Consumer Articles From the HFC - Back To School Shopping--Why Johnny Needs A New Desk

Furniture World Magazine

From pagers to laptops, school supplies have moved far beyond a box of number two pencils. Most kids now work regularly on computers, and furniture makers are responding to that trend with a wide range of storage and study units designed for schoolage children, says the Home Furnishings Council. " Over the past few years kids' furniture has become much more functional," says Robert Van Farrow, with Kentucky-based DMI Furniture, Inc. "With computers, VCRs, video games, etc., becoming standard equipment in children's rooms, we've had to design furniture that can hold them all." The typical student desk used to be a small, boxy affair, that often ended up as a perch for toys and books, while real studying went on belly-down on the bed. The new generation of desks is bigger, sturdier, and more multi-functional, able to house a computer, stow toys, store videos, and more. "Desks have gotten much bigger by demand, and that is due to the use of computers and the changes in study habits," echoes Russ Page, with Maine-based Moosehead Manufacturing. "We make a student desk, for example, with a study carrel and hutch top, and drop leaves that will support a computer. Kids need real work space these days." Keep in mind, however, that while desks are getting bigger, kids' rooms are still some of the smallest in the house. The answer? Vertical storage, rather than horizontal spread. "Look at a desk as a multi- functional piece," says Earl Berns, with Wisconsin-based Ashley Furniture. "We have a study center which includes clothing storage, table-top computer space, two tall bookcases and hutch top--and it all fits flat against a standard 8 by 10 wall. You've got room for a bulky computer and a place to get box games and dolls off the floor." Whether you set up a bedroom study center, or cordon off a comer of the family room for evening homework, here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating effective study space: Weigh the options. Kids often inherit older, bulkier computers, which need a broad, solid surface to support their weight. Shed light on the matter. Ten-year-olds may not be reaching for their bifocals, but they still need good lighting. Make sure there's a good, non-glare desk lamp nearby. Ban the tube. Position desks so grownups are within hailing distance ("Mom, how do you spell Mississippi?"), but out of sight and earshot of major distractions-- I like the TV. The Home Furnishings council, a national, nonprofit organization of manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers, is dedicated to providing inspiration, information and guidance for consumers in furnishing their homes. Consumers can call 1-800-521- HOME to learn where they can pick up their free copy of the latest edition of HAVEN®: Planning a Comfortable Home decorating guide.