums, animals, birds in group rooms is not allowed.
6.12. In newly built preschool educational organizations, separate sleeping quarters should be provided as part of the group. Bedrooms are equipped. When designing a group room, it is allowed to provide for the presence of a sliding (transformable) partition to allocate sleeping places (bedrooms), which are equipped with folding beds with a hard bed or on transformable (pull-out, roll-out) one-three-level beds.
6.13. In existing preschool educational organizations, in the absence of bedrooms according to the project or insufficient area of the existing sleeping quarters, it is allowed to organize daytime sleep for children of preschool groups in groups on folding beds with a hard bed or on transformable (pull-out, roll-out) one - three-level beds. When used in each group, a place should be provided for their storage, as well as for individual storage. bedding and linen. Beds must be appropriate for the height of the children. The arrangement of beds should allow free passage of children between beds, beds and external walls, beds and heaters.
Even the era of total informatization cannot completely eliminate the need for handwriting. In the next 10 - 30 years, this certainly will not happen. Therefore, it is very important to know how to choose the right desk, what should be its dimensions.
Features of the school desk
This piece of furniture is purchased most often for students at school - and you should take the choice very seriously from the very beginning. After all, he must serve for many years, from entering the first class to passing thesis in a vocational school ideally. The size of desks should be determined not only by the size of the room and personal tastes, but also by medical considerations.
According to statistics, the vast majority of cases of curvature of the spine and its other disorders in childhood and adolescence associated with the wrong fit. Orthopedists recommend focusing on indicators such as:
- width - not less than a meter;
- depth - at least 0.6 meters;
- space for setting hands - 50 by 50 centimeters.
Given that the child and teenager are constantly growing, a desk with adjustable height and tilt is much preferable to the usual option.
Age parameters and individual choice
In most cases, the following figures can be taken as a basis:
- with a height of 1 m 10 cm - 1 m 15 cm, the edge of the countertop and the floor should be separated by 46 centimeters;
- 1 m 15 cm - 1 m 30 cm imply an optimum of 52 cm;
- height 130 - 145 centimeters is best compatible with a height of 58 cm;
- for children from 145 to 160 cm, tables 63 centimeters high are desirable;
- with growth from 160 to 174 cm inclusive, the distance to the floor should be 70 centimeters;
- and for those who have grown up to 175 centimeters and above, only 76-centimeter tables at least are suitable.
It is easy to see that a rare family will be able to allocate enough funds to buy new furniture on time. Therefore, it is worth investing a little from the very beginning more money into an add-on model, and then you no longer have to worry about your wallet or the health of your child.
Any specialist, both a doctor and a representative of the furniture industry, will tell you that dimensions are a purely individual matter, and the above figures are only indicative, averaged. Because it would be best joint visit to a specialized store.
When the student sits straight at the table and in a comfortable position for work, the tabletop should be parallel to the solar plexus. Make sure that you do not have to tuck your legs in or stretch them to the limit on the ground, that your feet are planted on the floor evenly and do not hang in the air even just a little.
Functionality above all (except health)
They always write at the table, not ON it. It follows that you will always have to fold notebooks and notepads, separate sheets and felt-tip pens, pens and pencils, compasses and pencil cases, textbooks and diaries, and some other things too. All of them need to be able to get to quickly, without going somewhere to the other end of the room. Because the standard for choosing a desk requires taking it into account functionality.
One bedside table that comes with the kit may not be enough to accommodate everything you need. As a result, chaos inevitably arises both on the table and in the vault itself. When there are two bedside tables, it is easy to arrange stationery and educational literature as it should be, but another problem arises - there is nowhere to “put your feet”. Then do not be surprised, again, spoiled posture.
But additional or add-on modules allow you to strike a balance between convenience and safety of use. The shape of the table in the shape of the letter G makes it possible to combine work at the computer and preparation for schoolwork in one place - but not every room will have enough space for such furniture.
One-piece headset is more expensive, but allows you to place as the main workplace and accessories for performing work, as well as various secondary things, household items.
More about using a desk
Its standard dimensions should allow it to freely and naturally take such a position:
- legs completely resting on the floor (full foot, without separation);
- hands on the surface of the table;
- the back, strictly parallel to the back of the chair and not detached from it;
- from the edge of the tabletop to the solar plexus of the seated person, there should be a gap in which you can calmly place your palm.
We do it ourselves
Many in order to save money decide to make a desk on their own. In this case, the possibilities are limited, and it will not work, for example, to prepare a system for changing the height. It cannot be done properly in artisanal conditions. We will have to limit ourselves to the classic unchanged dimensions - 110x60 centimeters.
In order for a self-made table to be not only reliable, but also functional, it is advisable to equip it with a pair of pencil cases.
To do this, take sidewalls 160 by 40 centimeters, the front upper lobes of which are rounded off using the 2x2 corner sawing method, and the lower rear ones are washed down under the plinth 4.5x5.5. To make the shelves convenient to use, their internal dimensions should be 400x350 millimeters. Of the five shelves, four are fastened with self-tapping screws on the sides, and for the fifth, special fasteners are used. Then they cut out the rear upper bar and fix it with self-tapping screws.
Please note that the width and depth of the space under the tabletop cannot be less than 50 centimeters each, otherwise it will not be very convenient to use it. The typical size of the countertop is 0.7 meters, and its height is 0.76 meters. Focusing on these parameters, you will be able to provide the student with the opportunity to calmly and freely write, read, and engage in mathematical calculations.
Take into account the computers, printers, scanners, and other assistive devices that will need to be placed on the table. This is important in any case, both when you make it yourself and when you choose it in a store.
Please note that there should always be at least 60 centimeters from the eyes of the person sitting to the monitor.
When the arm is lowered, the optimal distance between its elbow and the bottom edge of the tabletop is 5 cm. If the seated student puts his hands in front of him on the table, there should be no unnatural tension in the shoulders.
How to choose a desk for a child, see the following video.
Desk not for student
The need to write and read at the table does not only arise for those who study at school, university or college. Such a need may appear among accountants and secretaries, managers and translators, proofreaders and teachers. Yes, any person needs to write from time to time - at least to fill out receipts for public services, while working with documents at the table is much more convenient and comfortable than without it.
For adults, the minimum dimensions of a desk are:
- in height - 75-80 centimeters;
- at least 0.7 meters in length;
- on the width of the tabletop from 0.35 to 0.6 meters.
But these are just the smallest figures. Writing a letter, reading a newspaper (book, magazine) or signing a contract - this is its limit, in fact. Architects and designers, engineers and designers, artists and other people who constantly work with large sheets of paper would be more correct to buy a table that is at least 1.2 meters in length and 0.7 meters in width. A useful feature is the tilt of the tabletop, thanks to him, working with drawings, drawings, diagrams and sketches will be much more convenient.
Optimal distances from working eyes to monitors, written texts, and so on (whether we are talking about adults or children) are calculated on the assumption that the angle of view is from 0 to 30 degrees, while the neck does not deviate either back or forward.
Russian GOST provides that office tables with variable height should be regulated from 68 to 80 centimeters, and with fixed height - strictly 72.5 centimeters. The depth of the working surface is set at 60 (80) cm and 120 (160) cm at least, respectively. Sharp edges and corners are not allowed. The niche for legs under the office desk should be at least 60 and not narrower than 50 centimeters, in depth - 0.45 meters at knee level and 0.65 meters with legs extended.
Rectangular desks without a prominent front edge should be 160 centimeters wide and 80 centimeters deep. This is enough to calmly work with texts and occasionally with a laptop, if necessary.
Most parents are interested in choosing the right desk for a child who has just started school. And this is quite understandable. After all, every adult knows firsthand how important this is. Poorly selected desk height can adversely affect health. Vision problems, poor posture and additional stress on the internal organs of a still fragile body are among the consequences of a poor choice of furniture for study. In addition, not comfortable spot can lead to inattention and poor academic performance of the child.
Table height standards for a child
It is important to know that any table for classes will not work. It is necessary to choose one, sitting behind which the child will maintain the correct posture. To help parents cope with this task, there is a set of rules. They will help determine the size of furniture for study. Basic standards in the preparation of the workplace:
- The proportions of the height of the chair and the table should be within 2 to 3. That is, with a chair of 50 cm, the table should be 75 cm high. Deviations from this norm should be minimal.
- With a height of 100–115 centimeters, the height of the chair should be in the range of 32–35 cm. The height of the table in this case is 50–53 centimeters.
- With the correct selection of a chair, the student's feet should reach the floor. The knees are bent at a right angle.
- The elbows of the child are located exactly on the surface of the table, the tabletop itself is located flush with the diaphragm.
- The distance from the knees to the countertop is 10-15 centimeters.
Important indicators are also the depth of the chair and table. The seat should not be too long. When the student pushes against the back, make sure it does not press against the hamstrings. The countertop, on the contrary, should not be short. All school supplies should fit on it without problems.
How to choose the height of the table for a child by height: table
Avoiding problems with the health of the child in the future is a task of paramount importance. To do this, you need to choose the right furniture for him. To make it easier for parents to decide, there is a special table that shows the required dimensions of furniture, depending on height.
The information given in this table will help new parents make their choice. But don't rely on it alone. It's a good idea when shopping for study furniture to take your child to the store, seat them at a table, and make sure they're comfortable enough.
What other parameters need to be taken into account
In order to make the study as comfortable as possible, you need to pay attention to other parameters. Not only the height of the furniture determines the quality of work behind it. It is also important not to ignore the following:
- Incline. The tabletop located at a slight angle will reduce eye strain. Writing in this case will also be a little more convenient - the tension of the hands will decrease.
- Safety. Attention should be paid to the presence of sharp corners in order to exclude the possibility of impacts.
- Color and design. Do not buy a table of too bright colors or an unusual shape. This will distract the student from class.
- Material. It is better not to buy furniture made of expensive materials for classes. Children will quickly stain it with ink and paints. To plastic products worth a look. Some types of this material are toxic and emit an unpleasant odor.
Also, when buying, pay attention to the presence of various drawers and shelves. Space for books, notebooks and other study supplies will never be superfluous.
How to change the height of the desk
If it so happened that the furniture for study turned out to be too low or high, for example, they made a mistake when buying, or the child just grew up, you need to fix it.
IMPORTANT! Don't risk your child's posture. After all, the developed scoliosis is not only an unattractive appearance, it is also pressure on the internal organs, the deterioration of their work.
If the furniture turned out to be too high, there are two ways to solve this problem:
- Cut off the legs. Not the most elegant way. Later, when the baby grows up, you will have to think about how to attach them back.
- Build a chair stand. It can be knocked down from boards and sheathed with cloth. This solution will be a wonderful addition to the interior of the children's room.
If it turned out to be too low, the same stand will help, only this time you will need more - for the table itself. Another solution is to replace the legs, if the model allows it.
When buying furniture for study, best solution will look at models with the ability to adjust the height. This will save you the trouble and need to replace the table and chair in the future.
We won’t talk about what kind of furniture is in the school - here you can’t influence much, but it’s quite enough to provide a comfortable place to study at home. Everything is important here, from the ratio of the height of the table and chair to the color of the furniture. Read how to choose the right furniture for your child to maintain proper posture and good eyesight.
Separate from the computer
Despite the fact that some school tasks must be completed at the computer, one computer desk is not enough for a child's homework.
Firstly, there is often not enough space on the computer desk for textbooks and notebooks, so it will be inconvenient for the child to do written homework.
Secondly, children are quickly distracted, and the included computer will become more of a hindrance to learning than a help.
This means that for writing, reading and drawing, the child needs a separate table, which is best placed in the brightest place in the room where the child can work in natural light.
Correct Height Ratio
The correct height of the table and chair depends on the age and height of the child. For a first grader (6–7 years old) with a height of about 110–120 cm, it is better to buy a table 52 cm high and a chair 32 cm.
If the height of the child is 121-130 cm, the height of the table should be 57 cm, and the chair should be 35 cm. By analogy, you can calculate the height of the table and chair for taller children.
If the child is 10 cm taller, add 5 cm to the height of the table, and 3 cm to the height of the chair. That is, if the height is 140 cm, the height of the table should be 57 + 5 = 62 cm, and the chair - 35 + 3 = 38 cm .
Despite these figures, it is still better to go for furniture with your child. Having picked up a table and a chair in height, seat the child and check whether he will really be comfortable.
Here are some indicators of comfortable furniture:
- if the legs are bent at a right angle, the feet should be completely on the floor;
- between the knees and the tabletop there should be a distance of about 10-15 cm;
- the tabletop should be at the level of the solar plexus of the child;
- if the child puts his elbow on the tabletop, the tip of the middle finger should reach the outer corner of the eye;
- when the child is standing near the table, his elbow should be 2-5 cm below the tabletop.
It is clear that children grow up quickly and it is not always possible to buy new furniture. In this case, it is better to immediately buy a table and chair with adjustable height. So as you grow older, you can provide the child with a comfortable position at the table, simply twisting the legs.
Choose a table by width and color
Most often, tables with a straight top are sold, but if you find a table with a slightly sloped top, it is better to buy it. The sloping table top, like those of old school desks, makes it easier for the eyes to work.
However, the sloping tabletop is perfectly replaced by a stand for open textbooks. While reading, the textbook should be at an angle of 30–40 °.
Sufficient table width - 1 m or more, depth - 60 cm. You can buy a table with drawers under the tabletop, since it will be convenient to store textbooks, notebooks and writing materials in them, however, there should be at least 50 × 50 cm space under the table to make it convenient was to put your feet up.
As for color, it is better to choose light green tones, as well as peach, beige, cream and under natural wood. In any case, you should not take too bright furniture - it has a bad effect on the ability to concentrate.
So, you picked up the table, it's time to move on to choosing a chair.
Depth and back of chair
Above, I already wrote about the ideal ratio of the height of the furniture, so that you can choose a comfortable chair for height. However, height is not the only thing to consider when buying it.
The depth of the chair should be such that the child's back touches the back of the chair, but at the same time his kneecaps do not touch the edge of the seat. It is best to take a chair with a depth of 2/3 of the length of the thigh.
The backrest should be high enough and fixed at a right angle so that the child can freely lean on it without leaning back too much.
The chair should not sway, so it is better not to buy a spinning chair for your child. office chairs; Take a chair with four legs that is firmly on the floor. In addition, the seat should not be too soft so that the child does not fall through.
If you couldn’t find a chair with which the child’s feet will be completely on the floor, make a special stand under the table so that the legs, bent at a right or obtuse angle, do not hang or stand on their toes. The width of the footrest should not be less than the length of the foot.
Correct posture
Even if you bought the most comfortable furniture for your child, he can still sit incorrectly, spoiling his posture. Therefore, it is important to accustom him to the correct position from the very beginning.
To reduce muscle tension during classes, you can slightly tilt the body and head forward, but you can’t lean on the tabletop with your chest - there should be a distance of 5 cm between the table and the chest (the palm passes freely).
Shoulders should be relaxed and at the same level. The position of the back is straight. Make sure that the child does not bend over the table top: from the eyes to the table, you need to keep a distance of at least 30 cm.
As for the position of the legs, they should not go under the chair or hang in the air. The knees should be bent at a right or obtuse angle, and the feet should be completely on the floor.
If you teach your child to sit correctly, even uncomfortable furniture that he can get at school will not have such a strong effect on posture, and therefore on the functioning of internal organs and visual acuity.
And finally: no matter how comfortable the furniture is, you can’t maintain a static position for a long time. Make sure that every 30-40 minutes the child takes breaks. 10-15 minutes of simple gymnastics or outdoor games is enough for a warm-up, and the habit of getting up and warming up periodically will be useful to him in the future.
The main thing is to remember that from properly selected furniture and correct posture really depends on the health of the child. So it's better to take care of it right away than to treat the curvature of the spine and buy glasses or contact lenses later.